Factors influencing the effectiveness of Trichosirocalus horridus (Panzer) in the control of Carduus thistles

Abstract

Trichosirocalus horridus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Curcilionidae), a European weevil introduced for the biological control of Carduus thistles, was initially released in 1974 and has become established in Virginia, USA. Studies were conducted to examine the impact of the weevil on Carduus thistles in the field in spring and winter, and in the laboratory. Variables included two thistle species, two thistle sizes and three larval densities. Response of the thistle to larval infestation was influenced by thistle growth, thistle size and larval density. Thistle rosettes grown in the laboratory had the greatest percentage of plants developing necrosis (99%) with none recovering fully; the plant centre died in 89%, and 31% died completely, whereas no field-grown plants died. Spring rosettes developed the next largest percentage of necrosis (85%) and of death of centre (28%), but had the highest percentage of plants recovering (80%). Overwintering thistles developed the least amount of necrosis (43%) and of dead centres (2%), but had a lower recovery rate (61%) than spring thistle rosettes. Neither spring nor overwintering rosettes died even at the highest infestation level (50 larvae). Appearance of symptoms of infestation in overwintering thistle rosettes was influenced by plant species, plant size and rate of larval infestation. Thistle species was not a factor determining when laboratory rosettes manifested symptoms of infestation, and larval density did not influence spring rosettes. Small laboratory thistle rosettes were killed by infestations of 30 larvae (42%) and 50 larvae (100%). Although T. horridus larvae do not kill the majority of the thistles that they infest, they do weaken them by destroying crown tissues. The effectiveness of T. horridus may be greatly enhanced by the joint use of other stress factors.