Biology
Neohydronomus affinis is a weevil that is released
for the biological control of water lettuce. These weevils
have a very short life cycle, approximately 30 days, which
allows for quick establishment of populations. The adult weevils
feed on the leaf, while the larvae attack the inside of the
leaf.
History
Neohydronomus affinis, a weevil, is a native species
of South America and was first introduced into Australia in
the early 1980's for the biological control of water lettuce.
In Australia Neohydronomus affinis was extremely effective,
reducing water lettuce infestation by40% or more within 12-18
months. This weevil was released in Texas in 1991 in test
plots at Lake Dunlap, Guadalupe County. Additional releases
of this weevil for research are currently being conducted
in the Brazos Bend State Park.
Weeds Affected
This weevil is a biological agent for Water
Lettuce.
Literature Cited
Julien, M.H. Biological Control of Weeds, A World Catalogue
of Agents and their Target Weeds. Third Edition. C.A.B. International.
1992.
Center, T.D., Cofrancesco, A.F., Balciunas, J.K. 1989. Biological
control of wetland and aquatic weeds in the southeastern United
States. Proceedings 7th International Symposium
on Bioogical Control of Weeds, 239-262.
Dray, F.A. jr., Center, T.D.,Habeck, D.H.,Thompson, C.R.,
Cofrancesco,A.F., Balciunas, J.K. 1990. Release and establishment
in the southeastern United States of Neohydronomus affinis,
an herbivore of water lettuce. Envrionmental Entomology
19, 799-802.
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