scholarly journals Thermal tolerance and potential distribution of Carvalhotingis visenda (Hemiptera: Tingidae), a biological control agent for cat's claw creeper, Macfadyena unguis-cati (Bignoniaceae)

2009 ◽  
Vol 100 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Dhileepan ◽  
D. Bayliss ◽  
M. Treviño

AbstractThe specialist tingid, Carvalhotingis visenda, is a biological control agent for cat's claw creeper, Macfadyena unguis-cati (Bignoniaceae). Cat's claw creeper is an invasive liana with a wide climatic tolerance, and for biological control to be effective the tingid must survive and develop over a range of temperatures. We evaluated the effect of constant temperatures (0–45°C) on the survival and development of C. visenda. Adults showed tolerance for wider temperature ranges (0–45°C), but oviposition, egg hatching and nymphal development were all affected by both high (>30°C) and low (<20°C) temperatures. Temperatures between 20°C and 30°C are the most favourable for adult survival, oviposition, egg hatching and nymphal development. The ability of adults and nymphs to survive for a few days at high (40°C and 45°C) and low (0°C and 5°C) temperatures suggest that extreme temperature events, which usually occur for short durations (hours) in cat's claw creeper infested regions in Queensland and New South Wales states are not likely to affect the tingid population. The potential number of generations (egg to adult) the tingid can complete in a year in Australia ranged from three to eight, with more generations in Queensland than in New South Wales.

2010 ◽  
Vol 58 (4) ◽  
pp. 205 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Peacock ◽  
Ian Abbott

We reviewed historical literature and obtained nearly 200 records of the mongoose in Australia up to 1942. Although the earliest importations (from 1855) were for its snake-killing prowess, often as entertainment, its perceived potential as a control agent for the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) plague saw concerted introductions made in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, primarily in 1883 and 1884. At least 1000 mongoose were released to control rabbits at 14 reported release locations in these states. As many as 700 of these mongoose were reported released in one New South Wales rabbit-control trial. These numbers indicate that insufficient propagule pressure does not explain why Australia escaped the additional devastation of an established mongoose population. The only reason stated for the failure of the mongoose releases to control rabbits is destruction of the mongoose by rabbit trappers, both inadvertently and in seeking to protect their employment. Unfavourable climate was implicated by CLIMATCH modelling in the failure of all releases, especially those into semiarid areas such as western New South Wales. No contemporary detail could be located of the reported 1884 failed introduction of ‘numbers’ of mongoose into North Queensland to control rats in sugarcane plantations.


2008 ◽  
Vol 99 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.B. Edwards ◽  
R.J. Adair ◽  
R.H. Holtkamp ◽  
W.J. Wanjura ◽  
A.S. Bruzzese ◽  
...  

AbstractThe seed fly Mesoclanis polana (Diptera: Tephritidae) was released in Australia in 1996. Its impact on seed production of bitou bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata) was monitored at eight sites along the New South Wales coast from 1996 to 2004. Peak flowerhead production occurred in autumn (March to May); therefore, samples collected in May of each year were used to compare abundance and impact of M. polana across sites and between years. Latitude had a significant effect on abundance and impact of M. polana. By May 2004, 99.6% of flowerheads at the five most northern sites contained at least one egg, while 64% of flowerheads from the two most southern sites contained at least one egg. In May 2004, mean numbers of M. polana eggs per flowerhead were between 13 and 17 at four of the six northern sites and below two at the two southern sites. In May 2004, average seed destruction by M. polana was 58% at the four most northern sites and 11% at the two most southern sites. The highest level of seed destruction recorded was 86% at Kingscliff in May 2003. Percentage seed destruction in May provided a reasonable estimate of seed destruction for the whole year. Parasitoids were found throughout the range of M. polana in Australia. Their attack rate on M. polana was less than 10% at all sites, except at the two most northern sites where parasitism of up to 27% was recorded. Parasitism results are compared with predictions made following an earlier study. The release of Mesoclanis magnipalpis, a species suited to cooler environments, is recommended for the southern range of C. monilifera subsp. rotundata.


1982 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 199 ◽  
Author(s):  
RA Farrow

Unrealized natality and mortalities at successive development stages were measured during synchronized breeding by populations of the Australian plague locust. Studies were made over a 3-y period, covering nine generations, on small plots situated in pastures derived originally from savannah woodland in central western New South Wales. Variations in natality and mortalities were influenced more by variation in soil moisture, primarily through its effect on pasture conditions, than by the effects of natural enemies; these variations were closely correlated with seasonal rainfall. Unidentified losses, independent of known variables, were recorded in the hopper stage and were highest in the hatchling. Such losses invariably exceeded 60% even under the most favourable conditions encountered in the field during the study period. The quantitative relationships established in this study between the plague locust and its natural enemies and other environmental factors suggest that prospects for the biological control of this pest by either native or introduced species are poor.


1999 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 583 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. D. Hetherington ◽  
J. A. G. Irwin

Members of the Sporobolus indicus complex, particularly Sporobolus indicus (L.) R. Br. var. major (Buse) Baaijens (Giant Parramatta Grass; GPG) and S. pyramidalis P. Beauv. (Giant Rat’s Tail Grass; GRTG), are serious pastoral weeds in coastal areas of Australia. Ovariicolous fungal pathogens from the genus Bipolaris Shoem. are agents of the disease false smut on these plants. The hosts are morphologically plastic and variation in disease susceptibility may affect the use of the fungus as a biological control agent. Variation was investigated by screening 22 clones representative of 5 taxonomic entities within the S. indicus complex with 39 fungal isolates representative of 4 Bipolaris species. Both weed entities were highly susceptible to B. ravenelii and B. crustacea and only slightly susceptible to B. cylindrica and B. australis. The converse was true for other Sporobolus entities tested. Genomic DNA was extracted from 20 Sporobolus clones (genotypes) and the RAPD technique used to generate an index of variation. This technique was able to separate the members of the complex into taxonomic groupings. There was only a 2% difference in banding patterns of S. indicus var. major clones collected in New South Wales. Variation amongst clones of S. pyramidalis was greater (15%), indicating a more genetically diverse plant population. The more variable genetic background of S. pyramidalis is more likely to provide variation in susceptibility than that of S. indicus var. major


1989 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 645 ◽  
Author(s):  
DG James

Populations of mite predators and Tetranychus urticae (Tetranychidae) occurring in peach orchards on two farms at Leeton, New South Wales, were monitored during 1987/88. In both orchards the key pest Cydia molesta (Busck) (Tortricidae) was controlled by a pheromonal mating disruption strategy which avoided the use of broad-spectrum insecticides. During both years substantial populations of a native predatory mite, Amblyseius victoriensis were associated with an absence or very low populations of T. urticae from mid-summer until leaf fall. During spring 1987 some control of T. urticae was provided by a suite of predatory insects. Late spring applications of fungicide delayed development of A. victoriensis populations and a mid-summer miticide spray delayed establishment of the predator. Typhlodromus occidentalis occurred only when A. victoriensis populations were low or eradicated by sprays. During autumn, 1987 A. victoriensis occurred on orchard weeds but populations declined to a low level during winter. Substantial overwintering populations of reproductive T. urticae occurred on weeds and invaded the trees at bud burst. The generalist feeding behaviour of A. victoriensis is considered to be the key to the success of this predator. Dependence on biological control for T. urticae management is considered to be a practical option for southern New South Wales peach orchardists.


2006 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 215 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Sharp ◽  
M. Norton ◽  
A. Marks

The remnant New South Wales (NSW) yellow-footed rock-wallaby (Petrogale xanthopus) population underwent a substantial decline between 1985 and 1992 and remained at dangerously low levels until 1995. To determine the processes underlying this decline, a population study was conducted at one colony, between winter 1995 and winter 1998. The colony was observed to remain relatively constant in size, consisting of between 12 or 13 individuals throughout the study. Reproductive rates were found to be relatively high. Both reproduction and pouch young survival were comparable with those reported for other P. xanthopus colonies, while adult survival rates were higher than those noted in other studies. Because population size remained constant during the study and adult survivorship was consistently high, this suggested that juvenile recruitment into the colony was low. Such low levels of recruitment may have had a substantive role in the slow decline of the entire NSW P. xanthopus population. The results of this study suggest that any management actions undertaken in the NSW P. xanthopus population should focus on increasing juvenile survival rates. Further research is required to determine whether juvenile survival is constrained by predation or competition with other herbivores.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Haiyan Fan ◽  
Meiling Yao ◽  
Haiming Wang ◽  
Di Zhao ◽  
Xiaofeng Zhu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Root-knot nematode is one of the most significant diseases of vegetable crops in the world. Biological control with microbial antagonists has been emerged as a promising and eco-friendly treatment to control pathogens. The aim of this study was to screen and identify novel biocontrol agents against root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita. Results A total of 890 fungal isolates were obtained from rhizosphere soil of different crops and screened by nematicidal activity assays. Snef1910 strain showed high virulence against second stage juveniles (J2s) of M. incognita and identified as Trichoderma citrinoviride by morphology analysis and biomolecular assay. Furthermore, T. citrinoviride Snef1910 significantly inhibited egg hatching with the hatching inhibition percentages of 90.27, 77.50, and 67.06% at 48, 72, and 96 h after the treatment, respectively. The results of pot experiment showed that the metabolites of T. citrinoviride Snef1910 significantly decreased the number of root galls, J2s, and nematode egg masses and J2s population density in soil and significantly promoted the growth of tomato plants. In the field experiment, the biocontrol application showed that the control efficacy of T. citrinoviride Snef1910 against root-knot nematode was more than 50%. Meanwhile, T. citrinoviride Snef1910 increased the tomato plant biomass. Conclusions T. citrinoviride strain Snef1910 could be used as a potential biological control agent against root-knot nematode, M. incognita.


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