Field Studies and Laboratory Bearing of Arzama densa Walker, A Biological Control Agent against Waterhyacinth

摘要

A study of biological control of water hyacinth using a native moth, Arzama densa Walker, is presented. Previous studies have shown that the larvae, in sufficient numbers, can severely damage populations of the target aquatic plant. Workers in biocontrol generally feel that if sufficiently large populations of the insect could be produced to supplement field populations, this agent could be an effective tool in limiting infestations of water hyacinth. The study includes the biology of the insect and effects of various diets on the insect's growth and also describes the most successful rearing methods found thus far the Arzama densa.