The influence of Ischnodemus variegatus feeding on photosynthesis and growth of the invasive semi-aquatic grass, Hymenachne amplexicaulis, was investigated in field and greenhouse environments. In the field, carbon dioxide assimilation of infested plants was approximately 35% less than that of non-infested plants, and the rate of assimilation was related to I. variegatus density. The relative growth rate of infested plants in the greenhouse was 77% of that of non-infested plants, and biomass of infested plants was significantly less than for non-infested plants 79 days after infestation. The value of I. variegatus as a fortuitous biological control agent of H. amplexicaulis is discussed.
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1 September 2004
FEEDING EFFECTS OF ISCHNODEMUS VARIEGATUS (HEMIPTERA: BLISSIDAE) ON PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND GROWTH OF HYMENACHNE AMPLEXICAULIS (POACEAE)
William A. Overholt,
Sharon M. L. Ewe,
Rodrigo Diaz,
Eric C. Morgan,
Onour E. Moeri
biological control
invasive plants
photosynthesis
Wetlands