A. S. McClay

Avoiding conflicts between insect and weed biological control: selection of non-target species to assess host specificity of cabbage seedpod weevil parasitoids

Abstract:  Classical biological control of insect pests and weeds may lead to potential conflicts, where insect pests are closely related to weed biological control agents. Such a conflict may occur in the classical biological control of the cabbage seedpod weevil, Ceutorhynchus obstrictus (Marsham) in North America, which belongs to the same subfamily, Ceutorhynchinae, as a number of agents introduced or proposed for introduction against non‐indigenous invasive weed species. We propose a step‐by‐step procedure to select non‐target species and thereby to develop a non‐target species test list for screening candidate entomophagous biological control agents of a herbivore pest insect in a way that would simultaneously evaluate non‐target potential on weed biological control agents and other non‐target species. Using these recommendations, we developed a non‐target test list for host specificity evaluations in the area of origin (Europe) and the area of introduction (North America) for cabbage seedpod weevil parasitoids. Scientifically based predictions on expected host–parasitoid interactions and ecological information about the ecological host range in the area of origin can help avoid conflicts, while still allowing the introduction of safe and effective agents against both insect pests and weeds.

A new species of Cecidophyes (Acari: Eriophyidae) from Galium aparine (Rubiaceae) with notes on its biology and potential as a biological control agent for Galium spurium

Abstract A new species, Cecidophyes rouhollahi, is described from Galium aparine L. in Europe. This species closely resembles C. galii and causes the same symptoms attributed to C. galii (leaf edge rolling and leaf deformation) on G. aparine. Cecidophyes rouhollahi is considered to have potential as a biological control agent for G. spurium. Notes on its biology and potential as a control agent are given.

Twenty-five years after: post-introduction association of Mecinus janthinus s.l. with invasive host toadflaxes Linaria vulgaris and Linaria dalmatica in North America: Mecinus janthinus s.l. in North America

USDI Bureau of Indian Affairs; USDA‐APHIS CPHST; British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development; USDI Bureau of Land Management; US Forest Service; Montana State University