Thesis
The biology of a little known weevil Polydrusus impressifrons Gyllenhal (1834) (Coleoptera: curculionidae) in an irrigated hybrid poplar plantation in the Pacific Northwest
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2013
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/100420
Abstract
The pale green weevil (Polydrusus impressifrons) is an insect that was accidentally introduced into North America from its native Germany in the early 1900’s. Although this beetle belongs to a genus that is known to have destructive species in its native Germany, P. impressifrons has never been known to be economically important in Europe. Due to this fact, the life cycle of the weevil was never documented. After its introduction into North America, some life studies were conducted in 1906, however, the lack of information in economic treatises in Germany and its subterranean larval stages made the insect difficult to study. After approximately 100 years, the weevil has spread across Northern America and Southern Canada and propagated and is now becoming a pest especially to poplar plantations and hardwood forest. According to early descriptions, the beetle is especially fond of species of the Populus genus (i.e., aspen, cottonwood, and poplar) and also the family Rosaceae (i.e., apple, rose, and pear). However, it is known to have a wide host range, including willow, birch, maple, linden, and locust. Due to the fact of the weevil’s present condition of becoming an increasing threat to poplar plantations, herein, I examine the weevil and describe the life cycle and feeding habits while inhabiting an irrigated, hybrid poplar plantation in central, northern Oregon.
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Details
- Title
- The biology of a little known weevil Polydrusus impressifrons Gyllenhal (1834) (Coleoptera: curculionidae) in an irrigated hybrid poplar plantation in the Pacific Northwest
- Creators
- John Charles Niedbala
- Contributors
- John J. Brown (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Entomology, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525018101842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis