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KMID : 0380120000230020181
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Korean Journal of Ecology
2000 Volume.23 No. 2 p.181 ~ p.185
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The Potential of Gastrophysa viridula as a Biological Control Agent for Rumex obtusifolius
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Kwon Oh-Seok
Nam Sang-Ho
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Abstract
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This study was carried out to see whether Gastrophysa viridula (Degeer) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) could be used as a biological control agent for Rumex obtusifolius L., with human manipulation of the beetle population. The study was consisted of three experimental sets: Wet-Dry experiment (the wet weight Vs dry weight relationship of Rumex obtusifolius L.), Greenhouse feeding experiment, and Field experiment. There was a significant correlation between the total wet and dry weight of Rumex obtusifolius as follows: Total dry weight = -0.23542 + (0.17514×Total wet weight) (R^2=0.9317, p=0.047, T=16.927 (dF=21)). In the Greenhouse feeding experiment, the result was very promising. The relationship between the density unit of the beetles and the growth of the plant is given below (20 day): Plant growth=105.8 + (-34.4×Density unit) (R^2=0.76, p=0.13). A repeated introduction of the beetle population into the field vegetation of R. obtusifolius from April to October is suggested to see the beetle´s grazing ability on the plant. This study shows that the potential grazing power of the beetle on Rumex obtusifolius was enough to defoliate the plants, but it was able to recover from its root reserves. The practical question remains as to whether repeated additions (by man) of the beetles to Rumex obtusifolius could eliminate them.
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