Mitteilungen der Schweizerischen Entomologischen Gesellschaft (1999) 72, 259-275

Hans-Martin Bürki, Dieter Schroeder and Wolfgang Nentwig (1999)
Field surveys for insects associated with Amaranthus spp. (Amaranthaceae) in Switzerland and their suitability for biological control
Mitteilungen der Schweizerischen Entomologischen Gesellschaft 72 (3-4), 259-275
Abstract: In Switzerland, several Amaranthus species cause locally serious problems as weeds in maize, vegetables, potatoes, sugar beet and beans. Because of herbicide tolerance and resistance, and increasing public pressure for more sustainable crop production, interest in alternative weed control methods is increasing. Biological control using insects could contribute to a satisfactory level of control of these weeds. Field surveys were carried out for insects (and pathogens) associated with Amaranthus species. Ten locations in Switzerland and in neighbouring countries were visited at monthly intervals. The surveys produced a total of 137 phytophagous insect species collected from A. retroflexus, A. bouchonii and A. powellii: 30 Coleoptera, . 47 Homoptera, 34 Heteroptera, 14 Lepidoptera, 11 Thysanoptera, and 1 Orthoptera species. For most of the species found Amaranthus spp. were not known as host plants. It was found that all species collected are either polyphagous or possibly oligophagous, and none monophagous. The surveys revealed also that no herbivore insect species from the area of origin has been accidentally introduced into Europe. Based on the extended field surveys it would seem that none of the species of phytophagous insects associated with target Amaranthus spp. in Europe has a potential as biological control agent. Therefore, it is proposed to carry out additional surveys in the southern part of North, as well as in Central and South America, the centres of origin of the noxious Amaranthus species occurring in Europe, to locate potential biological control agents. Stem and root mining insects would be of greatest interest because they would fill empty niches.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Database assignments for author(s): Wolfgang Nentwig

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

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Amaranthus retroflexus (weed)		Switzerland
	Amaranthus powellii (weed)		Switzerland