Biological control of Miconia calvescens with a suite of insect herbivores from Costa Rica and Brazil

Abstract

Miconia calvescens DC. (Melastomataceae) is an invasive tree considered the most serious threat to the natural ecosystems of Hawaii and other Pacific islands. We evaluated nine species natural enemies that feed on inflorescences or leaves of M. calvescens for their potential as biological control agents, comparing their impact on the target plant, host specificity, and vulnerability to biotic interference.  Among herbivores attacking reproductive structures of M. calvescens, a fruit-galling wasp from Brazil, Allorhogas  sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). and a flower- and fruit-feeding moth from Costa Rica, Mompha sp. (Lepidoptera: Momphidae), were the most promising agents studied. The sawfly Atomacera petroa Smith (Hymenoptera: Argidae) from Brazil was thought to have the highest potential among the defoliators evaluated.

Citation

Badenes-Perez, F.R.; Alfaro-Alpizar, M.S.; Castillo-Castillo, A.; Johnson, M.T. 2008. Biological control of Miconia calvescens with a suite of insect herbivores from Costa Rica and Brazil. In Proceedings of the XII International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds, La Grande Motte, France, April 2007. M.H. Julien, R. Sforza, M.C. Bon, H.C. Evans, P.E. Hatcher, H.L. Hinz, and B.G. Rector (eds.). CAB International, Wallingford, UK. pp. 129-132.