Feeding and Oviposition of the Boll Weevil, Anthonomus grandis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), on the Rose-of-Sharon, an Alternate Host1

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Abstract
The calyx that enclosed the developing bud of the Rose-of-Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus L.) until the prebloom stage deterred feeding and oviposition of the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boheman, on this alternate host. When the calyxes were removed, weevils fed on and oviposited in the buds at about the same rate as on flower buds (squares) of cotton. Although the calyxes were not a morphological barrier, they contained a substance that discouraged weevil feeding and oviposition during the bud stage of development and contributed to Rose-of-Sharon's undesirability as a host. Field observations showed that infestation of Rose-of-Sharon by the boll weevil occurs only when the plant grows near cotton.