Water-logged soil could be a major factor affecting populations of the ragwort biological control agent, Longitarsus flavicornis, in Australia. Survival of L. flavicornis larvae in potted ragwort plants after inundation with water for up to 264h (11days) was compared to larval survival in control plants not exposed to inundation. Probit analysis indicated that 35.6% mortality of the larval population occurred after 24h inundation and 50.4% after 72h. As high mortality was recorded at periods of inundation known to occur in the field, it is concluded that winter flooding is likely to be detrimental to populations of L. flavicornis. © 2007 Taylor & Francis.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Research Division:	Agricultural, Veterinary and Food Sciences
Research Group:	Crop and pasture production
Research Field:	Crop and pasture protection (incl. pests, diseases and weeds)
Objective Division:	Environmental Management
Objective Group:	Terrestrial systems and management
Objective Field:	Control of pests, diseases and exotic species in terrestrial environments
UTAS Author:	Potter, KJB (Dr Karina Potter)
UTAS Author:	Ireson, J (Dr John Ireson)
UTAS Author:	Allen, GR (Associate Professor Geoff Allen)
ID Code:	44094
Year Published:	2007
Web of Science® Times Cited:	5
Deposited By:	Agricultural Science
Deposited On:	2007-08-01
Last Modified:	2008-05-14
Downloads:	0