Abstract
AbstractScentless chamomile, Matricaria perforata Mérat [= Matricaria maritima var. agrestis (Knaf) Wilmot], is a widely distributed, rapidly spreading and aggressive weed, especially in the three Prairie Provinces. The seed-feeding weevil, Apion hookeri Kirby (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is widespread and common in its native range in the Palaearctic. It occurs in such differing climates as the Mediterranean in northern Africa and the boreal climate of western Siberia. The weevil was screened for its host specificity. In the laboratory, females oviposited into the flowers of species in six genera of the tribe Anthemideae, and one species in the tribe Astereae. However, the larvae developed only in Matricaria species, and one adult emerged from stinking mayweed, Anthemis cotula L. In a choice test, ovipositing A. hookeri preferred scentless chamomile 93:1 over stinking mayweed. These results confirm host records in the European literature. It is concluded that A. hookeri is a host-specific and promising agent for the biological control of scentless chamomile.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
