Preliminary evaluation of Megamelus scutellaris Berg (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), a candidate for biological control of waterhyacinth

摘要: The planthopper Megamelus scutellaris (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) is a potentially valuable insect for biological control of waterhyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms.: Pontederiaceae), serious aquatic weed in many tropical and subtropical countries. Field surveys done South America revealed that this sympatric with throughout the native range plant, from Peru to as far south Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. host was preliminarily evaluated, its ability damage order determine whether further study warranted. Feeding compared, using preference index, among leaf disks test plants two multiple-choice experiments: one without members family Pontederiaceae. A similar no-choice experiment employed various species Pontederiaceae along rice maize. paired oviposition choice by caging gravid females on E. Pontederia cordata then counting eggs deposited well scars. assessed greenhouse inoculating single plant none, 10, or 20 adult planthoppers. effect measured comparing biomass (dry weight) treatments after 1 month. All these studies suggested M. specific has waterhyacinth. Some feeding development occurred other which may have been laboratory artifacts, but mandates cautious, evaluation prior use classical agent. Published Elsevier Inc.