JournalTOCs

BioControl
Journal Prestige (SJR): 0.813

Citation Impact (citeScore): 2
Number of Followers: 2

Hybrid journal (It can contain Open Access articles)
ISSN (Print) 1573-8248 - ISSN (Online) 1386-6141
Published by Springer-Verlag

[2468 journals]

Efficacy of biocontrol of the yellow tea thrips and the Kanzawa spider
mite with the generalist phytoseiid mite Euseius sojaensis differs between
grape cultivars with different leaf morphological traits
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  Abstract: Euseius sojaensis (Ehara) is an effective indigenous predator of multiple arthropod pests in orchards in Japan. Population increases of this generalist phytoseiid mite correspond to those of the most important vineyard pest, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood. However, the efficacy of biocontrol by it had not been evaluated. Here, we examined the biocontrol of S. dorsalis and Tetranychus kanzawai Kishida by E. sojaensis on two table grape cultivars, less hairy cultivar ‘Pione’ and hairy cultivar ‘Shine Muscat’. In greenhouse experiments, phytoseiid populations were larger, pest populations were smaller, and the incidence of fruit injury caused by S. dorsalis was significantly lower in E. sojaensis-release plots than in no-release plots. Densities of S. dorsalis larvae and T. kanzawai and the incidence of fruit injury were higher in hairy cultivar than in less hairy cultivar. These results suggest that E. sojaensis can control S. dorsalis and T. kanzawai populations simultaneously, but to different degrees between the cultivars. In laboratory experiments, E. sojaensis consumed fewer pests on leaf discs of hairy cultivar than on those of less hairy cultivar. The greater trichome density may hinder these large phytoseiid mites and thus reduce biocontrol efficacy. The interactions among phytoseiid mites and pests via plant leaf structure need to be clarified for successful biological control.
  PubDate: 2023-05-15
Accessing biological control genetic resources and sharing benefits
resulting from their utilization
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  Abstract: With the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1992, the sovereign rights of states over their natural resources were explicitly recognized and the authority of national governments to determine access to genetic resources confirmed. The CBD had a major impact on the global exchange of genetic resources, including genetic resources for food and agriculture. At national level, the CBD triggered the development of access and benefit-sharing (ABS) measures through which governments aim to enforce national sovereignty over genetic resources with the aim to partake in the benefits derived from the use of these resources. At global level, the CBD triggered multiple normative initiatives, including the adoption of an international instrument on plant genetic resources and the development of a Protocol to the CBD. The history of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, established in 1983 by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), is paradigmatic for the historical transition from “common heritage” to “national sovereignty” over biological diversity, including genetic resources. This article briefly recapitulates key milestones in the development of ABS policies and measures. The article identifies some of the difficulties ABS measures may create for relevant stakeholders, in particular the biological control sector and explores options for this sector to cope with the new reality of the Nagoya Protocol and the diversity of national ABS measures. It is of pivotal importance that national governments when developing and implementing ABS measures take into account the distinctive needs and features of the food and agriculture sector, including those of the biological control sector.
  PubDate: 2023-05-10
Building trust for sustainable access and benefit-sharing of biological
control genetic resources: a CABI case study
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  Abstract: CABI is a not-for-profit international organization with the mission of improving people’s lives worldwide by solving problems in agriculture and the environment, while engendering trust and facilitating science. As an organisation CABI is both a provider and a user of biological control agents and regularly acting as an intermediary between provider and user countries. As a way of building trust between both sides, access and benefit sharing (ABS) policy and ABS best practices developed around the principles of the Nagoya protocol should be publicly accessible. CABI aims to facilitate compliance with national legislation on ABS through its best practices for the countries in which we work and those that we provide genetic resources. CABI adopted the position to share benefits whether the provider country is party to the Nagoya Protocol or not. We use a case study on the biological control of the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari)) to illustrate the implementation of ABS best practices for the overlap between biological control and ABS. In respect to Digital Sequence Information (DSI) associated with genetic resources CABI contributes to the ongoing global debate and evaluates how this may impact biocontrol research and delivery. The current view is that publishing sequence data is sharing descriptive information and thus delivers benefit-sharing from its generation. However, if DSI is used in a product placed on the market, there is justification for benefit sharing.
  PubDate: 2023-04-20
Exchange of biological control genetic resources in India: prospects and
constraints for access and benefit sharing
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  Abstract: The Nagoya Protocol for access and benefit sharing (ABS) attaches significance to India since the country exchanges classical biological control agents to manage invasive alien species. Classical biological control differs from commercial biological control in that it involves the use of co-evolved, host specific natural enemies from the host’s native region to control the host wherever invasive. The national Biological Diversity Act is responsible for implementing ABS in India. It stipulates the means for use of biological resources for various purposes including research and commerce. However, commercial use of bioresources as biological control agents is not included. ABS regulates the exchange of research results using biological resources and related intellectual property rights. India is yet to implement the Nagoya Protocol effectively due to certain gaps in the Biological Diversity Act concerning some of the key provisions in the protocol that need to be addressed. However, some examples of the application of ABS measures for export of biological resources are discussed here. For export of biological control agents from India, collaborative research with the recipient country is necessary and is governed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. Multiplication of biological control agents for commercial use and release is governed by ABS regulations. For importation of biological control agents into India, the exporting country regulations apply, and the Plant Protection Advisor grants permission. To implement the Nagoya Protocol effectively in India, we recommend that: (1) user country policies include clauses that discourage misuse of biological resources, (2) the consent of local communities be sought before accessing biological resources instead of just ‘consulting’ them, (3) ABS provisions are clearly stated, including what is covered and what is not covered under the Biological Diversity Act, (4) ABS provisions be made more flexible to facilitate compliance, and (5) the roles and responsibilities of each agency involved in ABS implementation be clearly defined.
  PubDate: 2023-04-14
The efficacy of Steinernema feltiae in the control of Cydia pomonella in
organic apple and pear orchards of Patagonia Argentina and its impact on
local populations of entomopathogenic nematodes
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  Abstract: This study evaluates the efficacy of the commercial product, Steinernema feltiae (NEMAPOM, e-nema GmbH, Germany), in controlling diapausing Cydia pomonella (Linneaus) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) (codling moth; CM) larvae in commercial organic orchards of pome fruits and in harvest bins in Rio Negro Valley, Argentina, subject to the attack of this pest. The infectivity of S. feltiae at different temperatures in the laboratory and the persistence in the field of this commercial product and of local entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) strains after application were determined. The field assay was carried out in winter, with an application dose of 1.5 billion infective juveniles (IJs) ha−1 on a total surface of 0.5 ha. Mortality by S. feltiae in CM larvae was greater than 85% at two of the four test sites. Laboratory assays at 4 °C demonstrated its infectivity at this temperature, similar to field conditions at the times of release. In harvest bins, S. feltiae produced 10.58% and 60.37% mortality in sentinel traps at 100 and 200 IJs ml−1, respectively. A local EPN, identified as Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, was detected in soil samples pre- and post-application (180 days) at all sites. S. feltiae failed to establish itself in the field and was found 24 h after application at only two sites in 20% and 80% of the samples taken (plots treated). Treatment with S. feltiae seems not to affect the occurrence of H. bacteriophora. S. feltiae was effective in controlling CM, given the environmental conditions of low temperatures and humidity in this fruit-growing region.
  PubDate: 2023-04-06
Best practices in the use and exchange of microorganism biological control
genetic resources
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  Abstract: The Nagoya Protocol actions the third objective of the Convention on Biological Diversity and provides a framework to effectively implement the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of genetic resources. This includes microorganisms used as biological control agents. Thus biological control practitioners must comply with access and benefit-sharing regulations that are implemented by countries providing microbial biological control agents. A review of best practices and guidance for the use and exchange of microorganisms used for biological control has been prepared by the IOBC Global Commission on Biological Control and Access and Benefit-Sharing to demonstrate commitment to comply with access and benefit-sharing requirements, and to reassure the international community that biological control is a very successful and environmentally safe pest management strategy that uses biological resources responsibly and sustainably. We propose that best practices include the following elements: collaboration to facilitate information exchange about the availability of microbial biological control agents and where they may be sourced; freely sharing available knowledge in databases about successes and failures; collaborative research with provider countries to develop capacity; and production technology transfer to provide economic opportunities. We recommend the use of model concept agreements for accessing microorganisms for scientific research and non-commercial release into nature where access and benefit-sharing regulations exist and where regulations are not restrictive or do not exist. We also recommend a model agreement for deposition of microbial biological control agents into culture collections.
  PubDate: 2023-04-04
Competitive interactions affect larval survival of two root-boring weed
biological control candidates of Rumex spp
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  Abstract: In weed biocontrol, the release of multiple candidates has been proposed as a way to increase herbivore load and thus impact on the target weed. However, the use of multiple herbivorous species may reduce overall herbivore load due to interspecific interactions. We assessed whether a combined application of two Pyropteron spp. (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) with root-boring larvae can increase larval infestation rate and impact on two Rumex weeds (Caryophyllales: Polygonaceae). In a laboratory assay (‘behavioural experiment’), interference competition was assessed by comparing the survival of a single larva (no competition), of four conspecific larvae (intraspecific competition) and of two larvae of each species (interspecific competition). In a common garden study (‘infestation and impact experiment’), the outcomes of competitive interactions were assessed on potted plants with single and mixed species applications of the two Pyropteron species using a replacement design. In the behavioural experiment, larval survival was similarly reduced under intra- and interspecific competition compared to no competition, suggesting strong interference competition among larvae independent of the Pyropteron species. In the infestation and impact experiment, mixed application did only scarcely increase herbivore load. Increased herbivore load was found to increase root decay when applied in an inundative approach by placing eggs directly on Rumex plants. However, a joint application of two Pyropteron species did not increase the impact. We propose that detailed behavioural and impact studies be conducted to assess the likely outcome of using multiple candidates in biocontrol programs to minimize associated risks with multiple species introductions.
  PubDate: 2023-04-01
Biocontrol of weedy Sporobolus grasses in Australia using fungal pathogens
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  Abstract: In Australia there are five weedy Sporobolus grass (WSG) species that heavily impact agricultural industries and native biodiversity. WSG have been the subject of several efforts to find host-specific pathogens with potential for classical and inundative biocontrol. Most of these studies are only discussed in unpublished reports or theses, so in this paper we synthesise the available peer-reviewed and ‘grey’ literature that discuss classical, augmentative and inundative biocontrol of WSG in Australia using fungal pathogens. We consider the hundreds of fungal pathogens previously isolated from Sporobolus hosts on an international and national scale. Of the pathogens investigated for WSG biocontrol previously, the only promising classical biocontrol agent was a smut fungus (Ustilago sporoboli-indici) from South Africa that is now present in Queensland and New South Wales, Australia. Its method of introduction to Australia is unknown. We hence discuss the history and potential for augmentative biocontrol of WSG using U. sporoboli-indici. Next, we summarise inundative biocontrol efforts. Several ascomycetes isolated from Australian WSG populations have been tested in this regard, including species of Nigrospora, Fusarium, Curvularia, Microdochium, Pestalotiopsis, and Neopestalotiopsis. However, a lack of host-specificity or efficacy subsequently precluded their further development, and potential improvements on those inundative biocontrol studies are discussed. Finally, we discuss a collection of endemic fungal taxa isolated from diseased Sporobolus in Australia, which are currently undergoing virulence, pathogenicity, and host-specificity screening as potential inundative biocontrol agents for WSG. Our intention is that the lessons learned from previous studies and summarised herein, will support ongoing development of WSG biocontrol agents in Australia, and more broadly, weed biocontrol using plant pathogens anywhere in the world.
  PubDate: 2023-03-29
Do silvopastoral management practices affect biological pest control in
oil palm plantations'
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  Abstract: The reliance of conventional oil palm production on agrochemicals to control understory vegetation has caused devastating impacts on the environment. Overuse of chemical herbicides leads to the decline of native biodiversity and production-related ecosystem services, including biological pest control. In contrast to herbicide applications, livestock integration is a chemical-free approach to eradicate weeds without negative consequences on the environment. In this sentinel prey experiment, we assessed the predation pressure (based upon the number of bite marks left by natural predators such as arthropods, birds, and mammals) in three oil palm plantations with different weeding practices (i.e., rotational grazing, free-range grazing, and conventional weeding) located on the south-west part of Peninsular Malaysia. We also investigated the effects of site level characteristics on the predation pressures of artificial caterpillars. Across all types of weeding systems, we found that the majority of the predation attempts on the deployed artificial caterpillars were made by arthropods (532 attempts), whereas mammals (66 attempts) and birds (60 attempts) played much smaller roles. Our results showed that predation pressures were consistent across sites indicating that oil palm-cattle integrated plantations (either free-range or rotational grazing systems) would experience similar level of pest control services as conventional herbicide-sprayed plantations. Our results also indicate the influence of site-level habitat variables (i.e., mean of palm heights, canopy cover, and elevation) on predation pressures. Our results suggest that livestock-oil palm integration may sustain natural predation with little or no herbicide input.
  PubDate: 2023-03-23
Urban tree pests can support biological control services in landscape
shrubs
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  Abstract: Scale insects are common tree pests in urban ecosystems. Although severe scale infestations can worsen tree condition, trees can tolerate moderate scale densities. Scale insects are prey for many arthropod natural enemies that also feed on plant pests throughout urban landscapes. Because scale-infested trees support natural enemy communities, they may support biological control services on nearby plants and function analogously to banker plants in greenhouse production systems. In this study we tested if sentinel insect prey were more likely to be removed on shrubs below scale-infested trees compared to scale-uninfested trees. We conducted several biological control experiments from 2019 to 2021 using fruit flies, aphids, and caterpillars in potted and planted holly shrubs below scale-infested and scale-uninfested oak trees. We found that caterpillars in potted shrubs and fruit flies in planted landscape shrubs were more likely to be removed underneath scale-infested trees compared to scale-uninfested trees. Caterpillars were also more likely to be removed from landscape Ilex vomitoria shrubs compared to I. cornuta shrubs. In all other experiments we found no effect of scale infestation status or shrub species on prey removal. Our results suggest that scale-infested trees can support biological control services in shrubs below them but that this effect can vary depending on prey and shrub species. The natural enemy communities in urban trees and shrubs appear to be linked and tolerating tree pests can favor conservation biological control services in urban landscapes.
  PubDate: 2023-03-13
  DOI: 10.1007/s10526-023-10192-8
The establishment and spread of Tamarixia triozae, a parasitoid of the
potato psyllid, in New Zealand
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  Abstract: The release of Tamarixia triozae (Burks) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), a parasitoid of the potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae), resulted in the successful establishment of the parasitoid in New Zealand. The parasitoid was released at more than 30 sites by the final year of the three-year study throughout New Zealand. Its continued presence over the three-year study was confirmed in two regions (Hawke’s Bay and Canterbury). At one site in Canterbury, the parasitoid was released only in the first summer of this study (Nov. 2017–Feb. 2018). It was recovered from potato psyllid infested African boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum Miers) foliage in the second and third summers at this site, demonstrating the parasitoid’s ability to survive over successive winters. We found T. triozae parasitized nymphs at 24 sites of the 86 potato psyllid host plant sites surveyed within a 25 km radius of known release sites in Hawke’s Bay. The parasitoid was found up to 24 km from the nearest known release site in Hawke’s Bay. In Canterbury, the parasitoid was found up to 0.6 km from a known release site. Parasitism rates of 13.7–15.6% were estimated based on two post-release survey methods employed in this study. The parasitoid also feeds on psyllid nymphs so its establishment may lead to helping to reduce or delay potato psyllid populations from reaching damaging levels. Long-term monitoring is needed to determine the consequences of importing T. triozae on populations of potato psyllid.
  PubDate: 2023-03-13
  DOI: 10.1007/s10526-023-10194-6
Host specificity and performance on different hopper species of the egg
parasitoid Anagrus virlai
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  Abstract: The performance of A. virlai on six Cicadellidae and three Delphacidae (Hemiptera) species was assessed under laboratory conditions to clarify its host specificity. In addition, the influence of host egg size on the body size and egg load of the emerging parasitoids was investigated. The Deltocephalinae (Cicadellidae) Amplicephalus marginellanus (Metcalf), Amplicephalus dubius Linnavuori and Dalbulus maidis (DeLong & Wolcott) were the most parasitised species. Wasps were unable to parasitise the eggs of the Cicadellinae (Cicadellidae) Hortensia similis (Walker), Plesiommata mollicella (Fowler) and Scopogonalia subolivacea (Stål) or successfully develop in the eggs of A. marginellanus. The parasitism and emergence rates recorded in Delphacodes kuscheli Fennah, Metadelphax propinqua (Fieber) and Peregrinus maidis (Ashmead) (Delphacidae) were lower than in the other parasitised species. Of all the Cicadellidae tested, S. subolivacea laid the largest eggs and D. maidis the smallest. The Delphacidae deposited the smallest eggs of all hopper species evaluated as hosts. Parasitoids emerged from the eggs of A. dubius were larger and carried higher egg loads than the other wasps reared in A. marginellanus and D. maidis. There was no correlation between most measured morphometric variables and the egg load of wasps. Our results provide valuable insights into the host specificity of this egg parasitoid, but further studies are desirable to fully understand how target and non-target hosts affect the population dynamics of A. virlai in the field.
  PubDate: 2023-03-06
  DOI: 10.1007/s10526-023-10191-9
Susceptibility of white grubs from forestry and sugarcane plantations in
South Africa to entomopathogenic nematodes
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  Abstract: The control of white grub (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) pests of sugarcane and forest plantations is difficult due to their cryptic nature and resistance to chemicals. This study evaluated the potential use of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) as an alternative control method. Laboratory bioassays were performed with 12 locally isolated EPN species to determine the susceptibility of third instar larvae of the white grubs Schizonycha affinis Boheman, Pegylis sommeri Burmeister, Monochelus sp. and Maladera sp. 4. Concentration trials to determine lethal dosages for three of the white grub species were performed using Heterorhabditis zealandica Poinar MJ2C. Bioassays were performed to determine whether nematodes could develop inside the cadavers of S. affinis and P. sommeri as these had shown the lowest susceptibility to EPNs. The mortality percentage of the white grubs, although varying significantly, was found to be low for most of the EPN species, except H. zealandica. The highest percentage mortality of white grubs was observed at four weeks post inoculation with the rate of mortality being highest in the first week. Schizonycha affinis had the lowest LD50 of 38 Infective juveniles (IJs) per larva after 28 days, compared to Maladera sp. 4, with 284 IJs per larva, and P. sommeri, with 1035 IJs per larva. The dissection of insect cadavers revealed possible limiting factors for low susceptibility, due to the nematodes and their associated symbiotic bacteria’s inability to infect the insect haemocoel, with no EPNs being found inside some of the cadavers.
  PubDate: 2023-03-04
  DOI: 10.1007/s10526-023-10185-7
Optimization of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Lx-11 suspoemulsion by response
surface methodology to control rice bacterial blight
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  Abstract: Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Lx-11 can effectively control rice bacterial blight. This study developed a new formulation of B. amyloliquefaciens to further improve its field utilization. This formulation was derived from a raw fermentation broth of B. amyloliquefaciens Lx-11, adsorbed by nano-level fume silica, and emulsified to prepare an oil-in-water B. amyloliquefaciens suspoemulsion (SE). Inert ingredients, including soybean oil, emulsifier ST (a mixture of Span 80 and Tween 80), ethylene glycol, AEC-9NA, and SY-6535 showed good biocompatibility with B. amyloliquefaciens strain Lx-11. A Plackett–Burman experiment demonstrated that sodium alginate, AEC-9NA, and glycol were significant factors affecting the count of viable B. amyloliquefaciens. In addition, results of the steepest ascent experiment showed that concentrations of the three significant factors influencing viability were 1.00 g l−1 for sodium alginate, 15.00 ml l−1 for AEC-9NA, and 20.00 ml l−1 for glycol. A Box-Behnken design was applied to describe the nature of the response surface in the experimental region, and the optimal formulation was determined as follows: 10% silica, 40% soybean oil, 8% ST, 1.51% AEC-9NA, 2.36% glycol, 0.08% sodium alginate, and 2% SY-6535. Under optimized conditions, the viable count of B. amyloliquefaciens Lx-11 SE was up to 9.3×108 colony forming units (cfu) per ml. The results showed that the regression equation model had satisfactory accuracy in predicting the viable count of B. amyloliquefaciens Lx-11 SE. Pot experiments indicated that spraying 200 ml 667 m−2 B. amyloliquefaciens Lx-11 SE effectively controlled rice bacterial blight with a control effect of 64.8–66.0%, equivalent to 20% Thiosen copper.
  PubDate: 2023-03-03
  DOI: 10.1007/s10526-023-10186-6
Apivectoring of entomopathogen, Beauveria bassiana strain GHA for
suppression of thrips on commercial greenhouse strawberries: a real life
study
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  Abstract: The cultivation of strawberries within greenhouse environments is an increasingly common area of agricultural productivity, affording consistent fruit production of an otherwise highly seasonal crop. However, due to its relative novelty, few management tools have been identified, assessed or registered to date for control of the many known pests of greenhouse grown strawberry crops. This includes evaluation of biocontrol strategies such as apivectoring, whereby microbial agents known to suppress crop pests are dispersed by commercially available pollinating bumblebees, Bombus impatiens (Cresson 1863) (Hymenoptera: Apidae). Towards addressing the need for such tools, this study evaluated the impacts of three periods of apivectoring in a commercial greenhouse strawberry production facility to determine how well the conidia of entomopathogen, Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv. Vuill 1912), would be disseminated for control of crop pests such as the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergrande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). Our results indicate that bumblebees effectively dispersed a formulation of B. bassiana throughout the greenhouse crop, with the entomopathogen being detected on multiple flowers, leaves, and fruit. Furthermore, the impact of this tool on the quality of fruit produced, as well as possible adverse effects of the entomopathogen on carrier bumblebees were also evaluated. The B. bassiana formulation had minimal impacts on bumblebee populations, with under 16% mortality attributed to infection by B. bassiana. Through population monitoring, we found that naturally occurring thrips were being suppressed by the apivectoring biocontrol strategy, with up to 75% of Frankliniella occidentalis collected from some treatment zones testing positive for infection by B. bassiana.
  PubDate: 2023-03-03
  DOI: 10.1007/s10526-023-10189-3
Evaluation of Trichoderma harzianum to control downy mildew disease in
sunflower under field conditions based on changes in the metabolite
profiles of roots
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  Abstract: Two years of field testing were conducted in naturally Plasmopara halstedii-infested soils to assess the effectiveness of Trichoderma harzianum isolate (TRIC8) against downy mildew (P. halstedii) on sunflower (Helianthus annuus). Seed treatment with this antagonist offered protection of 73.64% in the first year. The effects of this treatment on oil content of the seeds and metabolite profiles of roots, along with disease severity, were evaluated in the second year by comparing to the fungicide treatment (Metalaxyl M). Oil content in seeds and metabolite profile in roots were studied using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), respectively. TRIC8 and fungicide treatments were found to cause significantly lower disease severity when compared to that of the control, although weather conditions were more favorable for the disease in the second year than in the first year. The oil content in seeds with TRIC8 treatment was superior to that in seeds with fungicide treatment or control. The metabolites in roots from treated plants and disease severity were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA). TRIC8 treatment increased the accumulation of some alcohols [2-ethyl-2-methyltridecan-1-ol, 2-(propylamino)ethanol], aldehydes [2,5-bis(trimethylsilyloxy)benzaldehyde, dodecanal], alkanes (dotriacontane, eicosane, heneicosane, nonacosane, nonylcyclopropane, tetracontane, tetracosane), ketones [(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-phenylmethanone, (4-methylphenyl)-phenylmethanone], an ester (6-ethyloctan-3-yl 6-bromohexanoate) and a terpene (falcarinol), which were among the metabolites that contributed over 0.70 in PC1 and were negatively correlated with disease severity. We suggest these metabolites might be involved in defense response of sunflower against P. halstedii in the field.
  PubDate: 2023-02-27
  DOI: 10.1007/s10526-023-10190-w
Modelling network effects of biological control: the case of the
Philippine coconut scale insect outbreak
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  Abstract: Biological control provides a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides for controlling pests in agriculture. Chemical pesticides may lack the specificity to limit their adverse effects just on target species. However, the use of a biological control agent may cause ripple effects on ecological communities that exist within a farm or plantation. Ecological network analysis models can be used to anticipate such indirect impacts. In this work, we develop a graph theoretic model to gauge the effects of using a biological control agent to suppress the infestation of coconut plantations by scale insects. The model is based on the process graph technique described in our previous work. We retrospectively analyze the case of massive scale insect infestation of coconut plantations that occurred in the Philippines in the previous decade. Simulations with the model indicate the efficacy of biological control to suppress the infestation, particularly for serious outbreaks. On the other hand, use of a neonicotinoid poses undue collateral risks to the system because of its lethal effect on pollinators and on the biological control agents. Both of these results are corroborated by the actual field experience.
  PubDate: 2023-02-21
  DOI: 10.1007/s10526-023-10188-4
Inhibitory effect of volatile organic compounds from Bacillus flexus TR-1
against Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxins in grains during storage
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  Abstract: Aspergillus flavus infects stored grains and produces aflatoxins with highly toxic and carcinogenic properties, which are a threat to food safety and human health. Microbes and their bio-active compounds are considered effective agents to control A. flavus and aflatoxins during the pre- and post-harvest stages. Here, we reveal that Bacillus flexus strain TR-1 isolated from tea plant rhizosphere soil could efficiently inhibit the growth of A. flavus in dual culture tests through the production of antifungal volatiles. Additionally, these volatiles showed great inhibitory effects against A. flavus infection and aflatoxin production in maize and peanut with high water activity levels during storage. Scanning electron microscope analysis further proved that the conidia of A. flavus on the peanut surface treated with TR-1 volatiles could not germinate and were severely dehydrated and shrunken. Gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry revealed that five antifungal compounds were identified in the volatile profiles, including benzene, methyl thiolacetate, dimethyl disulfide, butanethioic acid S-methyl ester analogue, dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS), and S-methyl 3-methylbutanethioate. DMTS, with the best antagonistic effect, completely inhibited the growth of A. flavus at 10 μl−1 (compound volume/airspace volume). TR-1 also exhibited efficient and broad inhibitory effects against six other fungal pathogens. Overall, B. flexus strain TR-1 and its produced volatiles showed valid antifungal activity against phytopathogens. This study provides novel materials for the production of bioactive agents to control plant pathogens in stored grains.
  PubDate: 2023-02-15
  DOI: 10.1007/s10526-023-10187-5
Characterising uncertainty in risk assessments for biological control:
using case studies from New Zealand to inform future research
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  Abstract: Areas of uncertainty in the assessment of risks and benefits in applications for new biological control agents submitted to the regulator for proposed introduction into New Zealand were identified. This was done with the aim of informing future research priorities which might be able to address and reduce these areas of uncertainty to assist decision-making in the future. A sample of 20 applications received by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) between 2009 and 2019 were selected, with examples from weed and insect targets. Expressions of uncertainty were identified by applicants as well as the EPA staff assessment report of the application, and the final decision document prepared by the Authority’s committee. The most common risk uncertainties expressed were potential direct non-target effects (85%), cultural risks (75%), and whether there were existing (and possibly effective) natural enemies of the target already present in the new range (70%). Food web indirect effects and adequacy of host range testing were also mentioned in more than half of the case study applications and associated documents. For uncertainty relating to benefits, 75% of case studies mentioned uncertainty about the efficacy of the proposed biological control agent, or if the agent would be successful by establishing and spreading (60%). For several of the case studies questions were raised about the method of cost: benefit analyses that had been presented in the application. Recommendations for future research are presented.
  PubDate: 2023-02-04
  DOI: 10.1007/s10526-023-10181-x
Protection of North American ash against emerald ash borer with biological
control: ecological premises and progress toward success
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  Abstract: The emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), a phloem-boring beetle native to Asia, was first discovered in 2002 in the USA and Canada, causing widespread mortality of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.). A classical biological control program against EAB was implemented with the first regulatory approvals for environmental releases of three hymenopteran parasitoids from China in 2007: Tetrastichus planipennisi (Eulophidae), Spathius agrili (Braconidae), and Oobius agrili (Encyrtidae), and a fourth parasitoid, Spathius galinae (Braconidae) from the Russian Far East in 2015. We analyzed literature from the Scopus Database to examine the ecological premises of protection of North American ash trees with biocontrol, with a particular focus on the population dynamics of EAB and its biocontrol agents and implications for protecting and conserving native ash in the aftermath of EAB invasion. To date, the introduced parasitoids have been released in over 360 counties in 31 EAB-infested states, Washington D.C., and three Canadian provinces. Three of the parasitoids, T. planipennisi, S. galinae, and O. agrili, have successfully established self-sustaining populations in many release areas in the northeastern and Midwestern USA. In several regions where releases were made early, these agents have now spread to nearby forests and resulted in significant suppression of the target pest to low densities. Survival of regenerating ash due to suppression of EAB by parasitoids has also been observed in some sites with early parasitoid releases. The suppression of EAB is likely to expand geographically and thus contribute to North American ash recovery.
  PubDate: 2023-02-03
  DOI: 10.1007/s10526-023-10182-w