Purple loosestrife, Lythrum salicaria L., is an exotic wetland perennial that forms large, monotypic stands throughout the temperate regions of the U.S. and Canada. This plant, considered to be an invasive species, replaces native vegetation, degrades wildlife habitats, and obstructs waterways. A two-year study was initiated in 2000 to assess the impact of a native flea beetle, Altica litigata, on development and seed production of purple loosestrife, as well as leaf consumption of adult beetles. Larval feeding was extensive; skeletonized foliage appeared "burned" and resulted in reduced plant viability, lack of flower maturity, and reduced seed production. Feeding damage resulted in large reductions in seed production (3,087 seeds/damaged plant stem and 60,681 seeds/non-damaged plant stem). Reductions in the number of seeds/capsule (59.7 and 88.7 seeds/capsule on damaged and non-damaged plants, respectively) and seed capsules/plant (51.7 and 684.5 seed capsules per plant on damaged and non-damaged plants) also were documented. Leaf consumption by adult male and female A. litigata also will be presented. This research documents the impact of a native flea beetle on leaf consumption and seed production of purple loosestrife, illustrating its potential as a biological control agent against this exotic weed. However, further research is necessary to better understand the biology and population dynamics of A. litigata on purple loosestrife.
Species 1: Coleoptera Chrysomelidae Altica litigata
Keywords: biological control, purple loosestrife
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