Author
Jason T Callander
jason.callander@dpi.qld.gov.au
Queensland Department of Primary Industries
Brisbane
Coauthors
Zachary Shortland, Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane, Australia
David Comben, Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane, Australia
Ricardo Segura Veracruz, Mexico
Abstract
Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski (Singapore daisy) is a fast-growing, sprawling species known for its aggressive and invasive nature. Native to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America, it has spread widely throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Singapore daisy is a novel target for biocontrol, and extensive surveys of arthropod herbivores have recently been conducted in Mexico. To date, over 200 insect specimens have been collected and pinned for identification, representing ~34 morphotypes and one eriophyid mite species. Several damaging arthropods were consistently associated with S. trilobata, including the xylem-feeding spittlebug Clastoptera compta, the leaf-mining moth Astrotischeria selvica, the leaf-tying moth Herpetogramma salbialis, a leaf-mining agromyzid, a shoot-tip feeding weevil, a flower-feeding weevil, and the eriophyid mite Acalitus comptus. Species identification has been challenging, particularly for the weevils and flies. The spittlebug C. compta was first to be imported and host-tested in Australia but was found to be not host specific. Other potential candidate agents include the leaf-mining agromyzid and A. comptus, both considered promising due to their narrow host range and capacity to inflict significant damage under native field conditions. Importation of A. comptus into the high-security quarantine facility at the EcoSciences Precinct, Brisbane, Australia, has been prioritised.
keywords
Biological control
Sphagneticola trilobata
Native range surveys
Singapore Daisy
Highlights
Native range surveys in Mexico identified diverse herbivores of Singapore daisy
Leaf-mining agromyzid and eriophyid mite show strong potential as biocontrol candidates
Acalitus comptus will undergo host specificity testing in Australian quarantine