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BIOCONTROL OF CANADA THISTLE (CIRSIUM ARVENSE): RELEASES AND EFFECTIVENESS OF CEUTORHYNCHUS LITURA (COLEOPTERA: CURCULIONIDAE) IN CANADA

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 May 2012

D. P. Peschken
Affiliation:
Research Station, Agriculture Canada, Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 3A2
A. T. S. Wilkinson
Affiliation:
Research Station, Agriculture Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1X2

Abstract

Ceutorhynchus litura (F.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is established since 1967 in Ontario, and is increasing slowly on nine release sites in five provinces. The weevil is not a good control agent because its reproductive capacity does not compensate for losses inflicted by cultivation and the stress resulting from larval mining is so light that it produces no noticeable reduction in the vigour of Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.). In contrast to earlier findings, it is doubtful that C. litura aids in the spread of the rust Puccinia punctiformis (Str.) Rohl. Further stress factors from other insects or pathogens are needed to control this vigorous weed.

Résumé

Ceutorhynchus litura (F.) (Coléoptères : Curculionidae) est établi depuis 1967 en Ontario et se répand lentement dans neuf points de lâcher effectué dans cinq provinces. Le charançon n’est pas un bon agent de lutte du fait que ses capacités reproductrices ne compensent pas les pertes infligées par le travail du sol; le stress résultant des attaques par les larves est si faible qu’il ne produit aucune réduction apparente de la vigueur du chardon des champs (Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.). À l’encontre des résultats précédents, on doute que C. litura puisse contribuer à la propagation de la rouille Puccinia punctiformis (Str.) Rohl. D’autres facteurs de stress déclenché par d’autres insectes ou agents pathogènes sont donc nécessaires pour venir à bout de cette mauvaise herbe envahissante.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Entomological Society of Canada 1981

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References

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