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Distribution, biology and host specificity of Cyrtobagous singularis Hustache (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) for the biological control of Salvinia molesta

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

I. W. Forno ,
D. P. A. Sands  and
W. Sexton
I. W. Forno
Affiliation:
CSIRO Division of Entomology, Long Pocket Laboratories, Private Bag No. 3, Indooroopilly, Queensland 4068, Australia.
D. P. A. Sands
Affiliation:
CSIRO Division of Entomology, Long Pocket Laboratories, Private Bag No. 3, Indooroopilly, Queensland 4068, Australia.
W. Sexton
Affiliation:
CSIRO Division of Entomology, Long Pocket Laboratories, Private Bag No. 3, Indooroopilly, Queensland 4068, Australia.
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Abstract

Cyrtobagous singularis Hust. was recorded from Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina in association with six species of Salvinia (aquatic ferns). Field observations and laboratory studies in Brazil and Australia showed that C. singularis severely damaged S. molesta and that the weevil is suitable as a control agent for this weed in tropical and subtropical areas in Australia. In host-specificity studies using 46 plant species that occur in Australia, development of the immature stages took place only on S. molesta. Minor leaf scarring occurred on sweet potato when in contact with water, but starvation tests excluded this plant as a possible terrestrial host. Adults fed, but were unable to reproduce, on water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes). The high degree of host specificity indicated that establishment of this weevil in Australia is without risk to non-target plants. C. singularis was first released and became established in Australia in 1980.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Bulletin of Entomological Research , Volume 73 , Issue 1 , March 1983 , pp. 85 - 95
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1983

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