Author
Asma Bibi
abibi901@gmail.com
Ministry of Agriculture, Fiji
Suva City
Coauthors
Quentin Paynter , Bioeconomy Science Institute – Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research Group, Auckland , New Zealand
Manpreet Dhami , Bioeconomy Science Institute – Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research Group, Lincoln , New Zealand
Stephanie Morton , Bioeconomy Science Institute – Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research Group, Auckland , New Zealand
Abstract
Invasive plants are a major threat in Pacific islands, where their rapid spread often overwhelms native ecosystems. Among them, Epipremnum aureum (syn. Epipremnum pinnatum cv. ‘Aureum’; taro vine, golden pothos) is a climber that smothers forests, displaces understory plants, and rapidly invades cyclone-disturbed areas in Niue and other Pacific islands. The lace bug Holophygdon melanesica, native to Fiji, has been identified as a potential biological control agent due to its close association with the target weed. To evaluate its host range, containment no-choice tests were conducted across selected Araceae based on phylogenetic relatedness, assessing feeding, oviposition, and development. Complementary field surveys in Fiji and natural enemy surveys in Niue provided additional ecological context on host use and potential enemies. Results showed that H. melanesica completed development and reproduced only on E. aureum and two closely related species (E. pinnatum and Monstera deliciosa, Rhaphidophora clade, subfamily Monsteroideae), with no development on other non-target species. Field observations confirmed this restricted host range, with infestations recorded only on the target weed despite the presence of diverse ornamental and wild Araceae. These findings indicate that H. melanesica is a highly promising and safe candidate for the biological control of E. aureum in Niue, supporting regional invasive weed management efforts.
keywords
Holophygdon melanesica
Epipremnum aureum
Host specificity
Biological control
Invasive species
Highlights
Holophygdon melanesica shows high specificity to Epipremnum aureum in tests and field surveys.
Non-target Araceae showed no development, confirming host safety of the lace bug.
Promising agent for sustainable biocontrol of invasive taro vine in Niue.