Journal of Applied Entomology (2007) 131, 690-697

J. Allison, W. Jenner, N. Cappuccino and P.G. Mason (2007)
Oviposition and feeding preference of Acrolepiopsis assectella Zell. (Lep., Acrolepiidae)
Journal of Applied Entomology 131 (9-10), 690-697
Abstract: The leek moth, Acrolepiopsis assectella (Zell.), is a recently discovered exotic species in eastern Ontario and western Quebec. This Allium spp. (Asparagales, Alliaceae) specialist can cause up to 40% crop damage. A no-choice experiment was used to determine the relationship between oviposition behaviour and larval survival of the leek moth as the phylogenetic distance from the preferred host Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum L. increased. Results indicate that oviposition preference and larval survival of the leek moth declined as the phylogenetic distance from the preferred host increased. These results support the conclusion that the leek moth is a specialist feeder on closely related Allium spp. although the strength of this preference may decline as the motivation to oviposit increases. This may indicate that the leek moth is able to use closely related novel hosts as temporary refuges if the preferred host plant is unavailable.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Naomi Cappuccino, Peter G. Mason

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Acrolepiopsis assectella	Onion/garlic/leek (Allium)	Canada (east)