BioControl (2019) 64, 249-261

Laura Varone, María B. Aguirre, Enrique Lobos, Darío Ruiz Pérez, Stephen D. Hight, Florencia Palottini, Mariel Guala and Guillermo A. Logarzo (2019)
Causes of mortality at different stages of Cactoblastis cactorum in the native range
BioControl 64 (3), 249-261
Abstract: Cactoblastis cactorum (Berg) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is native to South America and has been used successfully as a biocontrol agent against invasive species of Opuntia (Cactaceae). After its release in the Caribbean, it entered North America, dispersed to southeastern USA, and may reach Mexico threatening native cacti biodiversity and industry based on Opuntia spp. Identifying mortality factors acting on insect populations is central to develop pest management programs. The objective of this study was to estimate mortality causes of C. cactorum in its native range through life table experiments conducted on the exotic O. ficus-indica (L.) Miller and the native species O. quimilo K. Schum. and O. megapotamica Arechav., to detect vulnerable stages and natural enemies. The main mortality factors were generalist predators and native plant defenses. Apanteles opuntiarum Martínez and Berta (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) was found to be the parasitoid with the highest potential as a biocontrol agent.
(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): Laura Varone, Stephen D. Hight, Guillermo A. Logarzo

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.
	Cactoblastis cactorum	Prickly pear (Opuntia)
Cactoblastis cactorum (weed bioagent)
Apanteles opuntiarum (parasitoid)	Cactoblastis cactorum