Conclusion
Cd added to the nutrient solution at 1 mg·L−1 significantly reduced growth of alligatorweed and purple nutsedge. Both plant species increased about threefold in Cd content when exposed to the added Cd over the 3 to 4 wk periods. A significant difference existed between the two insect species in their response to Cd; the alligatorweed flea beetle was very sensitive to Cd levels in the alligatorweed and the nutsedge moth was virtually unaffected by the levels in the purple nutsedge and diet. These results implied that the alligatorweed/alligatorweed flea beetle system might serve as a sensitive bioassay for heavy metal pollution in sewage effluent, particularly since alligatorweed has been considered as a potential biological filter for effluent (Wolvertonet al. 1975). Other trace elements may be involved in the biogeography of plants and insects and would merit investigation.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
BYERS, R. A. and K. E. ZEIDERS: J. Environ. Qual.5, 205 (1976).
FRICK, K. E.: p. 204 In F. G. Maxwell, and F. A. Harris (eds.), “Proceedings of the Summer Institute on Biological Control of Plant Insects and Diseases.” University Press of Mississippi, Jackson (1974).
FRICK, K. E. and C. GARCIA, JR.: Ann. Entomol. Soc. Am.68, 7 (1975).
FRICK, K. E. and P. C. QUIMBY, JR.: Weed Sci.25, 13 (1977).
GARCIA, C., JR. and K. E. FRICK: Ann. Entomol. Soc. Am.68, 15 (1975).
HOLM, L. G., D. L. PLUCKNETT, J. V. PANCHO, and J. P. HERBERGER: The World's Worst Weeds, Distribution and Biology, 1st ed. Honolulu, The University Press of Hawaii (1977).
HURD-KARRER, A. M. and F. W. POOS: Science84, 252 (1936).
LELAND, H. V., E. D. COPENHAVER, and L. S. CORRILL: J. WPCF46, 1452 (1974).
MADDOX, D. M. and R. M. MCCREADY: Entomophaga20, 409 (1975).
MADDOX, D. M. and M. RHYNE: Environ. Entomol.4, 682 (1975).
MILLER, W. E.: Ann. Entomol. Soc. Am.70, 253 (1977).
QUIMBY, P. C., JR. and S. H. KAY: Physiol. Plant.40, 163 (1977).
PAGE, A. L., F. T. BINGHAM, and C. NELSON: J. Environ. Qual.1, 288 (1972).
SPENCER, N. R. and J. R. COULSON: Aquatic Bot.2, 177 (1976).
TURNER, M. A.:J. Environ. Quality2, 118 (1973).
WILLIAMS, C. H. and D. J. DAVID: Soil Sci.121, 86 (1976).
WOLVERTON, B. C., R. C. MCDONALD, and J. GORDON: Water Hyacinths and Alligatorweed for Final Filtration of Sewage. NASA Technical Memorandum No. TM-X-72724, Natl. Space Tech. Lab., Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, 8 pp. (1975).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station co-operating.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Quimby, P.C., Frick, K.E., Wauchope, R.D. et al. Effects of cadmium on two biocontrol insects and their host weeds. Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 22, 371–378 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02026957
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02026957