Non-target plant testing of the flea beetle Agasicles hygrophila , a biological control agent for Alternanthera philoxeroides (alligatorweed) in China.

Non-target plant selection tests using 20 representative species showed that Agasicles hygrophila could feed on Alternanthera sessilis, but the mature larvae did not pupate successfully. A. hygrophila could not complete their life cycle on the other plant species tested. Thus, A. hygrophila is safe for controlling Alternanthera philoxeroides in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]