Bagworms (lepidoptera: Psychidae): Potential pests of guayule (parthenium argentatum gray) plantations in Southern Africa

Abstract

Larvae of the bagworm Eumeta hardenbergi(Bourgogne) (Lepidoptera: Psychidae) are reported for the first time to feed on the leaves and bark of guayule(Parthenium argentatum Gray) plants which were being examined as a potential source of natural rubber in Pietermaritzburg, Natal, South Africa. Plant damage due to the removal of stem shoots for bag construction by a light infestation of larvae was assessed. Subsequent losses in rubber yield were estimated to be c. 100 kg ha−1An unidentified bagworm was also found feeding on guayuleleaves. Both species of bagworm should be considered as potential pests of guayule plantations in areas of southern Africa. © 1992 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.