THE PHYTOPHAGOUS INSECT FAUNA OF <i>RUBUS</i> SPP. (ROSACEAE) IN VICTORIA, A STUDY ON THE BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF BLACKBERRY (RUBUS FRUTICOSUS L. AGG.)

Abstract In Victoria 44 species of phytophagous insects and two species of mites were found to attack endemic and introduced Rubus spp. Most insects were polyphagous and ectophagous and half were of some economic importance to crop plants. Only one host‐specific insect was found on endemic Rubus spp. European blackberry appears to have been introduced into Australia free of its specific insect predators and the possible use of one of these as a biological control agent is mentioned.