Weed Lantana Camara Research Articles

The mycobiota of the weed Lantana camara in Brazil, with particular reference to biological control

A survey of the fungi associated with the tropical weed Lantana camara was conducted during 1988 and 1989 in part of its native range in southern Brazil. The sampling activity was concentrated mainly in the state of Rio de Janeiro, covering 70 sites located in different climatic or ecological zones. The survey continued and was extended to the Amazon and northeast regions. Nine fungal species were identified as members of the mycobiota, including the previously undescribed fungi: Ceratobasidium lantanae-camarae sp. nov., Dendryphiella aspera sp. nov. and Micropustulomyces mucilaginosus gen. et sp. nov. Perisporiopsis lantanae , which has not been recorded previously in Brazil, has its anamorph described for the first time. The rusts Aecidium lantanae were also recorded. Field observations suggest that several fungal pathogens have potential as classical biocontrol agents of the weed in the Old World tropics: Ceratobasidium lantanae-camarae and Puccinia lantanae in lowland humid climates; Mycovellosiella lantanae, Prospodium tuberculatum and Micropustulomyces mucilaginosus in more elevated or subtropical areas. In addition, databases and herbaria were consulted in order to compile a world list of fungal pathogens associated with L. camara .

Status and natural enemies of the weed,Lantana camarain Micronesia

Abstract The neotropical weed Lantana camara was first introduced to Micronesia as an ornamental plant around the turn of the century. It quickly established and, within the space of few decades, became a problem on many of the islands there. The first attempts at biological control of lantana in this region started shortly after World War II and continued, largely on a somewhat sporadic and haphazard basis, up to recent times. However, information on the natural enemies introduced, their establishment and effectiveness, is limited and in some cases contradictory. For this reason, surveys were conducted on the major islands within the Caroline and Mariana island groups to determine the status and natural insect enemies of L. camara. The surveys revealed that seven of the 13 species of exotic insects introduced into the area had established and achieved an acceptable level of control in the majority of cases examined. However, not all species were represented on all islands visited and, typically, some spe...

Methods for the conservation of maleo birds, Macrocephalon maleo on the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract The maleo Macrocephalon maleo is a large megapode endemic to Sulawesi which buries eggs in communal nesting areas of warm sand. The species is endangered as a result of uncontrolled harvesting of eggs by villagers. The present paper examines the problem and suggests methods for control involving the use of artificial hatcheries. In a hatchery experiment a 78% hatching success rate was achieved. Details of the breeding biology and hatching experiments are presented. Other methods of control suggested are the poisoning of natural predators such as pigs and monitor lizards and the improvement of natural nesting sites by partially clearing undergrowth vegetation, particularly the exotic weed Lantana camara .

Occurrence of Teleonemia scrupulosa on Sesamum indicum Linn. in Uganda

Teleonemia scrupulosa (Stal) (Hemiptera, Tingidae) is a native of the tropical regions of the Americas and has been extensively used as an agent for the biological control of the noxious weed Lantana camara Linn. (Verbenaceae). It was introduced first into Hawaii1; since then it has been introduced into Fiji2, Australia3, Indonesia4 and other island groups in the Pacific. It is also established in India5, Mauritius, and South6, Central7 and East Africa. In general the level of control achieved in these areas has been disappointing, although severe local defoliation and partial control has been reported from many of these countries, and it is generally considered to be a useful addition to the insect complex used in the control of Lantana. Exhaustive tests in Fiji and Australia showed that this Tingid would feed on none of the plants tested except Lantana8. The bug was reported in Texas on Callirhoe involucrata (Malvaceae) and a plant of the mint family but was unable to breed or live long on them9. Its release in India was not recommended because laboratory tests showed that it could feed on teak (Tectonagrandis Linn.) which is also a member of the Verbenaceae although breeding was slow and Lantana was preferred10. When it escaped at Dehra Dun, however, it became established on Lantana but could not be found on nearby teak5. The only other previous records of attack by T. scrupulosa on other plants are its occurrence on Myoporum sandwicensis (Myoporaceae) and species of Xanthium (Compositae) in Hawaii, ebony in the United States, and Lippia alba (Verbenaceae) in the Antilles, according to the catalogue just published, which includes some hitherto overlooked records11.