Field Release and Establishment of Cecidochares connexa (Macquart) (Diptera: Tephritidae) on Chromolaena odorata (L.) King and Robinson in Kerala

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Authors

  • AICRP on Biological Control of Crop pests and Weeds, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, KAU P.O., Thrissur 680 656, Kerala ,IN
  • AICRP on Biological Control of Crop pests and Weeds, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, KAU P.O., Thrissur 680 656, Kerala ,IN
  • AICRP on Biological Control of Crop pests and Weeds, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, KAU P.O., Thrissur 680 656, Kerala ,IN

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18311/jbc/2011/3843

Keywords:

Cecidochares connexa, Chromolaena odorata, Kerala.

Abstract

A stem gall fly, Cecidochares connexa (Macquart) was released in 2007 and 2008 at Kerala Agricultural University Campus for the biological control of Chromolaena odorata (L.) King and Robinson and the releases made during 2008 resulted in its establishment. There ws a significant reduction in plant height on the galled plants at 30 and 60 days after gall formation. The gall fly could spread up to 500m, 100m, 50m and 100m from release points towards north, south, east and west, respectively. The gall fly could successfully overcome the dry season from January to May at Thrissur.