Journal
BIOCONTROL
Volume 64, Issue 3, Pages 249-261Publisher
SPRINGER
DOI: 10.1007/s10526-019-09938-0
Keywords
Cactoblastis cactorum; Life tables; Biological control; Host plants; Natural enemies; Lepidoptera; Pyralidae
Categories
Funding
- USDA-Mexico Bi-National Cactus Moth Program
- USDA, APHIS-PPQ
- Farm Bill Section 10201
- Fondo para la Investigacion Cientifica y Tecnologica [2016-1447]
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Cactoblastis cactorum (Berg) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is native to South America and has been used successfully as a biocontrol agent against invasive species of Opuntia (Cactaceae). After its release in the Caribbean, it entered North America, dispersed to southeastern USA, and may reach Mexico threatening native cacti biodiversity and industry based on Opuntia spp. Identifying mortality factors acting on insect populations is central to develop pest management programs. The objective of this study was to estimate mortality causes of C. cactorum in its native range through life table experiments conducted on the exotic O. ficus-indica (L.) Miller and the native species O. quimilo K. Schum. and O. megapotamica Arechav., to detect vulnerable stages and natural enemies. The main mortality factors were generalist predators and native plant defenses. Apanteles opuntiarum Martinez & Berta (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) was found to be the parasitoid with the highest potential as a biocontrol agent.
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