scholarly journals Clover root weevil in the South Island detection response and current distribution

2007 ◽  
Vol 60 ◽  
pp. 209-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.B. Phillips ◽  
M.R. McNeill ◽  
S. Hardwick ◽  
C.J. Vink ◽  
J.M. Kean ◽  
...  

Sitona lepidus had spread throughout the North Island of New Zealand by 2005 and was first detected in the South Island in January 2006 when one individual was found at Harewood Christchurch Intensive sampling during February 2006 recovered only two additional specimens Several specimens were recovered from a separate Christchurch location in August 2006 Localised S lepidus populations were discovered near Richmond Nelson in April 2006 and in Rai Valley in May 2006 A website established in May 2006 to provide information about S lepidus was visited a mean of 135 times per month but it was never used to report possible new South Island infestations A biological control agent Microctonus aethiopoides was released at Richmond and Rai Valley between August 2006 and March 2007 By May 2007 it was parasitising from 4 to 14 of S lepidus adults which indicates it is likely to become permanently established

2001 ◽  
Vol 54 ◽  
pp. 147-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.L. Goldson ◽  
C. Phillips ◽  
M.M. McNeill ◽  
J.R Proffitt ◽  
R.P. Cane

Several candidate biological control agents of Sitona lepidus have been identified since a search commenced in 1997 Interestingly Microctonus aethiopoides from Europe is a much more effective parasitoid of S lepidus than the M aethiopoides ecotype already established in New Zealand To assess further the suitability of the European M aethiopoides for biological control of S lepidus 1599 infected S lepidus were shipped to New Zealand quarantine during late 2000 These yielded 267 parasitoid pupae from which 204 adult parasitoids were reared This material was obtained from a wide geographical range in Europe and has been used to establish cultures in New Zealand quarantine based on genetic material from France England Norway Finland Romania Ireland Scotland Italy and Wales This contribution presents an overview of the work associated with the importation of the parasitoids and the effort now being made to maintain genetic diversity Planned research is also discussed


2006 ◽  
Vol 59 ◽  
pp. 281-284
Author(s):  
S.A. Whiteman ◽  
B.I.P. Barratt ◽  
G.S. Ridley

Changes made in 2003 to the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996 introduced a new approval type called conditional release Previously the only option was for full release approval under which the organism was no longer subject to HSNO Act regulation Applicants seeking approval for conditional release of a biological control agent have expressed concern that a resulting approval may have onerous and costly controls required for risk mitigation In 2005 Microctonus aethiopoides a biological control agent of Sitona lepidus (clover root weevil) became the first organism to be granted a conditional release approval This paper discusses the controls on that approval and other possible options for controls that could be considered in the future


Author(s):  
C.M. Ferguson ◽  
M.R. Mcneill ◽  
C.B. Phillips ◽  
S. Hardwick ◽  
D.M. Barton ◽  
...  

Clover root weevil was first discovered in the South Island in 2006. Since then its distribution has been monitored. Although not yet occurring throughout all the South Island, it is widespread and has become common in many regions. The first releases of a biocontrol agent, the Irish ecotype of the parasitoid wasp Microctonus aethiopoides, were also made in 2006, with more made as suitable weevil populations were detected. In all areas where the releases have been monitored the biocontrol agent has established and extensive natural spread has occurred from the earlier release sites. As a consequence it is now established extensively in the northern South Island. Targeted releases have established the agent in Canterbury, Otago and Southland. Keywords: Biocontrol, clover root weevil, Sitona lepidus, Microctonus aethiopoides


2012 ◽  
Vol 65 ◽  
pp. 180-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.J. Gerard ◽  
M. Vasse ◽  
D.J. Wilson

The period from 2006 to 2010 in the North Island encompasses the widespread establishment of Irish Microctonus aethiopoides for the biocontrol of clover root weevil (Sitona lepidus) and a severe drought in 2008 that greatly reduced host availability This parasitoid occupies the same pasture habitat as Microctonus hyperodae a parasitoid with a similar life cycle introduced to control Argentine stem weevil (Listronotus bonariensis) A retrospective study was carried out on L bonariensis data and stored samples collected during S lepidus studies It was found that at all four initial M aethiopoides release sites L bonariensis populations were lowest in 2007 and 2008 while S lepidus populations were lowest in 2008 and 2009 Microctonus hyperodae parasitism levels were lowest in 2009 with overall regional means ranging from 5 in Manawatu to 11 in Waikato whereas corresponding Irish M aethiopoides parasitism levels were 43 and 72 respectively


2003 ◽  
Vol 56 ◽  
pp. 138-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.L. Goldson ◽  
M.R. McNeill ◽  
J.R. Proffitt

Clover root weevil Sitona lepidus remains a threat to New Zealands whiteclover based pastoral production system Unfortunately the New Zealandestablished strain of M aethiopoides (originally from Morocco) active against Sitona discoideus has been found to have no potential as a control agent against S lepidus It was therefore unexpected that a European strain of M aethiopoides was found to be highly active against the weevil This contribution examined the effect of Moroccan x European strain crosses on the value of M aethiopoides as a control agent of S discoideus and S lepidus It was found that such strain hybridisation led to significant reductions in the impact of this parasitoid species as a control agent against either S lepidus or S discoideus The widespread implications of this finding for biological control are discussed


2008 ◽  
Vol 61 ◽  
pp. 24-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.J. Gerard ◽  
T.M. Eden ◽  
D.J. Wilson ◽  
G. Burch

The Irish wasp Microctonus aethiopoides was released in 2006 as a biocontrol agent for the clover root weevil Sitona lepidus a serious pest of white clover in New Zealand Following successful establishment two strategies were implemented to accelerate the widespread establishment of the parasitoid throughout the North Island The first approach was the establishment of regional nursery sites that act as point sources for natural and assisted dispersal With the assistance of Regional Councils and major landowners these were set up at sites favourable to the wasp and local people were provided the training and support to undertake collections and distribution of parasitized weevils Secondly samples of parasitized weevils were distributed for release directly to farmers through pastoral industry networks and events Initial results indicate that while the parasitoid established rapidly at Taranaki and Waikato nursery sites as anticipated it has failed to establish in Northland in two successive seasons


Zootaxa ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 3575 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. K. LOWRY

The sand-hopper Bellorchestia mariae sp. nov. is described from Honeymoon Bay on the north coast of Jervis Bay, NewSouth Wales, Australia. It is the sister species of B. richardsoni Serejo & Lowry, 2008 and appears to have a limited dis-tribution from about Narrawallee in the south to northern Jervis Bay. The distribution of B. richardsoni Serejo & Lowry,2008 is extended from Point Ricardo, Victoria, northwards to Ulladulla on the New South Wales coast. A new synonymyis proposed for the sand-hopper Notorchestia quadrimana (Dana, 1852) which includes N. novaehollandiae (1899) andN. lobata Serejo & Lowry, 2008. It is considered to be a wide-ranging species from Shark Bay in Western Australia aroundthe south coast to at least Maitland Bay in central New South Wales. The beach-hopper Orchestia dispar Dana, 1852 isdescribed from Valla Beach in northern New South Wales and moved to the new genus Vallorchestia. This is the first re-cord of V. dispar since its original description 160 years ago. The beach-hopper Platorchestia smithi sp. nov. is describedfrom Brooms Head, New South Wales, Australia. It is common on ocean beaches from Bendalong in the south to Ballina in northern New South Wales. South of Bendalong beach-hoppers on ocean beaches appear to be absent.


1999 ◽  
Vol 131 (4) ◽  
pp. 541-547 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.S. McClay ◽  
J.L. Littlefield ◽  
J. Kashefi

AbstractA European gall mite, Aceria malherbae Nuzzaci, was released and established in southern Alberta and Montana as a biological control agent for field bindweed, Convolvulus arvensis L. (Convolvulaceae). Populations of the mite survived for up to 4 years at some sites and caused slight to severe damage to the weed. The establishment of A. malherbae in these areas suggests that it could be established throughout the North American range of field bindweed.


Author(s):  
C.B. Phillips ◽  
M.R. Mcneill ◽  
S. Hardwick ◽  
C.M. Ferguson ◽  
J.M. Kean

Clover root weevil (Sitona lepidus) (CRw), a white clover pest from the Northern Hemisphere, was first found in the North island in 1996.


2010 ◽  
Vol 63 ◽  
pp. 283-283
Author(s):  
P.J. Gerard ◽  
D.J. Wilson ◽  
T.M. Eden

The Irish wasp Microctonus aethiopoides was released in 2006 as a biocontrol agent for the clover root weevil Sitona lepidus a serious pest of white clover in New Zealand Following the successful and very rapid establishment of the Irish wasp there was high demand by farmers for the biocontrol Around 2000 minirelease samples were distributed directly to farmers through pastoral industry networks and field days These consisted of ten fieldcollected weevils exposed to the wasp in the laboratory at parasitism rates such that over 99 of samples contained parasitoids A random subsample of 100 recipient dairy farmers was surveyed subsequently by post with 59 responses The minireleases were well received most going to farmers that had previously experienced losses due to the weevil The mini releases were very effective in terms of getting the biocontrol to farms with 92 of insects arriving in good condition and 96 being released on the same day The farmers appeared receptive of the information provided with the samples indicating the project was successful in terms of technology transfer There was good recognition of DairyNZ with 79 showing awareness of the organisations funding enabling the biocontrol research


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document