Together again: the invasive mustard <i>Hesperis matronalis</i> suffers devastating seed predation by a recently adventive specialist weevil.

ABSTRACT: The enemy release hypothesis underpins classical (or importation) biocontrol as a management technique for invasive species. Classical biocontrol has had resounding success when prospective control agents have been subject to appropriate screening before release. Occasionally, however, natural enemies have been reunited with their hosts accidentally. Such adventive agents may provide effective control but have also avoided the careful screening characteristic of modern importation biocontrol programmes. We were studying the invasive mustard, Hesperis matronalis L. (Dame's rocket; Brassicaceae: Hesperidae), when we discovered rampant seed predation by an unknown seed predator. Using DNA barcoding, we identified this seed predator as Ceutorhynchus inaffectatus Gyllenhal (Coleop

SUBMITTER: Ensing DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12634765 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature