Insect pests and their role as biocontrol agents on populations of Impatiens glandulifera in Bulgaria – a case study

Abstract

Based on data from available scientific publications, a review of the insects, trophically related to Impatiens glandulifera in its European invasion zone has been made. As a result, nine insect species (Pristerognatha fuligana, Deilephila elpenor, Xanthorhoe biriviata, Chrysolina herbacea, Siobla sturmi, Impatientinum asiaticum, Aphis fabae, Aphis nasturtii, Phytoliriomyza melampyga) were found on the invasive plant. Of the identified insects, seven species (D. elpenor, X. biriviata, A. fabae, A. nasturtii, C. herbacea, P. fuligana, P. melampyga) are widespread in the country, of which only two – C. herbacea and  P. fuligana are associated with I. glandulifera. The remaining two (I. asiaticum and S. sturmi) are not pre-sented in the Bulgarian entomofauna. Тhe potential role of these insects as agents of biological control of populations of I. glandulifera in Bulgaria has been assessed.