Survival and Development of the Bronze Poplar Borer Agrilus liragus Barter & Brown (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)

AbstractSurvival of Agrilus liragus B. & B. is highly dependent on host condition. Any weakening factor such as defoliation, mechanical injury, or previous damage by A. liragus increases tree susceptibility to attack and enhances borer survival. The insect itself, through its local weakening effect on the phloem and cambial tissues, controls to some extent its own feeding environment. Although parasitism and predation do take place, the condition of the host tree is considered the prime factor determining the density of the borer population.