Long-term post-release evaluation shows Hypogeococcus sp. is an effective biological control agent for queen of the night cactus in South Africa

We conducted long-term monitoring of Hypogeococcus sp. (Pseudococcidae) as a biocontrol agent for queen of the night cactus (Cereus jamacaru De Candolle). The biocontrol agent was released at three sites representing the regions where the plant is problematic in South Africa, and both agent and plan...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inBiocontrol science and technology Vol. 34; no. 10; pp. 915 - 920
Main Authors Muskett, Phillippa, Sutton, G. F., Paterson, I. D.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Abingdon Taylor & Francis 02.10.2024
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Subjects
Biocontrol
Biological control
Biological effects
Biomonitoring
Cactaceae
Cestrum nocturnum
Flowering
Hypogeococcus
invasive plant
mealybug
Night
Plant populations
Plants (botany)
Pseudococcidae
South Africa
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ISSN0958-3157
1360-0478
DOI10.1080/09583157.2024.2391323

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Summary:We conducted long-term monitoring of Hypogeococcus sp. (Pseudococcidae) as a biocontrol agent for queen of the night cactus (Cereus jamacaru De Candolle). The biocontrol agent was released at three sites representing the regions where the plant is problematic in South Africa, and both agent and plant populations were monitored over time. The proportion of plants producing fruits or flowers decreased by 36% each year, with all plants no longer flowering between two and seven years after release. Plant density reduced by 42% each year after release. Hypogeococcus sp. is an effective agent against C. jamacaru in South Africa.
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ISSN:0958-3157
1360-0478
DOI:10.1080/09583157.2024.2391323