Host specificity assessment and potential impact of Megamelus scutellaris (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) on waterhyacinth Eichhornia crassipes (Pontederiales: Pontederiaceae)

Abstract

The delphacid Megamelus scutellaris Berg was evaluated for host specificity and potential impact as part of a biological control program targeting Eichhornia. crassipes. Survival and development of adults and nymphs were used as metrics with no-choice, two-choice, nymph transfer, and sustainability tests conducted under quarantine conditions. A total of 69 plant species were tested including 12 from the Pontederiaceae (including E. crassipes). Additionally, 27 native and 5 exotic associated wetland species and 11 economic species were tested. Megamelus scutellaris exhibited a high level of oviposition and developmental fidelity to E. crassipes by failing to sustain populations on any non-target test plant past the F1 generation. Nymph transfer tests which simulated potential spill-over events found that survival was virtually non-existent on associated wetland plants, regardless of taxonomic relatedness, including on Pontederia cordata, an important and widespread native species. Eichhornia crassipes plants exposed to two consecutive generations of feeding produced 66.9% less biomass and 73.4% fewer leaves than those in the controls. We conclude that Megamelus scutellaris is safe to release on E. crassipes in the United States.