scholarly journals A method for host range testing of a biological control agent for Uraba lugens

2007 ◽  
Vol 60 ◽  
pp. 286-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
L.A. Berndt ◽  
S. Mansfield ◽  
T.M. Withers
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Host Range ◽  
Biological Control Agent ◽  
Control Agent ◽  
Testing Methods ◽  
Parasitoid Species ◽  
Test Species ◽  
Testing Method ◽  
Nontarget Species ◽  
Range Testing

Uraba lugens (gum leaf skeletoniser) is a serious pest of Eucalyptus spp in Australia It is now well established in the greater Auckland region and is spreading Two parasitoid species are under consideration as potential biological control agents of U lugens This paper describes host range testing methods developed using one of these species (Cotesia urabae) against two nontarget species Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera litura Using sequential nochoice tests to test the response of mated C urabae females clear preferences were observed for U lugens over both nontarget test species Some females did attempt to attack the nontarget species but no evidence of parasitism was observed when nontarget hosts were reared or dissected This method elucidated both behavioural responses and physiological development of C urabae and it is proposed to be a suitable host range testing method for full evaluation of this species

scholarly journals Twophase openfield test to confirm host range of a biocontrol agent Cleopus japonicus

2009 ◽  
Vol 62 ◽  
pp. 184-190
Author(s):  
M.C. Watson ◽  
T.M. Withers ◽  
R.L. Hill
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Host Range ◽  
Laboratory Tests ◽  
Biocontrol Agent ◽  
Biological Control Agent ◽  
Control Agent ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Test Species ◽  
Buddleja Davidii

The buddleia leaf weevil Cleopus japonicus was released in New Zealand in 2006 as a biological control agent for the weed Buddleja davidii A twophase openfield design was used to confirm laboratory host range and examine nontarget impacts in the field This was the first field trial undertaken in New Zealand and included six nontarget plant species Feeding and dispersal of the agent on the test species and B davidii were compared Cleopus japonicus strongly preferred B davidii Larvae were recorded on Verbascum virgatum and Scrophularia auriculata during the choice stage of the trial Killing the B davidii plants in the second phase resulted in adults feeding on the two exotic species V virgatum and S auriculata Minor exploratory feeding was recorded on the natives Hebe speciosa and Myoporum laetum These results confirm that laboratory tests conducted to assess the safety of this agent for release in New Zealand accurately predicted field host range

scholarly journals Nontarget species selection for host range testing of Cotesia urabae

2009 ◽  
Vol 62 ◽  
pp. 168-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
L.A. Berndt ◽  
T.M. Withers ◽  
S. Mansfield ◽  
R.J.B. Hoare
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Host Range ◽  
Endemic Species ◽  
Biological Control Agent ◽  
Species Selection ◽  
Species List ◽  
Tyria Jacobaeae ◽  
Nontarget Species ◽  
Range Testing

Classical biological control is being attempted for Uraba lugens (Lepidoptera Noctuidae Nolinae) an Australian eucalypt pest established in New Zealand The Australian solitary larval endoparasitoid Cotesia urabae (Hymenoptera Braconidae) is the most promising agent under investigation A nontarget species list was compiled for host range testing The endemic species Celama parvitis is the sole New Zealand representative of the Nolinae and was highest priority The next most closely related subfamily is the Arctiinae of which New Zealand has four endemic species (Metacrias huttoni M erichrysa M strategica and Nyctemera annulata) and one introduced biological control agent (Tyria jacobaeae) The merits of including other more distantly related members of the Noctuidae and unrelated Lepidoptera filling a similar niche are discussed

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document