Pre-release efficacy assessment of the leaf-mining moth Digitivalva delaireae (Lepidoptera: Glyphipterigidae), a potential biological control agent for Cape-ivy, Delairea odorata (Asteraceae), in western North America

Impact of the defoliating moth Hypena opulenta on invasive swallow-worts (Vincetoxicum species) under different light environments

“…Pre-release impact studies are becoming more common for a variety of candidate agents (e.g., Balciunas and Smith, 2006;Ding et al, 2006;Gerber et al, 2007;Goolsby et al, 2004;Grevstad et al, 2013;Reddy and Mehelis, 2015), although to our knowledge few have involved defoliating moths (Weed and Casagrande, 2010;Weed et al, 2011a; present study). In all cases, within-season reductions in growth rates, biomass, and reproduction have been reported.…”

“…Documentation of a candidate biological control agent's potential impact, or efficacy, on a target weed continues to be encouraged (McClay and Balciunas, 2005;Morin et al, 2009;Müller-Schärer and Schaffner, 2008;Raghu et al, 2006). One common approach is to quantify an agent's impact on individual plant performance to help inform the prioritization of agents for further study or to estimate plant impacts post-release (e.g., Balciunas and Smith, 2006;Gerber et al, 2007;Reddy and Mehelis, 2015). Impact data should ideally be collected from all life stages of the plant that are attacked by an agent.…”