scholarly journals Biological control protects tropical forests

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.A.G. Wyckhuys ◽  
A.C. Hughes ◽  
C. Buamas ◽  
A.C. Johnson ◽  
L. Vasseur ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Forest Conservation ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Lao Pdr ◽  
Phenacoccus Manihoti ◽  
Deforestation Rates ◽  
National Production ◽  
Cassava Crop ◽  
Current Guidelines ◽  
Land Pressure

AbstractBiological control of invasive species can restore crop yields, and thus ease land pressure and contribute to forest conservation. In this study, we show how biological control against the mealybug Phenacoccus manihoti (Hemiptera) slowed deforestation across Southeast Asia. In Thailand, the newly-arrived mealybug caused an 18% decline in cassava yields over 2009-2010, a shortfall in national production and an escalation in the price of cassava products. This spurred an expansion of cassava cropping in neighboring countries from 713,000 ha in 2009 to >1 million ha by 2011: satellite imagery reveal 388%, 330%, 185% and 608% increases in peak deforestation rates in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Viet Nam focused in cassava crop expansion areas. Following release of the host-specific natural enemy Anagyrus lopezi (Hymenoptera) in 2010, mealybug outbreaks were reduced, cropping area contracted and associated deforestation slowed by 31-94% in individual countries. When used with due caution and according to current guidelines, biological control offers broad benefits for people and the environment.

scholarly journals Continental-scale suppression of an invasive pest by a host-specific parasitoid heralds a new era for arthropod biological control

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kris Wyckhuys ◽  
Prapit Wongtiem ◽  
Aunu Rauf ◽  
Anchana Thancharoen ◽  
George Heimpel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Crop Protection ◽  
Commodity Prices ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Invasive Pest ◽  
Phenacoccus Manihoti ◽  
New Era ◽  
Continental Scale ◽  
Parasitism Rates ◽  
Cassava Crop

Biological control constitutes one of the world’s prime ecosystems services, and can provide long-term and broad-scale suppression of invasive pests, weeds and pathogens in both natural and agricultural environments. Following (very few) widely-documented historic cases that led to sizeable environmental up-sets, the discipline of insect biological control has -over the past three decades- gone through much-needed reform. Now, by deliberately taking into account the ecological risks associated with insect biological control, immense environmental and societal benefits can be gained. In this study, we document and analyze a rare, successful case of biological control against the invasive mealybug, Phenacoccus manihoti (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) which invaded Southeast Asia in 2008, where it caused substantial crop losses and triggered 2- to 3-fold surges in agricultural commodity prices. In 2009, the host-specific parasitoid Anagyrus lopezi (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) was released in Thailand and subsequently introduced into neighboring Asian countries. Drawing upon continental-scale insect surveys, multi-year population studies and (field-level) experimental assays, we show how A. lopezi attained intermediate to high parasitism rates across diverse agro-ecological contexts. Driving mealybug populations below non-damaging levels at a continental scale, A. lopezi allowed yield recoveries up to 10.0 t/ha and provided biological control services worth several hundred dollars per ha (at local farm-gate prices) in Asia’s 4-million ha cassava crop. Our work provides lessons to invasion science and crop protection worldwide, heralds a new era for insect biological control, and highlights its potentially large socio-economic benefits to agricultural sustainability in the face of a debilitating invasive pest. In times of unrelenting insect invasions, surging pesticide use and accelerating (invertebrate) biodiversity loss across the globe, this study unequivocally demonstrates how biological control – as a pure public good – constitutes a powerful, cost-effective and environmentally-responsible solution for invasive species mitigation.

scholarly journals Continental-scale suppression of an invasive pest by a host-specific parasitoid underlines both environmental and economic benefits of arthropod biological control

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e5796 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kris A.G. Wyckhuys ◽  
Prapit Wongtiem ◽  
Aunu Rauf ◽  
Anchana Thancharoen ◽  
George E. Heimpel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Crop Protection ◽  
Commodity Prices ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Invasive Pest ◽  
Phenacoccus Manihoti ◽  
Continental Scale ◽  
Parasitism Rates ◽  
Cassava Crop

Biological control, a globally-important ecosystem service, can provide long-term and broad-scale suppression of invasive pests, weeds and pathogens in natural, urban and agricultural environments. Following (few) historic cases that led to sizeable environmental up-sets, the discipline of arthropod biological control has—over the past decades—evolved and matured. Now, by deliberately taking into account the ecological risks associated with the planned introduction of insect natural enemies, immense environmental and societal benefits can be gained. In this study, we document and analyze a successful case of biological control against the cassava mealybug, Phenacoccus manihoti (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) which invaded Southeast Asia in 2008, where it caused substantial crop losses and triggered two- to three-fold surges in agricultural commodity prices. In 2009, the host-specific parasitoid Anagyrus lopezi (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) was released in Thailand and subsequently introduced into neighboring Asian countries. Drawing upon continental-scale insect surveys, multi-year population studies and (field-level) experimental assays, we show how A. lopezi attained intermediate to high parasitism rates across diverse agro-ecological contexts. Driving mealybug populations below non-damaging levels over a broad geographical area, A. lopezi allowed yield recoveries up to 10.0 t/ha and provided biological control services worth several hundred dollars per ha (at local farm-gate prices) in Asia’s four-million ha cassava crop. Our work provides lessons to invasion science and crop protection worldwide. Furthermore, it accentuates the importance of scientifically-guided biological control for insect pest management, and highlights its potentially large socio-economic benefits to agricultural sustainability in the face of a debilitating invasive pest. In times of unrelenting insect invasions, surging pesticide use and accelerating biodiversity loss across the globe, this study demonstrates how biological control—as a pure public good endeavor—constitutes a powerful, cost-effective and environmentally-responsible solution for invasive species mitigation.

scholarly journals Continental-scale suppression of an invasive pest by a host-specific parasitoid heralds a new era for arthropod biological control

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kris Wyckhuys ◽  
Prapit Wongtiem ◽  
Aunu Rauf ◽  
Anchana Thancharoen ◽  
George Heimpel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Crop Protection ◽  
Commodity Prices ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Invasive Pest ◽  
Phenacoccus Manihoti ◽  
New Era ◽  
Continental Scale ◽  
Parasitism Rates ◽  
Cassava Crop

Biological control constitutes one of the world’s prime ecosystems services, and can provide long-term and broad-scale suppression of invasive pests, weeds and pathogens in both natural and agricultural environments. Following (very few) widely-documented historic cases that led to sizeable environmental up-sets, the discipline of insect biological control has -over the past three decades- gone through much-needed reform. Now, by deliberately taking into account the ecological risks associated with insect biological control, immense environmental and societal benefits can be gained. In this study, we document and analyze a rare, successful case of biological control against the invasive mealybug, Phenacoccus manihoti (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) which invaded Southeast Asia in 2008, where it caused substantial crop losses and triggered 2- to 3-fold surges in agricultural commodity prices. In 2009, the host-specific parasitoid Anagyrus lopezi (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) was released in Thailand and subsequently introduced into neighboring Asian countries. Drawing upon continental-scale insect surveys, multi-year population studies and (field-level) experimental assays, we show how A. lopezi attained intermediate to high parasitism rates across diverse agro-ecological contexts. Driving mealybug populations below non-damaging levels at a continental scale, A. lopezi allowed yield recoveries up to 10.0 t/ha and provided biological control services worth several hundred dollars per ha (at local farm-gate prices) in Asia’s 4-million ha cassava crop. Our work provides lessons to invasion science and crop protection worldwide, heralds a new era for insect biological control, and highlights its potentially large socio-economic benefits to agricultural sustainability in the face of a debilitating invasive pest. In times of unrelenting insect invasions, surging pesticide use and accelerating (invertebrate) biodiversity loss across the globe, this study unequivocally demonstrates how biological control – as a pure public good – constitutes a powerful, cost-effective and environmentally-responsible solution for invasive species mitigation.

scholarly journals Biological control agents in the integrated nematode management of potato in Egypt

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahfouz M. M. Abd-Elgawad
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Integrated Management ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Potato Production ◽  
Parasitic Nematodes ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Biological Control Agents ◽  
Economic Significance

Abstract Background Potato represents Egypt’s largest vegetable export crop. Many plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are globally inflicting damage to potato plants. In Egypt, their economic significance considerably varies according to PPN distribution, population levels, and pathogenicity. Main body This review article highlights the biology, ecology, and economic value of the PPN control viewpoint. The integration of biological control agents (BCAs), as sound and safe potato production practice, with other phytosanitary measures to manage PPNs is presented for sustainable agriculture. A few cases of BCA integration with such other options as synergistic/additive PPN management measures to upgrade crop yields are reviewed. Yet, various attributes of BCAs should better be grasped so that they can fit in at the emerging and/or existing integrated management strategies of potato pests. Conclusion A few inexpensive biocontrol products, for PPNs control on potato, versus their corresponding costly chemical nematicides are gathered and listed for consideration. Hence, raising awareness of farmers for making these biologicals familiar and easy to use will promote their wider application while offering safe and increased potato yield.

MELANIZATION OF EGGS AND LARVAE OF THE PARASITOID, EPIDINOCARSIS LOPEZI (DE SANTIS) (HYMENOPTERA: ENCYRTIDAE), BY THE CASSAVA MEALYBUG, PHENACOCCUS MANIHOTI MATILE-FERRERO (HOMOPTERA: PSEUDOCOCCIDAE)

1988 ◽  
Vol 120 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel J. Sullivan ◽  
Peter Neuenschwander
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Biological Control Agent ◽  
Control Agent ◽  
Phenacoccus Manihoti ◽  
Defense Reaction ◽  
Epidinocarsis Lopezi ◽  
Cassava Mealybug ◽  
Major Pest ◽  
Eggs And Larvae ◽  
Host Tissues

AbstractThe encyrtid wasp Epidinocarsis lopezi (De Santis) has been introduced into Africa as a biological control agent against the cassava mealybug Phenacoccus manihoti Matile-Ferrero. This host has a defense reaction against the immature parasitoid that involves encapsulation and melanization. Under laboratory conditions, 37.5% of once-stung cassava mealybugs had been parasitized, as indicated by eggs and larvae of the parasitoid in dissected hosts. Of these parasitized cassava mealybugs, 89.6% contained melanized particles (egg, partially melanized larva, internal host tissues, exoskeleton wound scars). Some of the parasitoid larvae were only partially melanized, and either freed themselves from the melanized capsule or else shed it at the next molt. By the 3rd day of their development only 12.5% were completely melanized. In cassava mealybugs with melanized host tissue but no living parasitoid, the survival of the host was not affected by the melanization. The mealybug itself sometimes shed black particles at the next molt and these were found attached to the cast skins. When superparasitized in the laboratory, 68.6% of twice-stung cassava mealybugs contained parasitoids. Mummies collected from a field experiment showed that melanization rates of mummies increased with increasing parasitization rates. Thus, melanization in the cassava mealybug was commonly triggered when E. lopezi oviposited, but this defense reaction was mostly ineffective, permitting the introduced parasitoid to be a successful biological control agent in Africa against the cassava mealybug, a major pest on this important food crop.

Biological control of the cassava mealybug, Phenacoccus manihoti by the exotic parasitoid Epidinocarsis lopezi in Africa

1988 ◽  
Vol 318 (1189) ◽  
pp. 319-333 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Population Dynamics ◽  
South America ◽  
Reproductive Potential ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Phenacoccus Manihoti ◽  
Epidinocarsis Lopezi ◽  
Southwestern Nigeria ◽  
Cassava Mealybug ◽  
Accidental Introduction

Since its accidental introduction into Africa, the cassava mealybug (CM) has spread to about 25 countries. The specific parasitoid Epidinocarsis lopezi , introduced from South America, its area of origin, into Nigeria in 1981, has since been released in more than 50 sites. By the end of 1986 it was established in 16 countries and more than 750 000 km 2 . In southwestern Nigeria, CM populations declined after two initial releases, and have since remained low. During the same period, populations of indigenous predators of CM , mainly coccinellids, have declined, as have indigenous hyperparasitoids on E. lopezi , because of scarcer hosts. Results from laboratory bionomic studies were incorporated into a simulation model. The model, field studies on population dynamics, and experiments excluding E. lopezi by physical or chemical means demonstrate its efficiency, despite its low reproductive potential.

scholarly journals Landscape context does not constrain biological control of Phenacoccus manihoti in intensified cassava systems of southern Vietnam

2018 ◽  
Vol 121 ◽  
pp. 129-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
T.T.N. Le ◽  
I. Graziosi ◽  
T.M. Cira ◽  
M.W. Gates ◽  
L. Parker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Landscape Context ◽  
Phenacoccus Manihoti ◽  
Southern Vietnam

Analysis of Biological Control of Cassava Pests in Africa. II. Cassava Mealybug Phenacoccus manihoti

1988 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 921 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. P. Gutierrez ◽  
P. Neuenschwander ◽  
F. Schulthess ◽  
H. R. Herren ◽  
J. U. Baumgaertner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Phenacoccus Manihoti ◽  
Cassava Mealybug

Biological Control of the Cassava Mealybug, Phenacoccus manihoti (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae), in Zambia

1994 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 254-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Chakupurakal ◽  
R.H. Markham ◽  
P. Neuenschwander ◽  
M. Sakala ◽  
C. Malambo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Phenacoccus Manihoti ◽  
Cassava Mealybug

Biological control of the cassava mealybug, Phenacoccus manihoti (Hom., Pseudococcidae) by Epidinocarsis lopezi (Hym., Encyrtidae) in West Africa, as influenced by climate and soil

1990 ◽  
Vol 32 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 39-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Neuenschwander ◽  
W.N.O. Hammond ◽  
O. Ajuonu ◽  
A. Gado ◽  
N. Echendu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
West Africa ◽  
Phenacoccus Manihoti ◽  
Epidinocarsis Lopezi ◽  
Cassava Mealybug
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