Journal of Applied Entomology - Zeitschrift für angewandte Entomologie (1994) 118, 1-9

S. Ya. Reznik, S.A. Belokobyl'skiy and A.L. Lobanov (1994)
Weed and herbivorous insect population densities at the broad spatial scale: Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. and Zygogramma suturalis F. (Col. Chrysomelidae)
Journal of Applied Entomology - Zeitschrift für angewandte Entomologie 118 (1), 1-9
Abstract: Zygogramma suturalis was introduced into Russia in 1978 to control the common ragweed. Weed and insect population densities were estimated in 1988-1989 over 250km². The absolute density of Z. suturalis was almost linearly correlated with the ragweed density. The relative insect density was independent of the ragweed density. Last year's absolute density of Z. suturalis significantly influenced current relative insect density, but its influence on the absolute insect density is overpowered by the influence of he current ragweed density. Obviously, just the plant and not the insect is the driving force in their interactions. The introduction results can be considered as establishment and as moderate biological success, but not as control success. Host impact is very low because of the low relative population density of Z. suturalis. Local patches with high Z. suturalis density, which are usually located in field margins, do mot play an important role in total population density determinations. Possibly, field nurseries, i.e. large uncultivated sites grown with ragweed, could be a promising method of Z. suturalis propagation.
(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): Sergey Ya. Reznik

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

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Ambrosia artemisiifolia (weed)
Zygogramma suturalis (weed bioagent)	Ambrosia artemisiifolia (weed)