ARS | Publication request: Evaluaton of Twelve Genotypes of Hibiscus for Resistance to the Hibiscus Sawfly, Atomacera Decepta Rowher (Hymenoptera: Argidae)

Submitted to: Journal Of Environmental Horticulture
Publication Acceptance Date: May 15, 2004
Publication Date: September 1, 2004
Citation: Boyd Jr, D.W., Cheatham, C.L. 2004. Evaluaton Of Twelve Genotypes Of Hibiscus For Resistance To The Hibiscus Sawfly, Atomacera Decepta Rowher (Hymenoptera: Argidae). Journal Of Environmental Horticulture. 22:(170-172).

Interpretive Summary: The hibiscus sawfly is a minor pest of hibiscus and can defoliate plants if untreated. We evaluated twelve different hibiscuses to determine if the sawfly avoided certain types over others. We found three species of hibiscus that the sawfly did not lay eggs on or feed on. This information will be used by plant breeders to breed the in the sawfly resistance to other hibiscus and by consumers to purchase plants that won't be affected by the sawfly.

Technical Abstract: Twelve genotypes of hibiscus were evaluated for tolerance to the hibiscus sawfly, a minor pest of hibiscus. Evaluations were conducted by counting eggs deposited on the hibiscus and larvae feeding on the hibiscus. Plants were evaluated at the end of the study with a damage rating. Three genotypes demonstrated resistance or tolerance to sawfly feeding: H. acetosella, H. aculeatus, and H. grandiflora. All three of these genotypes had few, if any eggs or larvae and were given the lowest damage rating among the genotypes evaluated.