scholarly journals lepidus Economic benefits of biological control of Sitona obsoletus (clover root weevil) in Southland pasture

2015 ◽  
Vol 68 ◽  
pp. 218-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Basse ◽  
C.B. Phillips ◽  
S. Hardwick ◽  
J.M. Kean
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Parasitic Wasp ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Net Benefit ◽  
Parasitism Rates ◽  
Clover Root ◽  
Microctonus Aethiopoides ◽  
Parameter Values

Sitona obsoletus is a serious pasture pest in New Zealand where its rootfeeding larvae reduce white clover cover and nitrogen fixation To maintain production farmers may compensate by increasing inputs The parasitic wasp Microctonus aethiopoides Loan was introduced for biological control of S obsoletus and achieved parasitism rates exceeding 70 In Southland where S obsoletus was first detected in 2010 unusually severe and prolonged infestations during 2013 and 2014 prompted intensive biological control releases in 2014 and 2015 This study evaluated if they were cost effective in 2015 On dairy farms biological control returned 1478/ha/year or 23 million over the 158017 ha On sheep and beef farms the estimated return was 686/ha/year or 47 million over 719854 ha Monte Carlo simulations were used to estimate returns (/ha/year) using plausible ranges of model parameter values and returns were positive in at least 975 of simulations Biological control of S obsoletus has returned a net benefit in Southland

scholarly journals Response to clover root weevil outbreaks in South Canterbury, Otago and Southland; the agricultural sector and government working together

2016 ◽  
Vol 78 ◽  
pp. 117-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Hardwick ◽  
C.M. Ferguson ◽  
P. Mccauley ◽  
W. Nichol ◽  
R. Kyte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Biocontrol Agent ◽  
Parasitic Wasp ◽  
Parasitoid Wasp ◽  
Clover Root ◽  
Working Together ◽  
Microctonus Aethiopoides

Clover root weevil was first discovered in the northern South Island in 2006, and an introduced biocontrol agent the parasitoid wasp Microctonus aethiopoides, was immediately released there in response. As the weevil spread southwards, ongoing releases and natural parasitoid dispersal generally supressed it to economically tolerable levels. However, mild winters in the southern South Island during 2013 and 2014 allowed weevil populations to grow and spread quicker than the parasitoid. This severely impacted white clover production and farm profitability in parts of South Canterbury, Otago and Southland, thus, scientists and industry conducted 18 months of intensive parasitoid releases of ca. 1.1 million parasitised weevils at 6000 sites. The parasitoid rapidly established at all 50 monitored release sites and dispersed from them. The biocontrol agent now occurs at all locations in South Canterbury, Otago, Southland, and elsewhere in New Zealand, where clover root weevil is present. Keywords: biological control, pest spread, parasitic wasp, Sitona obsoletus, Microctonus aethiopoides, South Canterbury, Southland, Otago

scholarly journals Farmer response to minirelease strategy for the clover root weevil biocontrol agent

2010 ◽  
Vol 63 ◽  
pp. 283-283
Author(s):  
P.J. Gerard ◽  
D.J. Wilson ◽  
T.M. Eden
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Technology Transfer ◽  
Biocontrol Agent ◽  
Good Condition ◽  
High Demand ◽  
Dairy Farmers ◽  
Sitona Lepidus ◽  
Parasitism Rates ◽  
Clover Root ◽  
Microctonus Aethiopoides

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

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 Importation to New Zealand quarantine of a candidate biological control agent of clover root weevil

2001 ◽  
Vol 54 ◽  
pp. 147-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.L. Goldson ◽  
C. Phillips ◽  
M.M. McNeill ◽  
J.R Proffitt ◽  
R.P. Cane
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Biological Control ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Biological Control Agent ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Control Agent ◽  
Biological Control Agents ◽  
Sitona Lepidus ◽  
Clover Root ◽  
Microctonus Aethiopoides

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

scholarly journals Parasitism by Microctonus aethiopoides on a novel host Listronotus bonariensis in Canterbury pastures

2002 ◽  
Vol 55 ◽  
pp. 280-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.R. McNeill ◽  
J.M. Kean ◽  
S.L. Goldson
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Natural Host ◽  
Biological Control Agents ◽  
Parasitism Rates ◽  
Novel Host ◽  
Listronotus Bonariensis ◽  
Microctonus Aethiopoides

The parasitoids Microctonus aethiopoides and M hyperodae have been introduced as biological control agents against Sitona discoideus and Argentine stem weevil Listronotus bonariensis respectively Collections from ryegrass/white clover pastures in midCanterbury found that M aethiopoides was widespread in L bonariensis despite the weevil being a novel host Microctonus aethiopoides was recovered from 83 of the 65 sites sampled in Canterbury with parasitism rates of 0419 Studies in lucerne crops showed that M aethiopoides preferentially parasitised its natural host S discoideus although in some cases up to 10 of L bonariensis found in the lucerne were parasitised A possible reason for the prevalence of M aethiopoides in Canterbury pasture was that the widelydispersive flights of S discoideus from aestivation sites provided a source for reinfection of the parasitoid into ryegrass pasture Analysis of field parasitism suggested that parasitism of L bonariensis by M aethiopoides was negatively correlated with parasitism by M hyperodae

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 A life sentence or parole conditional release approval of biological control agents

2006 ◽  
Vol 59 ◽  
pp. 281-284
Author(s):  
S.A. Whiteman ◽  
B.I.P. Barratt ◽  
G.S. Ridley
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Risk Mitigation ◽  
Biological Control Agent ◽  
Control Agent ◽  
Hazardous Substances ◽  
Conditional Release ◽  
Life Sentence ◽  
Sitona Lepidus ◽  
Clover Root ◽  
Microctonus Aethiopoides

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

scholarly journals Evidence of Leaf Consumption Rate Decrease in Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, Larvae Parasitized by Coccygidium luteum

Insects ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lakpo Koku Agboyi ◽  
Samuel Adjei Mensah ◽  
Victor Attuquaye Clottey ◽  
Patrick Beseh ◽  
Raymond Glikpo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Natural Enemies ◽  
Spodoptera Frugiperda ◽  
Consumption Rate ◽  
Fall Armyworm ◽  
Adult Emergence ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Leaf Consumption ◽  
Parasitism Rates ◽  
Control Programmes

Biological control is one of the best options for the sustainable management of the invasive maize pest Spodoptera frugiperda in Africa. However, there is limited knowledge of the efficacy of native natural enemies of S. frugiperda and their potential use in integrated pest management. The endoparasitoid wasp Coccygidium luteum is one of the natural enemies of S. frugiperda in Africa. This study assessed, under laboratory conditions, the effect of C. luteum on the leaf consumption rate of its host. Fifty first instar S. frugiperda larvae were exposed to C. luteum for oviposition and the maize leaf consumption rate of parasitized larvae was assessed and compared to 50 unparasitized larvae from the same cohort. Coccygidium luteum completed a generation, from egg to adult emergence, in 16.7 days. The leaf consumption rate of parasitized S. frugiperda larvae declined gradually compared to unparasitized larvae and the overall consumption reduction by parasitized S. frugiperda larvae was 89%. Our findings show that C. luteum could reduce damage caused by S. frugiperda to maize farms but, prior to its use in biological control programmes, further studies are needed to assess potential parasitism rates in field conditions and develop a cost-effective mass production system.

scholarly journals Clover root weevil tolerance of clover cultivars

2016 ◽  
Vol 78 ◽  
pp. 197-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.M. Ferguson ◽  
D.M. Barton ◽  
B.A. Philip
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Biocontrol Agent ◽  
Insect Pests ◽  
Parasitic Wasp ◽  
Cultivar Differences ◽  
Popular Belief ◽  
Single Mechanism ◽  
Clover Root ◽  
Major Loss ◽  
Microctonus Aethiopoides

Clover root weevil arrived in New Zealand about 20 years ago causing major loss of productivity as it progressively spread across the whole country. It is now largely controlled by an introduced parasitic wasp biocontrol agent Microctonus aethiopoides (Irish ecotype). However, management of insect pests should not rely on a single mechanism and clovers resistant or tolerant to this weevil would be a useful augmentation for farmers to have. This investigation reports on the suitability of 22 clover cultivars to attack from the weevil. Results have shown that contrary to popular belief, red clovers are not universally less favourable to the weevil than white clovers and usefully, within both species cultivar differences point to the possibility of resistance to this pest. Keywords: Clover root weevil, Sitona obseletus, clover cultivars

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.

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