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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Miami, Florida » Subtropical Horticulture Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #390686
Research Project: Mitigation of Invasive Pest Threats to U.S. Subtropical Agriculture

Location: Subtropical Horticulture Research

Title: Biology of Anthonomus testaceosquamosus Linell (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): a New Pest of Tropical Hibiscus

Author
item VELAZQUEZ HERNANDEZ, YISELL - University Of Florida
item CANON, MARIA - University Of Florida
item Kendra, Paul
item MANNION, CATHARINE - University Of Florida
item REVYNTHI, ALEXANDRA - University Of Florida

Submitted to: Entomological Society of America, Southwestern and Southeastern Branch
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/21/2021
Publication Date: 3/26/2022
Citation: Velazquez Hernandez, Y., M. A. Canon., P. E. Kendra, C. M. Mannion, and A. M. Revynthi. Biology of Anthonomus testaceosquamosus Linell (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): A new pest of tropical hibiscus. Joint meeting of the Entomological Society of America Southeastern Branch and the American Phytopathological Society Caribbean Division. San Juan, PR. 26-30 Mar 2022.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The hibiscus bud weevil (HBW), Anthonomus testaceosquamosus, is currently one of the most important pests of hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.) in South Florida. Native to northeastern Mexico and southern Texas, this pest feeds and oviposits in the flower buds. As a result of the larval feeding, severe bud drop is observed, decreasing the marketability of the crop. Although the biologies of the congeneric boll weevil, A. grandis, and pepper weevil, A. eugenii are well documented, no data are available regarding the biology of HBW. Here, we present a comprehensive study on the biology of this pest when reared at 10, 15, 27 and 34 oC and on different food sources. Life cycle completion was found to occur only at 27 ± 1 oC. Weevil development was similar on an artificial diet when compared with a diet of hibiscus buds. Adult HBW could survive solely on pollen, but reproduction did not occur. HBW survived for ˜ 15 days without water; survival times reached nearly 30 days when water was accessible. Our study gives a comprehensive understanding of the pest’s biology, which is critical for development of effective integrated pest management. These results provide a foundation for future research endeavors to mitigate the impact of this weevil in south Florida.