Fungi and phytophagus arthropods associated with Himalayan honeysuckle ('leycesteria formosa' wall.) In North-east Victoria

The invasive shrub Leycesteria formosa Wall. is problematic in natural ecosystems in south-east Australia. In 2009, a population at Bruarong in north-east Victoria was found to be in decline. A range of fungi were isolated from the foliage, stems and roots of L. formosa, but these were considered to be either endophytes, saprophytes or weak pathogens. There was no indication of bacterial infections and no viruses were detected. The mite Tetranychus urticae Koch. was found to damage foliage and reproductive structures and induce premature defoliation of plants in late summer and autumn. Tetranychus urticae may have a role in the biological suppression of L. formosa in natural ecosystems as an augmentative agent.