Insects as Biological Control Agents of Field Bindweed,Convolvulus arvensis

Abstract

Abstract A weevil, Alcidodes fabricii, damaging seeds; a fly, Melanagromyza convolvuli, boring stems and roots; a noctuid, Eublemma baccalix, damaging flowers; and a pyralid, Noctuelia floralis, damaging both aerial and underground stems, are considered as being stenophagous and promising biological control agents of Convolvulus arvensis. Investigations on the biology, ecology, distribution and host specificity of these are given. On the basis of these studies, the four insect species are recommended for the biological control of C. arvensis in areas where morning glories (Ipomoea spp.) are not considered important.