Investigating potential of biocontrol of Parthenium hysterophorus in Oman
Parthenium hysterophorus (Asteraceae: EPPO A2 List) is a highly invasive plant species which has negative impacts on biodiversity and agriculture production across the globe. In Oman, P. hysterophorus can invade natural and agricultural habitats. Surveys were conducted in the monsoon-influenced Dhofar region of Oman to assess insect species associated with the plant. In total, fifteen insect groups representing Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, and Orthoptera were found feeding on plants. Species of Lepidoptera (e.g. Hypena) and Diptera (e.g. Lethyna and Liriomyza) were recorded causing substantial damage to foliage and flowers of P. hysterophorus and may have potential as biological control agents. At some sites, Hypena species infested up to 60 % of P. hysterophorus plants surveyed. Further studies are required on the taxonomy, life history, host specificity, and ecological interactions to determine their suitability for integration into biological control programs against P. hysterophorus.
Sources
Al-Jahdhami AA, Al-Subhi AM, Akaak MM, Al-Wahahibi AK (2026) Investigation of biological control agents for the invasive plant Parthenium hysterophorus L. (Asteraceae) in Southern Oman. BioAssay 21, ba21002 https://doi.org/10.37486/1809-8460.ba21002