EPPO Bulletin (2007) 37, 156-162

R. Sforza and W.A. Jones (2007)
Potential for classical biocontrol of silverleaf nightshade in the Mediterranean Basin
EPPO Bulletin 37 (1), 156-162
Abstract: Unlike biocontrol of insect pests, biocontrol of invasive weeds is not largely studied in Eurasia, but remains an ecologically sound approach to invasive species management. The case study of silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium) is a good example of a New World weed which has been introduced and is spreading over the Mediterranean Basin. S. elaeagnifolium economically impacts agricultural areas by competing with cereal crops, damaging pastures, and infesting meadows and roadsides. This paper deals with classical biological control of S. elaeagnifolium in the Mediterranean basin with natural enemies from the region of origin of the target plant, using studies conducted on other continents. Natural enemies are listed and their capability to attack and control the target plant is discussed. Special attention is devoted to Leptinotarsa texana and L. deflecta, chrysomelid beetles already released with success against S. elaeagnifolium in South Africa, one of the five Mediterranean-type regions of the world.
(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): René Sforza, Walker A. Jones

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
review

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Solanum elaeagnifolium (weed)
Leptinotarsa texana (weed bioagent)	Solanum elaeagnifolium (weed)		South Africa
Leptinotarsa defecta (weed bioagent)	Solanum elaeagnifolium (weed)		South Africa