Скачать или смотреть David Simelane - Biological control of invasive Cestrum spp. (Solanaceae) in South Africa

David Simelane
Agricultural Research Council, South Africa.

Biological control of invasive Cestrum spp. (Solanaceae) in South Africa: challenges and possibilities

Several Cestrum species, commonly known as ink berries, are declared weeds in South Africa. Two species (i.e, Cestrum parqui and C. laevigatum) have become highly invasive in the country, with C. parqui being predominantly found in inland provinces while C. laevigatum is highly abundant along the east coastal regions of the country. Cestrum species are generally toxic to animals including livestock, poultry and humans. A biological control programme of Cestrum spp. was resumed in South Africa in 2014, with surveys and search for potential agents initiated in the native region (South America). Among several natural enemies found in the native range was a leaf-mining flea beetle Epitrix sp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) which has since been introduced into quarantine in South Africa for host-specificity testing. Latest findings suggest that the beetle is adequately host-specific and highly damaging and therefore suitable for release against Cestrum spp. in South Africa. While Epitrix sp. is being described as a new species, an application to release the beetle is being prepared for submission to regulatory authorities. Because of the magnitude of Cestrum spp. invasion in South Africa, a mix of natural enemies will be required to mitigate their invasions in the country.