Pilot Studies on Augmentation of Rhinocyllus conicus (Col.: Curculionidae) for Carduus1 Thistle Control 2

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Abstract
Manipulation of Rhinocyllus conicus via sequential releases of overwintered adults to extend the ovipositional range to be more compatible with a greater proportion of the flowering of musk and plumeless thistle was evaluated. In field cage tests, sequentially released adults extended the ovipositional period and improved synchronization with Carduus thistle development, but the overwintered weevils suffered reduced fecundity because of the prolonged period of captivity. Oviposition was related to the developmental stage of thistle heads. For musk thistle, preference was for the bud stage over the more advanced heads, while the highest infestation of plumeless thistle was on the intermediate stages. Larval survival was reduced in plumeless thistle because of insufficient time for weevil development.

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