Potential Use of Native and Naturalized Insect Herbivores and Fungal Pathogens of Aquatic and Wetland Plants

Research is being conducted by U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center ERDC scientists to identify naturalized andor native herbivores of aquatic plants in an effort to develop alternative management strategies through an understanding of the agents biology and ecology. Some of the native species showing promise as biocontrol agents include Altica spp. for water primrose, Donacia spp. for American lotus, and Euhrychiopsis lecontei for Eurasian watermilfoil control. Naturalized species with possibility include Cyrtobagus salviniae for common and giant salvinia, and Parapoynx diminutalis for hydrilla. Information is presented herein for selected native and naturalized agents that may potentially be used to impact and manage all types of aquatic and wetland plant species including introduced, naturalized, and native species. Native and naturalized insect herbivores and fungal pathogens discussed include Acanthoscelides quadridentatus, Acentria ephemerella, Altica spp., Cyrotobagous salviniae, Donacia spp., Euhrychiopsis lecontei, Hydrellia bilobifera Cresson, and H. discursa Deonier, Mycoleptodiscus terrestris, Ostrinia penitalis, Parapoynx diminutalis, Pergaster cretura, Simyra henrici, and Synclita oblieralis.