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Observations of herbivore attack on garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) in Southwestern Ontario, Canada

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Abstract

We have observed what appears to be the first significant report of herbivory of a population of Alliaria petiolata (M. Bieb.) Cavara & Grande (Garlic Mustard) in Canada. Ceutorhynchus erysimi Fabr., Plutella xylostella L. (Diamondback Moth), and Philaenus spumarius (Meadow Spittlebug) were identified attacking, and successfully proceeding through different stages of development on A. petiolata. From the field observations, we hypothesize that these species have recognized A. petiolata as a host and therefore may be candidates for the management of the invasive species.

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Acknowledgements

The authors extend a special thanks to Robert S. Anderson at the Canadian Museum of Nature for his expertise identifying specimens, as well as providing insight on species behaviour. Also, the authors thank K.G. Andrew Hamilton of Agriculture Canada for his direction during species identification.

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  1. Department of Environment and Resource Studies, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada, N2L 3G1

    Colin N. Yates & Stephen D. Murphy

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  1. Colin N. Yates
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  2. Stephen D. Murphy
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Correspondence to Colin N. Yates.

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Yates, C.N., Murphy, S.D. Observations of herbivore attack on garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Biol Invasions 10, 757–760 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-007-9169-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-007-9169-y

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