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Cucullia verbasci an Agent for the Biological Control of Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 June 2017

M. G. Maw
M. G. Maw*
Affiliation:
Res. Stn., Agric. Canada, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada S4P 3A2
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Abstract

The host specificity of mullein moth (Cucullia verbasci L.) [Lepidoptera: Caradrinidae (Noctuidae)] and its suitability as a biological control agent of the common mullein (Verbascum thapsus L.) (Scrophulariaceae) were investigated. Thirty-six plant species in 10 families were tested but sustained feeding by the insect and consistent development occurred only on mullein species. Nibbling on plants other than on mulleins did not prolong the life of the insect significantly longer than larvae without food. Thus, the mullein moth is considered to be a safe agent to release against mullein.

Type
Research Article
Information
Weed Science , Volume 28 , Issue 1 , January 1980 , pp. 27 - 30
Copyright
Copyright © 1980 by the Weed Science Society of America 

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References

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