Proposed plant host test list for assessing the risk of biological control agents for Clidemia hirta (L.) D.Don.

Abstract

Background
The following proposed plant host list is for the testing of potential biological control agents of Clidemia hirta (L.) D. Don (Melastomataceae). Post-release evidence from other countries suggests a promising outlook for biological control of C. hirta in Australia. Seven agents have already been released in Hawaii for this purpose, with six of these becoming established (Nakahara et al. 1992). Liothrips urichi Karny (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) is the first candidate biological control species proposed to undergo testing in Australia. The thrips have been released as a biological control agent for C. hirta in Fiji (1930), the Solomon Islands (1938, 1973 and 1975), Hawaii (1953), Palau (1960 and 1972), and American Samoa (1974) (Conant 2009). Liothrips urichi has established in all but the Solomon Islands and appears to be effective in open, sunny areas (Conant 2009). Host specificity of this insect has been demonstrated both within its native range and within countries where it has been introduced as a biological control of C. hirta (Table 1).