RELEASE AND ESTABLISHMENT OF ZYGOGRAMMA SUTURALIS F. (COLEOPTERA: CHRYSOMELIDAE) IN CROATIA FOR CONTROL OF COMMON RAGWEED (AMBROSIA ARTEMISIIFOLIA L.)

Authors: IGRC JASMINKA - FAC AGR UNIV ZAGREB CROAT; Deloach Jr, Culver; ZLOF VLASTA - FAC AGR UNIV ZAGREB CROAT

Submitted to: Biological Control
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/23/1994
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Common ragweed, which is native to North America, was accidentally introduced into Europe, where it has become a major weed. A leaf beetle, Zygogramma suturalis F., native in the U.S., was introduced into Croatia as a candidate biological control agent. Laboratory tests showed that it could feed and develop only on ragweed. The beetle was then released in the field in Croatia. Its establishment has been confirmed at two locations, although at low population levels, and its effectiveness as a biological control agent has yet to be proven

Technical Abstract: Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) is an important weed in some parts of Europe. After determining that native natural enemies in Croatia had little influence on its control, we introduced the beetle Zygogramma suturalis F. from the United States and obtained data on its biology and ecology. We released the beetle in the field at three sites, beginning in 1985: near Bjelovar, Zagreb, and Zadar. Establishment was confirmed at the Zagreb and Zadar sites from releases made in 1988, but field populations through the fall of 1991 remained low