| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4504279 | Biological Control | 2011 | 9 Pages |
Native to China, the Chinese tallow, Triadica sebifera (Euphorbiaceae) is an aggressive woody invader in the southeastern United States. The flea beetle, Bikasha collaris (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is a common herbivore attacking this plant in China. To evaluate its potential as a biological control agent the host specificity and impact were studied in China. The potential host range of B. collaris was evaluated on 68 plant species in 20 families through no-choice and choice tests. Adults only survived and fed on plants from the genus Triadica while larvae only developed successfully on T. sebifera in no-choice tests. Under choice conditions, adults showed a distinct preference for T. sebifera over other Triadica species. The impact of the above- and belowground herbivory on the growth of T. sebifera was evaluated in a common garden.B. collaris could reduce stem height, total biomass, number of leaves and stem diameter at a density of 10 individuals per plant. Above- and belowground herbivory had similar effects on plant growth parameters. The results of this study suggested that B. collaris is a potential biological control agent of T. sebifera though further tests on native North American species are needed.
Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► The host range of Bikasha collaris is narrow. Adults only survived and fed on plants from the genus Triadica while larvae only developed successfully on Triadica sebifera. ► The impact of B. collaris on stem height, total biomass, number of leaves and stem diameter of T. sebifera was enhanced by increased density. Above- and belowground herbivory had similar effects on plant growth. ► B. collaris is a first subterranean potential biological control agent against T. sebifera.
