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Preliminary Study on the Distribution of the Introduced Gall-forming Fly, Cecidochares connexa (Macquart) (Diptera: Tephritidae) for the Biological Control
of the Invasive Alien Weed Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. King & H. Rob. (Asteraceae) in the Philippines

Patricia Bea R. Rosialda1,3, Ma. Niña Regina M. Quibod1,2*, and Michael D. Day4

1Biology Department, College of Science, Adamson University,
San Marcelino St., Ermita, Manila 1000 Philippines
2Community Ecology and Conservation Group, Center for Integrative
Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden,
Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Mengla, Yunnan 666303 China
3Crop Pest Management Division, Bureau of Plant Industry, Malate, Manila 1000 Philippines
4Biosecurity Queensland, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
GPO Box 267, Brisbane, Queensland 4001 Australia

*Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 


ABSTRACT

The distribution of Cecidochares connexa (Macquart), a biological control agent of the invasive plant Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. King & H. Rob. was determined around the three main islands – Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao – in the Philippines. A total of 105 sites in 17 localities with C. odorata were surveyed for the presence of C. connexa. Cecidochares connexa was present at 82 sites in eight localities, limited to around Visayas and Mindanao. Some sites where the gall fly was reported were up to 400 km from the initial release sites around Davao, Mindanao. Cecidochares connexa was not found at any of the nine localities surveyed around Luzon. Visual observations showed that the gall fly is having some impact on C. odorata, as evidenced by dead branches and stems. These results show that C. connexa has firmly established in the country and that it has the ability to disperse long distances to new areas. It is likely that C. connexa will continue to disperse further with time. However, a more robust study regarding its presence in other parts of the country and its effectiveness as a biological control agent is needed.

 

INTRODUCTION

Invasive alien species (IAS) are non-native organisms that have an adverse ecological and economic impact on the environment and the communities around them (Bruton & Merron 1985, De Silva 1989). Seventeen years ago, invasive species were estimated to cause more than $1.4 trillion annually in damage worldwide (Pimentel et al. 2001) and this is likely to have increased. For instance, the total annual losses that can be attributed to harmful non-indigenous species – including crop pests (i.e., insects, weeds, and pathogens); molluscs (golden apple snail); rodents; animal diseases; and human diseases (i.e., measles, malaria, cholera, dengue, . . . . . read more

 


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