The success of natural enemies in controlling introduced pests in American Samoa
Vargo AM, Ali L, Fruen K, Sworts V, Fa'Aumu S. 1993. The success of natural enemies in controlling introduced pests in American Samoa. Micronesica. 4:69-77
Natural enemies keep most pest populations in American Samoa below economically important levels. When new pests (such as Thrips palmi and Plutella xylostella) arrive, they initially cause severe damage. However, within one to two years, natural enemies or perhaps other environmental conditions reduce pest populations. Nevertheless, in some cases, such as that of Othreis fullonia, additional biological controls are needed in order to keep a pest below the economic threshhold. The success of natural enemies in American Samoa may be due to a number of factors: little insecticide usage, thus minimising adverse effects on natural enemies; mixed cropping systems (eg. interplanting with Coleus blumei); and the presence of the virgin rainforest, which may contain alternative hosts and suitable habitats for natural enemies.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Vargo, Agnes; Ali, L; Fruen, K; Sworts, V; Fa'Aumu, S
- Units
- NPSA , PACN
- Keywords
- American Samoa, Animal Studies, Biological Controls, Exotic Species, Othreis fullonia, Pest, Plutella xylostella, Thrips palmi, Vegetation