Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

1995

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Paulson, Sally L.

Abstract

Cactoblastis cactorum has been used as a biological control for prickly pear cactus, especially Opuntia stricta. Since its introduction to several Caribbean islands in the late 1950's, the moth has spread naturally through the region and now poses a threat to the Opuntia populations in Florida and Texas. A study in the Nature Preserve of FAU from June to August, 1993, revealed that 96% of the prickly pear was O. stricta with Opuntia compressa comprising the remaining four percent. The infestation rate of O. stricta by the native moth borer Melitara prodenialis was significantly higher than by C. cactorum (75% versus 54%). Rate of infestation by either species of moth was positively correlated with plant size. M. prodenialis significantly preferred tertiary pads over primary growth. In contrast, C. cactorum did not show a significant preference for primary, secondary or tertiary pads. Coinfestation rates of individual pads was significantly lower than for the total plant (5% versus 25%).

Extent

36 p.

Comments

Charles E. Schmidt College of Science|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1995.|Charles E. Schmidt College of Science

Identifier

FADT15195

Format

pdf

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