NATURAL ENEMIES OF MIMOSA-PIGRA AND MIMOSA-BERLANDIERI (MIMOSACEAE) AND PROSPECTS FOR BIOLOGICAL-CONTROL OF MIMOSA-PIGRA

The native range of Mimosa pigra L. and M. berlandieri A. Gray in Mexi co and Central and South America was surveyed for natural enemies of t hese weeds over 14 yr. Approximately 441 species of phytophagous anthr opods were collected comprising 61 families in 6 orders, mostly in the Coleoptera (59%), Hemiptera (23%), and Lepidoptera (17%). Twenty-eigh t insect species (6.3%) were selected as potential biological control agents for M. pigra, and the host range of 14 has been studied. Seven insect species and a fungus have been released in Australia for contro l of this weed and all have established. Three insect species have est ablished in Thailand and 1 in Malaysia. Other potential agents, includ ing a rust, are under study and long-term prospects for biological con trol of this weed are favorable.