Phytophagous insects found on Baccharis halimifolia in France
Field surveys and a literature review were undertaken to develop an initial inventory of phytophagous insects found on the invasive alien plant Baccharis halimifolia (Asteraceae, EPPO List of Invasive Alien Plants) in its introduced range in France.
The field survey allowed the identification of 4 natural enemies of B. halimifolia: 2 soft scales (Coccidae), Ceroplastes sinensis and Saissetia oleae; and 2 aphids (Aphididae), Aphis fabae and Aphis spiraecola. The 2 aphid species were observed only on young leaves of new shoots without significant damage. Only Ceroplastes sinensis showed a capacity to alter the fertility of B. halimifolia and to lead to some mortality. However, C. sinensis is a polyphagous scale which is considered to be a crop pest, it is therefore not possible to consider it as a potential biological control agent.
Sources
Fried G, Balmès V ; Germain JF (2013) A contribution to the inventory and study of the impacts of phytophagous insects found on Baccharis halimifolia in its introduced range in France. Bulletin OEPP/EPPO Bulletin 43(2), 285-289.