The Great Lakes Entomologist (2019) 52, 71-77

Lindsey R. Milbrath, Margarita Dolgovskaya, Mark Volkovitsh, René F.H. Sforza and Jeromy Biazzo (2019)
Photoperiodic response of Abrostola asclepiadis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a candidate biological control agent for swallow-worts (Vincetoxicum, Apocynaceae)
The Great Lakes Entomologist 52 (3-4), 71-77
Abstract: A biological control program is in development for two swallow-wort species (Vincetoxicum, Apocynaceae), European vines introduced into northeastern North America. One candidate agent is the defoliator Abrostola asclepiadis (Denis and Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The moth reportedly has up to two generations in parts of its native range. We assessed the potential multivoltinism of Russian and French populations of the moth by rearing them under constant and changing photoperiods, ranging from 13:11 to 16:8 hour (L:D). The French population was also reared outdoors under naturally-changing day lengths at a latitude similar to northern New York State. Less than six adult moths emerged, with one exception, for any photoperiod treatment. We expect A. asclepiadis to be univoltine if it were to be released into North America, limiting its potential impact on swallow-worts. It should therefore be given a lower priority for release.
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Database assignments for author(s): Lindsey R. Milbrath, René Sforza

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Vincetoxicum (weeds)		France
Abrostola asclepiadis (weed bioagent)	Vincetoxicum (weeds)		France