SINGLE-PLANT STARVATION AND PAIRED-PLANT STARVATION TESTS OF ADULT Neochetina eichhorniae WARNER

Abstract

Single-plant starvation and paired-plant starvation tests were performed on adult Neochetina eichhorniae to determine the feeding specificity of the insect on the following plants: Eichhornia crassipes, Pistia stratiotes, Hymphaea lotus, Ceratopteris sp, Azolla species, Colocasia esculentus, Vigna sinensis, Talium triangulare, Capsicum annum and Lycopesicom esculentus.The feeding spots of N.     eichhorniae on the different plants were assessed and counted using a hand-counter.  N. eichhorniae adults fed on E. crassipes only, confirming the feeding specificity of the N. eichhorniae to E. crassipes and the safety of other plants growing in the habitat.