Login | Request Account (DAF staff only)

Effect of temperature on the survival of Aconophora compressa Walker (Hemiptera: Membracidae): implications for weed biocontrol

Share this record

Add to FacebookAdd to LinkedinAdd to XAdd to WechatAdd to Microsoft_teamsAdd to WhatsappAdd to Any

Export this record

View Altmetrics

Dhileepan, K., Treviño, M. and Raghu, S. (2005) Effect of temperature on the survival of Aconophora compressa Walker (Hemiptera: Membracidae): implications for weed biocontrol. Australian Journal of Entomology, 44 (4). pp. 457-462.

Full text not currently attached. Access may be available via the Publisher's website or OpenAccess link.

Article Link: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1440-...

Abstract

Abstract In weed biocontrol, similarity of abiotic factors between the native and introduced range of a biocontrol agent is critical to its establishment and effectiveness. This is particularly the case for weeds that have a wide geographical distribution in the native range. For such weeds, the choice of a specialist insect that has narrow tolerance limits to important abiotic factors can diminish its ability to be an effective biocontrol agent. The membracid Aconophora compressa was introduced in Australia from Mexico for biocontrol of Lantana camara, a plant with a wide climatic tolerance. In this study we investigated the effect of constant and alternating temperatures on A. compressa survival. Longevity of adults and nymphs declined with increasing temperatures, and at 39°C individuals survived for less than a day. At lower temperatures, nymphs survived longer than adults. Survival at alternating temperatures was longer than at constant temperatures, but the general trend of lower survival at higher temperatures remained. Spatially and temporally, the climatic tolerance of A. compressa appears to be a subset of that of lantana, thereby limiting its potential impact.

Item Type:Article
Business groups:Biosecurity Queensland
Keywords:Aconophora compressa biological control Lantana camara thermal tolerances weed
Subjects:Plant pests and diseases
Science > Invasive Species > Plants > Biological control
Live Archive:22 Oct 2013 04:50
Last Modified:03 Sep 2021 16:49

Repository Staff Only: item control page