Arthropods and molluscs associated with poroporo (Solanum aviculare and S. laciniatum): an annotated species list

Between 1976 and 1983 poroporo (Solanum aviculare and S lacimatum) was grown as a crop for the extraction of solasodine Slugs and arthropods associated with poroporo were studied while developing practical pest control with minimum use of pesticides Harmful and beneficial organisms found on poroporo are listed with notes on their biology and annual cycles Prior to 1976, six species were reported to be associated with poroporo while more than 47, including previously undescnbed species, were known by 1983 Seven species caused sufficient damage to commercial crops for control measures to be required These included indigenous species, Sceliodes cordahs (Lepidoptera Pyrahdae) and Tetra martinu (Acan Enophyidae) The other species were Svmmetrischema tangohas (Lepidoptera Gelechndae) and Asynonvchus cervums (Coleoptera Curcuhonidae) from South America and the cosmopolitan arthropods Agrotis ipsilon (Lepidoptera Noctuidae), Hercinothnps bicinctus (Thysanoptera Thnpidae), Tetranvchus urticae (Acan Tetranychidae) The company growing and processing the crop ceased operations for economic reasons and before integrated pest management could be tested

Keywords:

• Insects mites slugs plant damage
• host association

Notes

New Zealand Institute for Crop & Food Research Ltd, Mount Albert Research Centre, Private Bag 92169, Auckland, New Zealand