First record of the impact of the parasitism of Cecidochares connexa (Diptera: Tephritidae) by a solitary larval ectoparasitoid in West Africa: Cause for concern?

Publication Type

Journal Article

Journal Name

Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection

Name of Author

Pascal Osa Aigbedion-Atalor, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Nairobi
Itohan Idemudia, University of Benin
Arne B.R. Witt, CABI, Kenya
Michael D. Day, Queensland Department of Primary Industries

Publication Date

2-5-2019

Abstract

Cecidochares connexa is currently the only effective biological control agent of Chromolaena odorata an invasive weed in West Africa. Recently, an ectoparasitoid species belonging to the Ormyrus genus was found parasitizing C. connexa in three regions of Ghana. Adult parasitoid emergence percentages varied between 16 and 21%. This raises concerns about its impact on C. connexa populations and the overall biocontrol of C. odorata. New field surveys to determine the distribution range of Ormyrus sp. and its impact on C. connexa should be quickly addressed in West Africa.

Keywords

Chromolaena odorata, Ormyrus sp, Post-release evaluation, Stem-galling fly, West Africa

Recommended Citation

Aigbedion-Atalor, P., Idemudia, I., Witt, A., & Day, M. (2019). First record of the impact of the parasitism of Cecidochares connexa (Diptera: Tephritidae) by a solitary larval ectoparasitoid in West Africa: Cause for concern?. Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection, 126 (1), 93-95. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41348-018-0189-x