Preliminary study on the distribution of the introduced gall-forming fly, Cecidochares connexa, for the biological control of the invasive alien weed Chromolaena odorata in the Philippines

Mike Day and colleagues have published “Preliminary study on the distribution of the introduced gall-forming fly, Cecidochares connexa, for the biological control of the invasive alien weed Chromolaena odorata in the Philippines” in the Philippine Journal of Science. The distribution of the gall fly, a biological control agent of chromolaena or Siam weed, was determined for the three main islands – Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao –18 years after its introduction into the Philippines. The fly was present at 82 sites in eight localities on Visayas and Mindanao and was found up to 400 km from initial release sites. The gall fly was having some impact by producing dead branches and stems. These results showed that this gall fly has firmly established in the Phillipines and that it may disperse over long distances to new areas.

Rosialda, P.B.R., Quibod, M.N.R.M. and Day, M.D. 2019. Preliminary study on the distribution of the introduced gall-forming fly, Cecidochares connexa (Macquart) (Diptera: Tephritidae) for the biological control of the invasive alien weed Chromolaena odorata (l.) R.M. King & H. Rob. (Asteraceae) in the Philippines. Philippine Journal of Science 148(1): 185-192.