Biological control of Ulex europaeus   L.: Introduction to Chile of two populations of the moth Agonopterix ulicetella   (Stainton) (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae)

Two strains of the moth Agonopterix ulicetella , a host-specific bioagent of the weed Ulex europaeus (gorse), collected in Hilo, Hawaii, and Plymouth, United Kingdom, were introduced to Chile in 1996 and 1997. Bioagent selection considered the criteria suggested by several biocontrol investigators. Once introduced to Chile, both strains were subjected to quarantine, confirmation of specificity and breeding, three essential protocols to develop a classical weed biocontrol program. Both strains survived shipping, hemisphere change and produced new generations in quarantine. A. ulicetella populations were authorized to be released under field conditions in Chile in 1997 and 1998