Distribution of Chromolaena odorata and its Biological Control in Taiwan

Abstract

Chromolaena odorata, introduced about 15 years ago to the southern part of Taiwan as a medicinal plant has become an invasive weed and has already spread to the counties of Pingtung, Kaohsiung, Tainan, Chiayi, Yunlin, Changhau, Taichung, and Taitung. An eriophyid mite, Acalitus adoratus, has been fortuitously introduced but is not effective in controlling C. odorata. Two effective natural enemies, a moth, Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata and a gall fly, Cecidochares connexa have been imported from Guam into the quarantine facility at the National Pingtung University of Science and Technology for host-specificity testing and field release upon approval by the quarantine authority.