Abstract
AbstractThe lace bug Tingis grisea Germ. (Hemiptera: Tingidae) is a univoltine sap-feeder associated with the genus Centaurea L. and distributed throughout Central and Southern Europe and the Middle East. In 2002, one Turkish population of T. grisea was selected as a potential biological control agent for yellow starthistle, Centaurea solstitialis L., (Asteraceae: Cardueae), a weed of primary concern in the USA. Field observations showed that significant damage was caused to the host plant especially when many individuals were feeding on the same plant. Life-cycle and biology observations were made to assess the duration of the five nymphal instars of T. grisea under laboratory conditions, as well as female fecundity and longevity. Starvation and oviposition no-choice tests were carried out in order to determine the host specificity of the insect. Results showed a clear oligophagous behaviour closely restricted to the genus Centaurea. In addition, among the three Centaurea spp. on which full larval development was ascertained (C. solstitialis, Centaurea sulphurea, Centaurea cyanus), yellow starthistle was clearly most suitable regarding number of eggs laid and number of adults obtained.
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