Studies on the host range of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus
Studies were done in Spain on the host range of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera, Curculionidae – EPPO Alert List). Under a plastic house, several species of palms were artificially infested by larvae (1 to 9 days old) raised in the laboratory, and observed until the ermergence of the adults. 81 plants of Arecaceae of the following species were tested: Brahea armata (3 plants), Trachycarpus fortunei (3), Livistona decipiens (3), Chamaerops humilis (3), Washingtonia robusta (30), as well as Phoenix dactylifera (9) and P. canariensis (30) as control plants. Results showed that Rhynchophorus ferrugineus developped on the following species in addition to P. dactylifera and P. canariensis: Trachycarpus fortunei, Livistona decipiens. Chamaerops humilis and Washingtonia robusta showed resistance to the insect, as they produced a secretion which killed or expelled the larvae as it filled the gallery and healed the wound.
Sources
Barranco, P.; de la Peña, J.A.; Martín, M.M.; Cabello, T. (2000) Rango de hospedantes de Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier, 1790) y diámetro de la palmera hospedante. (Coleoptera, Curculionidae).
Boletin de Sanidad Vegetal Plagas, 26(1), 73-78.
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