Status of biological control of banana poka, P. mollissima (aka P. tarminiana) in Hawaii

Abstract

Surveys were conducted between 1982 and 1995 on banana poka, Passiflora mollissima Bailey (also known as P. tarminiana, subgenus Tacsonia) and related species in the Andes Mountains of South America. The objective was to identify potential biocontrol agents for control of banana poka in Hawaii, USA. Host-related insect diversity was greatest in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela, and poorest in Bolivia and Chile. Insect species observed represented eight orders, 35 families and approximately 67 species. Fifteen species were evaluated as potential biocontrol agents, of which five received in-depth testing. Two moths, Cyanotrica necyria Felder and Rogenhofer (Lepidoptera; Notodontidae) and Pyrausta perelegans Hampson (Lepidoptera; Pyralidae), were approved and released in Hawaii in 1988 and 1991, respectively; however, C. necyria did not establish and Pyr. perelegans established but has had negligible impact. A third moth, Josia fluonia Druce, J. ligata group (Lepidoptera; Notodontidae), had been approved for release and two flies, Dasiops caustonae Norrbom and McAlpine (Diptera; Lonchaeidae) and Zapriothrica nr. salebrosa Wheeler (Diptera; Drosophilidae), were undergoing final evaluation when the programme was terminated. A pathogen, Septoria passiflorae Syd., was released in 1996, with mixed results. Banana poka remains a serious weed pest in Hawaii.

Citation

Friesen, R. D.; Causton, C. E.; Markin, G. P. 2008. Status of biological control of banana poka, P. mollissima (aka P. tarminiana) in Hawaii. In: Julien, M. H.; Sforza, R.; Bon, M. C.; Evans, H. C.; Hatcher, P. E.; Hinz, H. L.; Rector, B. G., eds. Proceedings of the XII International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. p. 669-675.