Review and Evaluation of Lantana Biocontrol Programs

This paper provides a review of lantana (Lantana camara L.) biological control programs worldwide. Tables on the origins of the agents introduced for the biocontrol of lantana, are presented, including references to the biology and/or host-tests for each species. Establishment and control rates of the introduced agents and cases leading to partial control of lantana are discussed. From the review, feeding groups and species contributing to control were identified. Leaf-, flower-, and fruit-feeding species were the most successful feeding groups, and the leaf-mining chrysomelid, Uroplata girardi Pic, was the most successful control agent. The main factor preventing establishment was the number of individuals released, while cultivar preferences, parasitism and predation, and climate reduced control. The implication of these results for lantana biocontrol programs is discussed, and future research requirements are identified