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Oviposition Site Preferences of Galerucella calmariensis and G. pusilla, Biological Control Agents of Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 June 2017

Cory John Lindgren*
Affiliation:
Manitoba Purple Loosestrife Project, Box 1160, Stonewall, MB. Canada ROC 2Z0

Abstract

Oviposition site preferences for Galerucella calmariensis and G. pusilla, biological weed control agents against purple loosestrife, were examined in 1994 and 1995. The leaves, stems, axils, and flower buds (G. pusilla did not oviposit on flower buds) were found to be the preferred oviposition sites. Oviposited egg masses may be used as a parameter within a biological control monitoring plan, providing information on Galerucella establishment and/or presence, estimating future population size, and providing biological control agent dispersal information. Monitoring for egg masses should concentrate on host plant leaves, where over 56% of all egg masses were oviposited.

Type
Notes
Copyright
Copyright © 1997 by the Weed Science Society of America 

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References

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