Within-plant distribution of the Melaleuca quinquenervia biological control agent Lophodiplosis trifida

Abstract

The gall-producing midge Lophodiplosis trifida Gagné (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) is an established biological control agent of the exotic tree Melaleuca quinquenervia (Cav.) Blake, which invades wetland systems of Florida (USA). Host use patterns within the tree canopy were investigated. Plant height affected within-plant distribution of galls as L. trifida attack rates were greater in lower versus higher portions of the M. quinquenervia canopy. Nonetheless, galls occurred even at tree-top levels of 13 m.

Keywords:

• classical biological control
• host use patterns
• Myrtaceae
• Cecidomyiidae

Acknowledgements

We thank two anonymous reviewers for comments on earlier versions of the manuscript. We are indebted to Luke Kasarjian, Beth Mattison and Jorge Leidi for assistance with field work. The USDA is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

Funding

This research was supported, in part, by grants from the South Florida Water Management District and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.

Additional information

Funding

Funding: This research was supported, in part, by grants from the South Florida Water Management District and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.