The biology and host specificity of the stem-boring weevilListronotus setosipennis [Col.: Curculionidae] A potential biocontrol agent forParthenium hysterophorus [Asteraceae]

Abstract

The stem-boring weevil Listronotus setosipennis (Hustache) is widespread and damaging to its host Parthenium hysterophorus L. in northern Argentina and southern Brazil. In detailed host-testing it was shown to have a restricted host-range and, despite some feeding and development on sunflower in tests, to be a safe biological control agent against P. hysterophorus. Field releases in Queensland, Australia took place from 1982 to 1986 and the weevil has established over several thousand hectares at numerous sites. Spread is however slow and the effect on the plant still negligible.

Multitrophic interaction between the ryegrassLolium perenne,its endophyteNeotyphodium lolii,the weevil pestListronotus bonariensis,and its parasitoidMicroctonus hyperodae

“…Listronotus spp. have also been considered as potential phytophagous biological control agents, for example, Listronotus setosipennis has been introduced into Queensland, Australia as a biological control agent of Parthenium hysterophorus (Compositae) (Wild et al 1992).…”

The subtribes and genera of the tribe Listroderini (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Cyclominae): Phylogenetic analysis with systematic and biogeographical accounts

“…(Polygonaceae); Listronotus teretirostris : Eleocharis macrostachya Britton (Cyperaceae); Listronotus texanus : Daucus carota L. (Apiaceae); Listronotus turbatus : Sagittaria sp. (Alismataceae) (Brèthes 1926; Burke 1963; Martel et al 1976; May 1977; O’Brien 1977, 1981; Cordo and DeLoach 1982; Cordo et al 1982; Edelson 1985; Barker 1989; Boivin et al 1990; Kuschel 1990; Maes and O’Brien 1990; Anderson 1992; Wild et al 1992; May 1993; Cragnolini 1994; Blodgett et al 1997; Lanteri et al 2002; Torres and Casey 2002; Rothwell 2003). …”

Interference and management of parthenium: The world's most important invasive weed

“…Arthorpods like the seed-feeding weevil (Smicronyx lutulentus Dietz. ), stem-galling moth (Epiblema strenuana Walker), leafmining moth (Bucculatrix parthenica Bradley), sap-feeding plant hopper (Stobaera concinna Stal), stem-boring curculionid weevil (Listronotus setosipennis Hustache) (Wild et al, 1992;Evans, 1997), rust fungus (Puccinia abrupta Dietand Holw. Var.…”