Risk Analysis of Host Specificity for Epiblema strenuana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), a Biocontrol Agent Against Ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia (Compositae)
Abstract:Epiblema strenuana is an important biocontrol agent against ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia). This phytophagous insect was imported to China by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences as a potential candidate to control A. artemissifolia in 1990. Safety to flora in the northern region of China was a concern and the insect was not released until in 1993 on a small scale in Linxiang, Hunan province, China. However, no risk analysis or monitoring was conducted after its release. In order to evaluate its ...