oa Journal of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa - Rayieria Sp. (Heteroptera: Miridae): Host specificity, conflicting interests, and rejection as a biological control agent against the weed Acacia longifolia (Andr.) Willd. in South Africa

Abstract

An undescriptionbed Rayieria sp. was considered as a potential biological control agent against Acacia longifolia in South Africa. The insect is very destructive to A. longifolia in Australia, and was introduced into South Africa for host specificity studies. Feeding, and oviposition resulting in viable offspring, were restricted to Australian Acacia spp. tested. Two of these Australian species, Acacia mearnsii De Wild. and Acacia melanoxylon R. Br., are commercially important in South Africa although they are also invasive weeds. Release of the insect is therefore not recommended.