The iris seed weevil-Mononychus punctum-album Hbst. (Curculionidae, Coleoptera) sin Mononychus pseudacori Fb

Abstract

Researches concering the Iris seeds weevil, Mononychus punctum-album Hbst., continued in 1996, in the collection of Iris spp. from Botanic Garden of Cluj-Napoca. Using the direct collect of insects method from the capsules (fruits) of hostplants (Iris spp.), the following species were attacked: Iris haematophilus Fisch., Iris forrestis, Iris barleata L., Iris sikkinensis Dykes, Iris longipetalia Hersk., Iris brysozoba, Iris dichotoma Tall., Iris sibirica L., Iris milesii Baker, Iris aphila, Iris pallida Lam. Iris germanica L. was not attacked. The aspects of morphology and biology of Iris seed weevil, Mononychus punctum-album Hbst. are also described. This seminiphagous pest can reduce the subtances produced by seed at these ornamental plants and can produce difficulties concerning the change of seed between different botanic gardens. We recommand to protect the Iris collections by spreading insectiphuges or using a pyrethroid insecticide (Dacis 2.5 EC - 0.025% or Meothrin 20 EC - 0.025%).

Keywords

• seminiphagous pest
• Iris spp.
• Mononychus punctum-album Hbst.