Development Of Biological Control Research Articles

Ecological Dynamics and Microbial Treatments against Oomycete Plant Pathogens.

In this review, we explore how ecological concepts may help assist with applying microbial biocontrol agents to oomycete pathogens. Oomycetes cause a variety of agricultural diseases, including potato late blight, apple replant diseases, and downy mildew of grapevine, which also can lead to significant economic damage in their respective crops. The use of microbial biocontrol agents is increasingly gaining interest due to pressure from governments and society to reduce chemical plant protection products. The success of a biocontrol agent is dependent on many ecological processes, including the establishment on the host, persistence in the environment, and expression of traits that may be dependent on the microbiome. This review examines recent literature and trends in research that incorporate ecological aspects, especially microbiome, host, and environmental interactions, into biological control development and applications. We explore ecological factors that may influence microbial biocontrol agents’ efficacy and discuss key research avenues forward.

Potential influence of carbohydrate and amino acid intake by adults on the population dynamics of Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Cnaphalocrocis medinalis is a key lepidopteran pest of rice. However, little is known about the nutritional requirements of the adult or the effects of adult-derived nutrients on reproduction. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of carbohydrates and amino acids on the reproductive and demographic parameters of C. medinalis. Different feeding solutions significantly influenced adult survival and reproduction. All the sources of carbohydrates used in the treatments (fructose, glucose, and sucrose) were sufficient to increase adult longevity and fecundity, and benefited the development of ovaries in the adult stage. The positive impact of carbohydrates on lifetime fecundity was due to the prolonged oviposition period and the increased daily fecundity. The intrinsic rate of increase (rm) of C. medinalis increased from 0.103 in waterfed individuals to approximately 0.138 when adults were fed with solutions containing carbohydrates. In contrast, amino acid intake by adult insects exhibited no effect on the longevity, fecundity, ovarian development or population growth, even showing an impact of decreasing longevity of females. As nectar secreted by the flowering plant is generally rich in sugars, the potential effects of nectar on the adults of C. medinalis and other pests have to be considered during the development of biological control by applying flowering plants as a microhabitat and food source for natural enemies in rice fields.

Augmentative biological control in greenhouses in Japan

Abstract In Japan, augmentative biological control is mainly implemented in greenhouses using arthropod natural enemies. Two imported natural enemy species, Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae) against spider mites and Encarsia formosa Gahan (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) against the greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), were first commercialised in greenhouses in 1995, followed by the commercialisation of other exotic species. Exotic arthropod natural enemies are used to control both exotic and indigenous pests in greenhouses. Currently, the most popular exotic natural enemy species are predatory mites such as P. persimilis and Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae). Recently, there has been a shift from using exotic to using indigenous natural enemies in greenhouses. Currently, the importation of generalist predators for augmentative biological control is very difficult in Japan. Several collaborative studies have been conducted in Japan to develop biological control using indigenous natural enemies. These studies developed innovative technologies, such as new banker plant systems based on combinations of two natural enemies or flightless Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Indigenous natural enemies have been commercialised following the registration of Orius strigicollis (Poppius) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae). Biological control can be achieved using an indigenous strain of Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter) (Hemiptera: Miridae) with a banker plant system, on which the bug can reproduce without alternative prey. Research and development of biological control using indigenous natural enemies should be continued in Japan.

Mite fauna (Acari) associated with the poultry industry in different laying hen management systems in Southern Brazil: a species key

This study is based on results from a large project on the mite diversity in commercial laying hen systems in Brazil. It aims to identify potential biocontrol agents amongst mites present in poultry farms, with a focus on one feather mite pest Megninia ginglymura. A secondary goal is to provide an operational identification tool to help the development of biological control in poultry farms. Sampling was conducted from August 2013 to August 2014, with 43 sampling events, in three different laying hen management systems. We used traps, laying hen feathers, and abandoned wild bird nests to collect the mites. A total of 38,862 mites belonging to 23 families and 39 species were found, including 17 species exclusively found in traps, six in wild bird nests, and one in feathers. The most abundant and frequent ectoparasitic species was M. ginglymura (76.3%; observed in all management systems). Amongst other mites, Tydeidae showed the highest richness with five species (Brachytydeus argentinensis (Baker, 1970), Brachytydeus australensis (Baker, 1970), Brachytydeus obnoxia (Kuznetzov and Zapletina, 1972), Brachytydeus oregonensis (Baker, 1970), and Brachytydeus tuttlei (Baker, 1965)), followed by Cheyletidae with four species (Chelacheles bipanus Summers and Price, 1970, Cheyletus eruditus (Schrank, 1781), Cheyletus malaccensis (Oudemans, 1903), and Cheletomimus (Hemicheyletia) wellsi (Baker, 1949)). Potential predatory species for biological control were C. malaccensis (9.4%), Typhlodromus transvaalensis (Nesbitt, 1951) (0.8%), Blattisocius keegani (Fox, 1947) (0.7%), and Blattisocius dentriticus (Berlese, 1918) (0.4%). A dichotomous key is provided to identify 48 species dwelling in Brazilian layer farms.

Russian Olive Fruit Production in Shelterbelt and Riparian Populations in Montana

Russian olive (Eleagnus angustifolia) is a conflict tree species: it is invasive in riparian habitats throughout the western U.S., but is often considered desirable in uplands of the northern Great Plains (e.g. soil stabilization and providing windbreaks). Desirable and invasive populations of Russian olive have different demographic and ecological characteristics that will affect the persistence of biological control organisms. Current biological control development for Russian olive focuses on fruit-reducing agents anticipated to slow or halt the spread of invasion without causing individual tree mortality. Population demography data collected from upland and riparian populations of Russian olive from 2010-2012 show that fruit production is more variable among upland populations, with zero or few trees setting fruit in 2010. A greater degree of abiotic stress in upland populations (lower precipitation/water table, and higher temperature) may cause more variable fruit production compared to riparian populations. The spatial and temporal scale of resource availability (i.e. fruit production) differs between upland and riparian populations. A biological control agent would require very high dispersal ability to persist in upland populations with greater spatial separation and more variable fruit production. In contrast, agent dispersal capacity may be less important in riparian populations with lower spatial separation and less variable fruit production. Because rivers differ in degrees of spatial variability, we may expect differences in biological control agent persistence among drainages. Using ecological and demographic data of host resources with models of herbivore population persistence could provide a novel approach to resolving conflicts in invasive species management.

Entomopathogenic fungi of the oil palm pest, Zophiuma butawengi (Fulgoromorpha: Lophopidae), and potential for use as biological control agents

AbstractOil palm, Elaeis guineensis Jacq., is an important cash crop in Papua New Guinea. Production is currently under threat from Finschhafen disorder caused by the planthopper Zophiuma butawengi (Heller), a native pest of coconut. The need for a non‐chemical strategy to manage Z. butawengi is high because the industry is committed to sustainable production. One possible option is the development of biological control using entomopathogenic fungi, and this study aimed to assess the scope for such a technology. Field collections extending over three regions of West New Britain in the 2010 monsoon season yielded 38 mycosed cadavers. Only three yielded entomopathogenic fungi: two of Hirsutella citriformis Speare and one each of Metarhizium flavoviride var. minus Rombach, Humber and D.W. Roberts, and Purpureocillium lilacinum (Thom) Luangsa‐ard, Houbraken, Hywel‐Jones and Samson. The pathogenicity of each isolate to Z. butawengi was confirmed in a laboratory study. M. flavoviride var. minus killed Z. butawengi significantly more rapidly over the course of a 15‐day period, and day 7 mortality was significantly greater than in water or nil control treatments. Given this pathogenic fungus was readily culturable and congenerics are used in other biological control treatments, it merits further investigation as a potential inundative entomopathogenic agent against Z. butawengi.

Laboratory host range of Austromusotima camptozonale (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), a potential biological control agent of Old World climbing fern, Lygodium microphyllum (Lygodiaceae)

Old World climbing fern, Lygodium microphyllum, is one of the most serious invasive weeds impacting south Florida and development of biological control is crucial for sustainable management. Larvae of a small moth, Austromusotima camptozonale, were discovered defoliating L. microphyllum in Australia. Preliminary testing suggested this moth was a Lygodium specialist. Laboratory host range testing was conducted on 65 species of test plants, from 31 families, comprising seven Lygodium species, four close relatives, 45 other species of ferns and fern allies, eight agricultural crops and one gymnosperm species plus the primary host L. microphyllum. Significant oviposition occurred only on other species of Lygodium. No eggs were laid on the agricultural crops, or about half the species of non-Lygodium ferns and fern allies tested. Oviposition on the other non-Lygodium ferns was very low, except on Anemia adiantifolia and Blechnum serrulatum, which received modest egg loads, but did not support development to adult. Larval feeding was low to non-existent on all the non-Lygodium species. Larvae developed to adult only on the native, American climbing fern L. palmatum, and to a lesser extent on L. japonicum. Lygodium japonicum is a naturalized invasive weed in the United States. Colonies of A. camptozonale were unable to persist on L. palmatum and died out in two to seven generations. Freezing winter temperatures in states where L. palmatum occurs would be lethal to A. camptozonale. It was concluded that A. camptozonale would pose no threat to native or cultivated plants in North America or the Caribbean and should be considered as a weed biological control agent against L. microphyllum.

Laboratory host range testing of Neomusotima conspurcatalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) – a potential biological control agent of the invasive weed, Old World climbing fern, Lygodium microphyllum (Lygodiaceae)

Old World climbing fern, Lygodium microphyllum, is a serious invasive weed in south Florida. Development of biological control is vital for sustainable management of L. microphyllum. Neomusotima conspurcatalis was discovered in Hong Kong in 1997 and was subsequently found causing feeding damage on L. microphyllum in much of its native range in Asia. Quarantine testing of N. conspurcatalis used 37 non-Lygodium fern species representative of New World genera of cultivated ferns and fern allies, one gymnosperm, three crop species, six Lygodium species, and the primary host L. microphyllum. No significant oviposition or feeding was observed on any of the 41 non-Lygodium species evaluated. Oviposition and feeding occurred on all Lygodium species, but amounts were low and usually significantly less than observed on L. microphyllum. The exception was L. japonicum, which was preferred as an oviposition host. Neomusotima conspurcatalis was only able to complete development on L. japonicum and L. palmatum, but survival on these species was only half that occurring on L. microphyllum. Neomusotima conspurcatalis is a Lygodium specialist. Lygodium japonicum is an invasive weed in the United States. Lygodium palmatum is restricted to areas of the United States where freezing winter temperatures would be lethal to N. conspurcatalis. It was concluded that N. conspurcatalis would pose no threat to native or cultivated plants in North America or the Caribbean and should be considered for biocontrol of L. microphyllum. A release petition was submitted in 2005. An USDA-APHIS release permit for N. conspurcatalis was issued in 2007.

Biological control of aflatoxin contamination of crops.

Aflatoxins produced primarily by two closely related fungi, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, are mutagenic and carcinogenic in animals and humans. Of many approaches investigated to manage aflatoxin contamination, biological control method has shown great promise. Numerous organisms, including bacteria, yeasts and nontoxigenic fungal strains of A. flavus and A. parasiticus, have been tested for their ability in controlling aflatoxin contamination. Great successes in reducing aflatoxin contamination have been achieved by application of nontoxigenic strains of A. flavus and A. parasiticus in fields of cotton, peanut, maize and pistachio. The nontoxigenic strains applied to soil occupy the same niches as the natural occurring toxigenic strains. They, therefore, are capable of competing and displacing toxigenic strains. In this paper, we review recent development in biological control of aflatoxin contamination.

New Developments in Biological Control of Mile-a-Minute Weed

Abstract The introduced invasive vine mile-a-minute weed Persicaria perfoliata (formerly Polygonum perfoliatum) is continuing to spread throughout the Mid-Atlantic states and beyond, from its initial site of introduction near York, Pennsylvania. This weed frequently interferes with forest regeneration and until recently had few natural enemies attacking it in its introduced range. In 2004, a permit for field release of a host-specific Asian weevil Rhinoncomimus latipes was obtained, and the weevil has since been released in five states. The weevil has established well and is beginning to impact growth and development of the weed.

Efforts to establish a foliage-feeding moth, Austromusotima camptozonale, against Lygodium microphyllum in Florida, considered in the light of a retrospective review of establishment success of weed biocontrol agents belonging to different arthropod taxa

Old World climbing fern, Lygodium microphyllum, is a serious invasive weed in south Florida. Development of biological control is vital for sustainable management of L. microphyllum, although the selection of candidate control agents is limited. Austromusotima camptozonale was the first agent to be approved for release against L. microphyllum. From 2004 to 2005, 10,555 adults were released at L. microphyllum-infested sites but subsequent monitoring failed to recover insects. From 2006 to 2007, 30,000 larvae were released, but survivors were never recovered from pine or tree island sites, and were only recovered for three months at cypress sites. Studies in which A. camptozonale eggs and larvae were set out at release sites and subsequently retrieved indicated no evidence of predation or parasitism of eggs, although eggs in pine systems suffered 20% mortality, attributed to high temperatures. No evidence of parasitism of A. camptozonale larvae was detected, although significantly fewer larvae were recovered in treatments to which walking predators had access, relative to Tangle-Trap exclusion treatments. Ants were recovered trapped in Tangle-Trap treatments and had previously being observed preying on A. camptozonale in the field. We conclude that ant predation was a contributing factor in the failure of A. camptozonale to establish. Based on rates of establishment observed in past weed biocontrol programs, use of a lepidopteran agent within the Pyralidae sensu lato would not be a strategy predicted to offer the best likelihood of success. However a herbivore fauna composed predominantly of Lepidoptera offered few alternatives.

Galerucella birmanica (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a promising potential biological control agent of water chestnut, Trapa natans

Abstract Water chestnut, Trapa natans, has become a major invasive plant in shallow water bodies in the northeastern United States. The failure of chemical and mechanical means to provide long-term and economically sustainable suppression of the species resulted in interest in the development of biological control. Field surveys in Asia and Europe identified a number of potential biological control agents in the native range of T. natans. The most promising species appeared to be the leaf beetle Galerucella birmanica, which is considered a pest of farmed T. natans in China. However, initial attempts to develop biological control faltered when field observations in China suggested that G. birmanica may not be host specific. Of particular concern was attack on water shield, Brasenia schreberi, a species native to China and North America. We conducted a number of laboratory and field investigations in China to assess preference and performance of G. birmanica on T. natans and B. schreberi. Initial no-choice experiments using 19 different plant species in 13 different families demonstrated that G. birmanica oviposited and was able to complete development only on Trapa spp. and B. schreberi. In larval no-choice tests G. birmanica was able to complete development on B. schreberi, however, larvae showed a 20% increase in mortality and longer development time compared to larvae developing on T. natans. In laboratory and field choice tests adults strongly preferred T. natans and in the field only occasionally laid eggs on B. schreberi. In addition, adults emerging from larvae reared on B. schreberi were less fit with reduced feeding and a declining oviposition rate. Their strong preference for T. natans was maintained in the field, even when T. natans was completely defoliated and adults were forced to migrate. We found only occasional “spill-over” of beetles onto B. schreberi and our data indicate that G. birmanica is a more promising biological control agent of T. natans than previously thought, although additional host specificity tests with many more North American plant species need to be completed.

Antagonistic activity of Trichoderma isolates against Sclerotium rolfsii : screening of efficient isolates from Morocco soils for biological control

Seventy Trichoderma spp. isolates collected from different regions of Morocco were tested for their capacity to inhibit in vitro mycelial growth of Sclerotium rolfsii, and for their effect on the viability of S. rolfsii sclerotia in the soil. The Trichoderma spp. isolates inhibited mycelial growth of S. rolfsii to various degrees, with 52% of isolates expressing an average inhibition, varying between 45 and 55%. The effect on the viability of sclerotia in the soil also varied between isolates of Trichoderma, with the majority (84%) having a slight effect. A group of twenty isolates identified as Trichoderma harzianum when tested in sterilized soil, significantly reduced sclerotial viability though not in natural soil. Four of these isolates (Nz, Kb2, Kb3 and Kf1) showed good antagonistic activity against S. rolfsii and were also highly competitive in natural soil. These isolates would therefore be candidates for development in biological control program.

Global developments in biological control and the implications for Europe1

Developed and developing countries, for a range of reasons, have strongly endorsed an IPM approach to sustainable pest management. IPM is founded on the self‐renewing contribution of natural enemies to pest suppression, or biological control. However, many pests today escape such natural control because they are exotic introductions, and for these pests the introduction of specific biological control agents is a proven and valuable technique. With growing exotic pest problems in agriculture and forestry, due both to increased trade and to the policy of the WTO, with new concern for exotic invasive species affecting biodiversity, and with a booming biocontrol industry, there is a rapid growth of interest in introduced biological control agents (including biopesticides, which are generally still not acknowledged as introductions). To meet this demand for biological control introductions, it is necessary to address issues of research, safety and the rights of governments and peoples to their genetic resources. By and large, Europe has not done this, and this is proving both an opportunity for environmental accidents and a disincentive for sustainable agriculture and conservation.

Insect pests and management technologies in dryland wheat in Washington

AbstractSix species of ophids (Homoptera: Aphididae) are the most economically significant insect pests of wheat in Washington. Management technologies under development or in use in Washington emphasize biorational approaches, including development and use of resistance germplasm, manipulation of pest populations through cropping systems, and development of biological controls. We review wheat yield losses caused by aphids, their biological control, and the effects of conservation tillage and systemic seed treatment.

Issues Concerning the Eradication or Establishment and Biological Control of the Mediterranean Fruit Fly,Ceratitis capitata(Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), in California

Abstract Classical biological control is suggested as a tool worth developing now for possible future use in the integrated pest management of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), in California. Three factors that impact broadly on developing and implementing such a biological control program are: (1) the question of Medfly establishment, (2) quarantine considerations, and (3) agricultural and urban concerns. Each of these factors and their combined effects must be considered when discussing biological control of Medfly in California as shaped by historical perspectives on Medfly invasions, methods of Medfly eradication, and past biological control efforts against Medfly. We believe that biological control research should play a foundational role in any future Medfly management programs in California. Development of biological control should involve life history studies of Medfly and its natural enemies in their area of endemicity in sub-Saharan, southeast Africa. Medfly has been studied and should continue to be studied in areas it has invaded, because information derived from such studies provides insights into the potential distribution, abundance, and impact of Medfly populations in California. A plan for a biological research program on Medfly and its relatives and a biological control strategy are presented.

DEVELOPMENT OF BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF APPLE REPLANT DISEASE

DEVELOPMENT OF BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF APPLE REPLANT DISEASE

Market‐driven research and development in biological control

AbstractA short overview is given of native and introduced pests in Dutch glasshouses. Several examples are presented to illustrate how external and internal factors influenced the choice and introduction of natural enemies on the market. The development time and acceptance of new beneficials has shortened considerably. The factors that influenced the biological control program of aphids and thrips are discussed in more detail.

Current status of biological control of soil‐borne diseases

Abstract. Biological control by manipulating agricultural practices has been used for thousands of years. In the more restricted sense, of adding antagonistic micro‐organisms, biological control is still a very small part of the chemical pesticide market, but reliable products are becoming available. Achieving consistent results in realistic agricultural conditions is a problem, but there is a good possibility of controlling root diseases, especially where the soil characteristics or the environmental conditions can be controlled. The use of biological control in integrated control is successful, and in the long‐term genetic engineering techniques will be important in the development of biological control. Environmental safety and effective patent protection are still being developed, but there seem to be no insuperable problems.

Ecology and management of forest insects

Part 1 Introduction: forests as a renewable resource forestry in Europe susceptibility of plantation monocultures to insect outbreaks characteristics of insect outbreaks. Part 2 Forests as a habitat for insects: the community of insects on trees climate and weather in the ecology of forest insects biotic factors in the ecology of forest insects. Part 3 Trees as a source of food for insects: nutritional requirements of herbivorous insects nutrient content of trees in relation to structure and function food quality and plant defence insect life cycles in relation to the quantity and quality of food host stress and food quality trees and insect population dynamics implications of insect and tree interactions for forest management. Part 4 The nature of forest insect problems: pest problems in relation to the growing forest special plantations and urban pest problems interactions with other insects and disease organisms the impact of insects on forests and forest trees. Part 5 Forest practices: accidental introduction of pests planning of forestry plantations the post-planning stage - silvicultural techniques for pest management forest diversity and pest outbreaks forest practices and integrated pest management. Part 6 Plant resistance: variation in trees and insects defining resistance resistance mechanisms detecting genetically determined resistance in trees breeding for increased pest resistance host resistance and IPM. Part 7 Biological control: the origin and development of biological control in forestry the potential for biological control in forestry the potential for biological control in forestry the characteristics and use of biological control agents the safety of biological control agents. Part 8 Insecticides: historical aspect of insecticide use the scale of control operations with insecticides insecticides and pest biology the impact of insecticides - pests, natural enemies and environment insecticide technology regulation of insecticide use the costs of insecticides and the economics of their use in forestry. Part 9 Behaviour-modifying chemicals: the role of chemicals in insect behaviour the characteristics of pheromones anti-feedants and repellents. Part 10 Integrated pest management: integrated pest management in forestry developing an integrated approach to forest insect control case histories of integrated pest management in forestry.