For effective biological control through augmentation, Bactra verutana Zeller, would have to be released against purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.) in May and June when temperatures are cooler than they are from late July through September when maximal natural populations of this biological control agent occur. Bactra larvae exposed to simulated mid-May (24/13 C) and mid-June (29/18 C) temperature regimes developed more slowly than larvae exposed to the mid-July (32/26 C) temperature regime, but nutsedge plant growth was also slower. Thus, the relative amounts of feeding injury were similar at all three regimes. Larval feeding generally increased the number of shoots slightly, but not significantly, reduced significantly the production of inflorescences, and reduced the weight of total dry matter produced between 28 and 49%.

In order to study the nutritive value and patterns of variation in biochemical composition of Mesopodopsis zeylanica, the protein, carbohydrate and lipid content of freshly caught mature males, immature males, spent females, brooding females, immature females and juveniles for two seasons were determined. The biochemical composition reveals high nutritional quality of mysid and it varies with different seasons and developmental stages. Among the biochemical composition, protein was the principal component. Significant differences were observed in protein, carbohydrate and lipid content between different developmental stages. Trophic conditions and reproductive strategy were the major factors that determine the seasonal patterns of variation in biochemical composition. Mature males and females showed higher protein content than other stages, while carbohydrate content was high in immature stages, and lipid content was high in brooding females.