Biocontrol insects: Are the solution to control aquatic weeds in urban wetlands? Baseline studies in Resistencia, Chaco (Argentina)
The aim of this research was to evaluate the degree of invasion of the aquatic weed Pistia stratiotes L. (Araceae) in urban lakes of Resistencia (Chaco), analyzing the ecological characteristics of these environments and the feasibility of implementing biological control of aquatic weeds with insect...
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| Autores principales: | , , , , , |
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| Formato: | Artículo revista |
| Lenguaje: | Español |
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Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales y Agrimensura
2025
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| Acceso en línea: | https://revistas.unne.edu.ar/index.php/fce/article/view/7738 |
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| Sumario: | The aim of this research was to evaluate the degree of invasion of the aquatic weed Pistia stratiotes L. (Araceae) in urban lakes of Resistencia (Chaco), analyzing the ecological characteristics of these environments and the feasibility of implementing biological control of aquatic weeds with insects. This study was carried out in Argüello and Francia lakes, both invaded by P. stratiotes. Sampling was conducted during June and July 2022 and included sampling of the weed, insects, bioindicator macroinvertebrates and cyanobacteria and water quality. The results show that water lettuce plants were more vigorous in Argüello lake but had a higher reproductive rate in Francia Lake. Two phytophagous insects associated with this weed were found: the weevil Neohydronomus affinis Hustache (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and the leafhopper Lepidelphax pistiae Remes Lenicov (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), both potential candidates for use in augmentative biological control. The abundance of Curculionidae was 10.61 individuals/m² in Argüello Lake, while in Francia Lake 106.07 individuals/m² were recorded. L. pistiae was only found in Argüello Lake and its abundance reached 74.25 individuals/m². Although the two lakes are eutrophicated environments, the physicochemical and biological variables showed contrasting water quality conditions between them, mainly in terms of nutrient content. It is evident that mechanical control is not sustainable in these environments and therefore the application of augmentative biological control with mass rearing and release of biocontrol insects is recommended. These actions should be complemented simultaneously with treatments and public policies that tend to reduce nutrient inputs into the water. |
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