Protection Quarterly Vol.21(2) 2006 63

National Weeds Management Workshop

Proceedings of a workshop convened by the National Asparagus Weeds Management Committee held in Adelaide on 10–11 November 2005. Editors: John G. Virtue and John K. Scott.

Introduction

John G. VirtueA and John K. ScottB A Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation, GPO Box 2834, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia. E-mail: [email protected] B CSIRO Entomology, Private Bag 5, PO Wembley, Western Australia 6913, Australia.

Welcome to this special issue of Plant Pro- The National Asparagus Weeds Man- authors for the effort they have put into tection Quarterly, which details the current agement Committee (NAWMC) convened their papers and all the workshop par- state of Asparagus weeds management in the National Asparagus Weeds Manage- ticipants for their contribution. A special Australia. Bridal creeper, Asparagus as- ment Workshop in Adelaide, 10–11 No- thanks for workshop organization also paragoides (L.) Druce, is the best known vember 2005. The workshop was attended goes to Dennis Gannaway and Susan Asparagus weed and certainly deserves by 60 people including representation ex- Lawrie. its Weed of National Signifi cance (WoNS) tending from South Africa, through most status in Australia. However, there are regions of continental Australia, to Lord Reference other Asparagus species in Australia that Howe Island in the Pacifi c. The workshop Agriculture & Resource Management have the potential to reach similar levels was made possible with funding assistance Council of Australia & New Zealand, of impact as bridal creeper on biodiversity through the Australian Government’s Nat- Australia & New Zealand Environment (and hence their inclusion in the national ural Heritage Trust. This special double is- & Conservation Council and Forestry bridal creeper strategic plan [ARMCANZ sue of Plant Protection Quarterly contains Ministers (2001). ‘Weeds of National et al. 2001]). There is much to be gained the proceedings of the workshop, as well Signifi cance: Bridal creeper (Asparagus from sharing information and experiences as additional research and management asparagoides) strategic plan’. (National about the biology, ecology, impacts and papers on Asparagus weeds including the Weeds Strategy Executive Committee, control of all Asparagus weeds to advance review of bridal creeper for the Biology Launceston). their overall strategic management. of Australian Weeds series. We thank all

found in Australia. In South Africa it is restricted to the winter rainfall region of Asparagus weeds in Australia – a South African the Western Cape. This form of the plant is a host for Zygina sp. and Eurytoma sp. perspective with emphasis on biological control and the tubers are damaged by weevil prospects larvae, but Crioceris sp. and P. myrsiphyl- li were not recorded. Carien A. KleinjanA,B and Penny B. EdwardsA,C Potential taxonomic difficulties of A CSIRO Biological Control Unit, Zoology Department, University of Cape some of the other Asparagus spp. that oc- cur in Australia are discussed, and pre- Town, Private Bag, Rondesbosch, 7701, South Africa. B liminary observations are provided on Current address: Zoology Department, University of Cape Town, Private their associated natural enemies in South Bag, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa. e-mail: [email protected] Africa. C Current address: PO Box 865, Maleny, Queensland 4552, Australia. Keywords: Asparagus, Asparagus aspara- goides, Australia, biological control, Criocer- is, environmental weed, Eurytoma, natural Summary released in Australia against the first enemies, , South Africa, Zygina. The results of an extensive South African form which has a wide distribution in survey to identify potential biological South Africa. No candidate was found Introduction control agents for that damages the tuber system of this South Africa supports a wealth of Aspara- are discussed. Two forms of A. aspara- form of A. asparagoides, but foliage dam- gus species with several endemic to the re- goides were found that are distinguished age reduced tuber mass and fruit produc- gion. The most recent taxonomic revision of by characteristics of the tuber system. tion under experimental conditions. The South African recognized 81 species, Not all the natural enemies found in as- seed wasp Eurytoma sp. occurs through- of which only 15 are recorded as occurring sociation with A. asparagoides attacked out the distributional range of this form naturally beyond the borders of southern both forms. Three biocontrol agents (Zy- of A. asparagoides. Damage levels vary Africa (Obermeyer et al. 1992). The higher gina sp., Crioceris sp. and Puccinia myr- but can be 90% or more. The second form of Asparagus spp. has tended to siphylli) from South Africa, have been of A. asparagoides has only recently been oscillate between the recognition of one and 64 Plant Protection Quarterly Vol.21(2) 2006 three genera. Obermeyer recognized three specimens. Based on the observed dis- Impact of foliage feeding on fruit genera: Myrsiphyllum (with 12 species in tributions of the two forms of the plant, production and tuber mass South Africa), Protasparagus (with 69 spe- Kleinjan and Edwards (1999) refer to The agents released to date all target the cies in South Africa) and Asparagus (with one form of the plant as the ‘widespread foliage of the widespread form of A. as- no South African species). However, all form’ of A. asparagoides, which has a wide paragoides. It was hoped that a potential species are currently considered members distributional range in South Africa. The agent would be identifi ed that directly of a single genus, Asparagus (Malcomber second form is restricted to the western damages the tuber system of the plants, and Sebsebe 1993, Fellingham and Meyer Cape and is referred to as the ‘West- but despite intensive searching no such 1995). ern Cape form’ of A. asparagoides. These candidate was found. However, substan- The Asparagus species considered a same terms are used throughout this tial outbreaks of Zygina sp. had been noted threat in Australia (Asparagus asparagoides text. in the aseasonal rainfall region and con- (L.) Druce, Asparagus scandens Thunb., As- Asparagus asparagoides specimens from sequently an experiment (Kleinjan et al. paragus declinatus L., Asparagus plumosus Australia were compared against both 2004) was conducted with Zygina sp. to Baker, Asparagus densifl orus (Kunth) Jessop forms of this species from South Africa explore the impact of foliage damage on and Asparagus africanus Lam.) occur natu- and were found to be consistent with the tuber growth. As reduced fruit loads were rally in South Africa, but only A. aspara- ‘widespread form’ (Kleinjan and Edwards recorded subsequent to the Zygina sp. out- goides has been surveyed comprehensively 1999). In 2004 it was discovered that the break, the experiment also investigated for natural enemies for use in a biological ‘western Cape form’ of A. asparagoides is the impact of foliage damage on fruit pro- control program. also present in Australia. duction. The results showed that exten- This paper reports on the surveys con- sive foliage damage substantially reduced ducted on A. asparagoides in South Africa The widespread form of Asparagus both fruiting and fi nal tuber mass. The ex- and provides incidental observations of asparagoides in South Africa perimental design made it impossible to the natural enemies associated with the Distribution and habitat associations determine whether the impact of Zygina other species of concern in Australia, with The widespread form of A. asparagoides oc- sp. caused a reduction in the rate of tuber the exception of A. africanus for which no curs in the winter, summer and aseasonal mass accumulation or whether it caused a information is available. (i.e. the rainfall is not restricted to any par- reduction in existing tuber reserves. Morin ticular season) rainfall regions of South Af- et al. (2002) demonstrated experimentally Asparagus asparagoides rica (Kleinjan and Edwards 1999). In the that infection of the widespread form of Taxonomy and distribution of A. winter rainfall region, ripe fruits develop A. asparagoides with P. myrsiphylli similarly asparagoides in November and the plants subsequently resulted in a reduction in tuber number, Soon after surveys for natural enemies of senesce completely. Production of new rhizome length and shoot mass. A. asparagoides were initiated in South Af- shoots starts well ahead of the next rainy rica during 1988, problems were encoun- season. In the aseasonal rainfall region Natural enemies that attack seed or fruit tered with the distribution records for this ripe fruits also develop in November, but As Asparagus species are bird dispersed, species. Published distribution records for vegetative parts of the plants are present a reduction in seed output could be pre- A. asparagoides proved to be misleading throughout the year, with an approximate- dicted to decrease the rate of colonization and required reassessment. Our surveys ly annual turnover of stems. The situation of new sites and may reduce the rate at showed that A. asparagoides does not occur in the summer rainfall region is unclear which infestations develop. Two natu- in subtropical coastal regions and the arid due to infrequent surveys in the area. ral enemies (Zalaca snelleni (Wallengren) interior and west coast regions of South However, it appears that most plants se- (Noctuidae) and Eurytoma sp. (Eurytomi- Africa (Kleinjan and Edwards 1999), areas nesce during the dry season (winter), but dae)) were recorded in South Africa that which Obermeyer (1984) had included in that some plants in mesic microhabitats attack the fruit or seeds of several Aspara- the distribution. persist. Fruit was recorded in October (the gus species including the widespread form In revising the taxonomy of the 12 start of summer) and also in March (at the of A. asparagoides. Both these species have southern African Asparagus species placed end of summer). been recorded from commercial asparagus previously in Myrsiphyllum, Obermeyer Throughout its distributional range in in South Africa. (1984) relied on characteristics of the tuber South Africa, the widespread form of A. Larvae of the moth, Zalaca snelleni, system for identifi cation of several spe- asparagoides occurs primarily in dappled consume the fruits of Asparagus species cies, including A. asparagoides. However, shade or at the edge of dense shade and is throughout South Africa. They can cause the majority of A. asparagoides specimens usually found scrambling within shrubs considerable damage since each larva con- (86%) in the Pretoria National Herbarium or the lower branches of trees. sumes several fruits during its develop- lack tuber material, but had nonetheless ment. They are subject to parasitism by been identifi ed as A. asparagoides. In the Natural enemies an unidentifi ed braconid wasp. It is not absence of tuber material, these speci- Surveys of natural enemies of the wide- known whether this species targets plant mens cannot be classifi ed with confi dence spread form of A. asparagoides revealed species other than Asparagus, but due to its (Kleinjan and Edwards 1999), which un- several candidates suitable for use in a bio- destructive capabilities it warrants further doubtedly led to errors in the published logical control program against this plant investigation if confl icts with commercial distribution for A. asparagoides in the revi- in Australia. Those considered to have the asparagus growers can be resolved. sion by Obermeyer (1984). greatest potential were: an undescribed An undescribed wasp, Eurytoma sp. tar- Furthermore, two distinct forms of A. leafhopper, Zygina sp. (Cicadellidae) (see gets the seeds of the widespread form of asparagoides that can be readily separated Witt and Edwards 2000), an undescribed A. asparagoides and other Asparagus spp. by characteristics of the tuber system were leaf beetle, Crioceris sp. (Chrysomelidae) Damage levels to the widespread form of found during the search for biological (see Witt and Edwards 2002), and the A. asparagoides in the Knysna area were control agents in South Africa (Kleinjan Puccinia myrsiphylli (Thuem.) Wint. assessed over four successive seasons and Edwards 1999). For those familiar (see Kleinjan et al. 2004). These species (Table 1). Sample size varied slightly due with both forms of the plant, subtle dif- have been released in Australia. They are to variation in the availability of fruits ferences in leaf texture and colour are dis- discussed below and observations on oth- between years and the partial destruc- cernible on living plants. However these er species identifi ed during our surveys tion of samples by Z. snelleni. In 1991, characters are not preserved in herbarium are included. damage attributable to Eurytoma sp. was Plant Protection Quarterly Vol.21(2) 2006 65 substantially less than in 1990, at all sites Table 1. Mean percentage (± S.D.) damage attributable to Eurytoma sp. on except Phantom Pass. However, fruit widespread A. asparagoides in the aseasonal rainfall region of the western availability was low in 1991, possibly as Cape over four successive fruiting seasons. a result of the Zygina sp. outbreak noted that year which could have reduced fruit- Mean ing by the plants (Kleinjan et al. 2004). In percentage Standard No. of samples 1992 and 1993 Eurytoma sp. damage levels Date and localities damage deviation (No. of fruits per sample) increased, and in 1993 damage ranged be- 1990 tween 94% and 97.7% at four sites. Damage Brenton Lake 70.4 11.0 5(20) at another site (Kaaimans River Mouth), Lake Pleasant 80.5 29.9 5(20) where Z. snelleni was abundant, was only 29.2%. When A. asparagoides fruit availabil- Sedgefi eld 55.8 12.1 5(20) ity is low, Eurytoma sp. probably utilizes Phantom Pass 88.0 14.0 5(20) fruit from other Asparagus spp. growing Kaaimans River Mouth 75.9 34.0 5(20) in the vicinity. Fruit samples were not readily avail- 1991 able in the winter and summer rainfall re- Brenton Lake 17.9 19.8 3(20), 1(19), 1(15) gions, but damage levels for the samples Lake Pleasant 0.0 0.0 5(20) obtained are listed in Table 2. In the winter Sedgefi eld 6.3 14.1 4(20), 1(18) rainfall region, 92% damage was recorded Phantom Pass 79.4 13.4 5 (4× 20, 17) at Swellendam in 1993. The highest dam- age level recorded in the summer rainfall Kaaimans River Mouth 2.4 5.4 5(20) region was 95.9% at Giant’s Castle in Octo- 1992 ber 1992. Eurytoma sp. was not reared from fruit collected at the end of summer from Brenton Lake 38.1 19.7 5(20) other sites in this region, but these fruit Lake Pleasant 75.5 19.9 5(20) samples were probably too young. Sedgefi eld 32.6 17.5 5(20) Various factors, including fruit avail- Phantom Pass 95.2 5.1 5(20) ability, environmental conditions and lev- Kaaimans River Mouth 93.1 3.7 4(20), 1(18) els of parasitism, may impact on Eurytoma sp. abundance, but unravelling these was 1993 beyond the scope of the surveys. How- Brenton Lake 97.0 2.1 3(20), 2(18) ever, the preliminary results indicate that Lake Pleasant 97.4 2.4 4(20), 1(13) parasitism is not a signifi cant factor. The number of parasitoid versus Eurytoma Sedgefi eld 94.0 3.8 4(20), 1(19) sp. adults that emerged was assessed for Phantom Pass 97.7 5.2 5(20) 67 samples of the widespread form of Kaaimans River Mouth 29.2 44.4 2(20), 1(18), 1(13) A. asparagoides collected from localities throughout the distribution of the plant in South Africa. Parasitoids were only en- countered in six samples from three sites Table 2. Mean percentage seed damage attributable to Eurytoma sp. (Table 3). Overall, only 22 parasitoids associated with the widespread form of A. asparagoides in (a) the winter versus 3290 Eurytoma sp. emerged (<1% rainfall region of the Western Cape, (b) at one site within the aseasonal parasitism). Four parasitoid species were rainfall region of the Eastern Cape and (c) in the summer rainfall region involved, but the only site where substan- (Drakensberg mountain range). tial parasitism was recorded was Giant’s Castle in the summer rainfall region. In Mean this case the species responsible is most percentage Standard No. of samples probably a multiple parasitoid (i.e. several Date and localities damage deviation (No. of fruits per sample) parasitoid individuals developing within (a) winter rainfall region a single Eurytoma sp. host) thereby infl at- (Western Cape) ing apparent parasitism levels. Eurytoma sp. occurs on Asparagus spe- Nachtwacht – October 1992 69.9 21.1 4(20), 1 (19) cies throughout South Africa and has Nachtwacht – September 1993 83.4 14.9 4(20), 1(16) the capacity to substantially reduce seed Swellendam – September 1993 92.0 6.4 3 (20), 1(17) availability. It has considerable potential as a biocontrol agent in Australia. Assess- (b) aseaonal rainfall region ment of host specifi city is however diffi - (Eastern Cape) cult because the adults have a short life Cannon Rocks – November 1992 63.0 22.6 3(20), 1(15), 1(11) span and fruit for testing is often unavail- (c) summer rainfall region able at a time that coincides with natu- (Drakensberg mountain range) ral emergence. Eurytoma sp. was not re- corded from fruits of four plant species Tendele – October 1992 52.7 12.7 2(20) closely related to (Agave Paradise Camp – February 1991 0.0 0.0 1(19) sp., Agapanthus praecox Willd., Behnia re- Paradise Camp – March 1992 0.0 0.0 3(20), 1(14), 1(9) ticulata (Thunb.) Didr. and Sanseveria sp.) Pilgrims Rest – March 1992 0.0 0.0 4(20), 1(19) nor from eight plant species that produce Kaapse Hoop – March 1992 0.0 0.0 4(20), 1(18) berries, growing in association with the widespread form of A. asparagoides in the Giant’s Castle October 1992 95.9 4.0 5(20), 1(19) 66 Plant Protection Quarterly Vol.21(2) 2006 fi eld (A. Witt personal communication). its distribution overlaps with that of the during winter at only three sites (Table 4). The wasps were recorded from commer- widespread form of A. asparagoides, but we Larvae were recorded in excavated tuber cial asparagus in the Gauteng and Western never encountered the two forms grow- masses at four sites but were most abun- Cape provinces. ing together. The phenology of this species dant at Karbonkelberg. is similar to that of the widespread form Additional potential biological control of A. asparagoides in the winter rainfall re- Preliminary observations in South agents gion i.e. ripe fruits develop in October/ Africa on the natural enemies of In addition, other potential agents have November and the plants subsequently some Asparagus species that are been located that have not yet received senesce completely over the dry summer. weeds in Australia any attention, most notably a cecidomy- Asparagus scandens and Asparagus iid fl y, which galls the growth tips of the Natural enemies declinatus widespread form of A. asparagoides in the The Western Cape form of A. asparagoides Both these species are South African Knysna area. Identical cecidomyiid galls is attacked by Zygina sp., Z. snelleni and endemics with restricted distributions were found in this region on A. plumosus Eurytoma sp., but P. myrsiphylli was not (Obermeyer 1984). They are easily identi- and another Asparagus sp. (probably A. recorded in association with this form of fi ed by the foliage and therefore published aethiopicus L.) that may be caused by the the plant during our surveys (Kleinjan et distribution records and habitat associa- same species of fl y. Four noctuid moth al. 2004). tions are likely to be reliable. In the vicin- species (Agrotis sp., Euplexia augens Felder Substantial damage, caused by uniden- ity of Cape Town, Asparagus scandens is & Rogenhoven, Lycophotia oliveata (Hamp- tifi ed weevil larvae, was found on tubers particularly abundant in forest patches son) and Cucullia terrensis Felder & Rogen- of the Western Cape form of A. aspara- and is occasionally the dominant under- hoven) were collected from and reared on goides. They are probably the larvae of an canopy plant species. Incidental observa- foliage of the widespread form of A. as- undescribed Brachycerus species, observed tions during surveys on A. asparagoides paragoides. Details of their host specifi city feeding as adults on the foliage of these suggest that it is not susceptible to the are unknown but may warrant further in- plants. rust fungus. Similarly, the rust fungus has vestigation. Lastly, a fl ea beetle (Hespera In December 1992, tuber masses of the not been recorded during incidental ob- sp., Chrysomelidae) was recorded feeding Western Cape form of A. asparagoides were servations on A. declinatus. The Eurytoma on the foliage of the widespread form of A. excavated at fi ve sites where bimonthly sp. discussed above and Z. snelleni were asparagoides in the summer rainfall region. monitoring of plant phenology and as- reared from fruit samples of A. declinatus. Details of its biology are not known. sociated insects had been conducted for Only a single Eurytoma sp. individual was at least one year. Damage attributable to reared from fruit samples of A. scandens, The Western Cape form of A. weevil larvae was noted at all fi ve sites. and Z. snelleni was not recorded. Further asparagoides in South Africa At one site, Silvermine, the estimated per- sampling is required. Distribution and habitat associations centage of tubers attacked in ten tuber The Western Cape form of A. aspara- masses with between 13 and 129 tubers Asparagus plumosus goides is a localized endemic restricted to (average 57.8 ± 38.1 S.E.) ranged between The plant commonly cultivated and sold the winter rainfall region of the Western 0 and 100% (average 49.4% ± 36.1 S.E.). The in nurseries in South Africa as A. plumosus Cape where it was generally encountered plant with 100% damage had died during fi ts the description given by Obermeyer et scrambling within shrubs both in low ly- the monitoring program. The nocturnal al. (1992) except that the berry is black (not ing sandy areas and in rocky situations on adults were rarely encountered during red as in the published description). Aspar- mountains. In the eastern part of its range the monitoring program being recorded agus plumosus is closely related to Aspara- gus setaceous (Kunth) Jessop but these two species should be readily distinguished Table 3. Samples of fruit of the widespread form of A. asparagoides from by the fact that A. plumosus has branches which both Eurytoma sp. and parasitoids were reared. and cladodes that spread in a single plane. Total The published distribution records may Eurytoma sp. Parasitoids require revision as A. plumosus occurs Date Locality adults Sp. 1 Sp. 2 Sp. 3 Sp. 4 Total commonly in the vicinity of Knysna (West- ern Cape), but this is not refl ected in the October 1992 Giants Castle 105 0 0 1 0 1 published distribution map (Obermeyer October 1992 Giants Castle 4 4 0 0 0 4 et al. 1992). The natural enemies discussed October 1992 Giants Castle 14 12 0 0 0 12 below are associated with the plant fi tting the description of A. plumosus as described September 1993 Nachtwacht 23 0 1 0 0 1 by Obermeyer et al. (1992) except that the October 1992 Nachtwacht 22 0 0 0 2 2 berry is black. September 1993 Swellendam 65 0 2 0 0 2 A fungus, Microcyclus kentaniensis Doidge (Ascomycetes), was recorded dur- ing our surveys on A. plumosus at two lo- Table 4. Records of Brachycerus sp. adults and probable larvae of this calities in the Knysna area. This species species associated with the western Cape form of A. asparagoides. was originally described from a specimen No. of identifi ed as A. plumosus that was collect- No. of adults No. of tuber masses ed at Kentani in the Eastern Cape (Doidge Site (month observed) larvae examined 1948). Two other herbarium records for this fungus exist for A. plumosus from the Silvermine 2 (May 1992) 1 10 Limpopo Province of South Africa. Al- Karbonkelberg 2 (May 1992, August 1992) 13 7 though sparse, these records suggest that Red Hill 1 (July 1992) 0 3 the fungus is widespread in South Africa Paarl none 0 10 and likely to occur throughout the range of its host plant. The impact of the fun- Sea Farm none 1 11 gus on A. plumosus warrants investigation. Plant Protection Quarterly Vol.21(2) 2006 67 The rust fungus, Puccinia asparagi DC., is are not known. In addition, the cladodes As described above, considerable taxo- also recorded as occurring on A. plumosus of A. densifl orus, are galled by eriophiid nomic complications arose on closer in- (Doidge 1950). mites (S. Neser personal communica- vestigation of A. asparagoides including Two species of Cecidomyiid fl ies were tion), but they do not appear particularly the recognition of an erroneous published recorded on A. plumosus in the Knysna damaging. distribution for this species and the pres- area. Damage attributable to the fi rst ap- In Cape Town, cultivated plants occa- ence of two distinct forms (possibly spe- pears identical to that recorded on the sionally suffer extensive damage from the cies) of the plant. widespread form of A. asparagoides in this leaf beetle, Crioceris nigropunctata (C.A. If further exploration on Asparagus spe- area and it may be the same species. The Kleinjan personal observation). This spe- cies is considered then emphasis should other species causes galling of the cladode cies was predicted to become a pest of be placed on defi ning the taxa occurring fascicles. commercial asparagus in South Africa in Australia by direct comparison with In the Knysna area, the stems of A. plu- (Heinze and Pinsdorf 1962), however, no South African material. Comparison of mosus, are mined by a tephritid fl y, ten- Crioceris species are recorded as pests of DNA between South African and Austral- tatively identifi ed as Pycnella taomyoides commercial asparagus in South Africa ian specimens is probably the most useful (Bezzi). We reared a specimen of this spe- (Witt and Edwards 2002). The Crioceris sp. technique for delimiting the taxa and iden- cies from the stems of an Asparagus sp. associated with the widespread form of A. tifying the source of Australian plants. (probably A. aethiopicus) in this area. The asparagoides was recorded from A. densi- If biological control of additional Aspar- damage and pupal cases noted on A. plu- fl orus/aethiopicus (Witt and Edwards 2002) agus weeds in Australia is contemplated, mosus appear identical to those on Aspara- in the Knysna area. These plants should our surveys have shown there are several gus sp. (probably A. aethiopicus). The speci- probably be identifi ed as A. aethiopicus. natural enemies associated with these spe- men reared from Asparagus sp. (probably Adults of a Brachycerus sp. that appears cies in South Africa that warrant further A. aethiopicus) is the only specimen known identical to that collected on the Western investigation. apart from the holotype and provides the Cape form of A. asparagoides were collect- Of particular interest is the presence of fi rst host record. Efforts to rear more speci- ed from cultivated A. densifl orus plants in weevil larvae in the tubers of the Western mens from A. plumosus and Asparagus sp. Cape Town. Weevil larvae were located Cape form of A. asparagoides and A. densi- (probably A. aethiopicus) have been ham- within the tubers. The larvae are destruc- fl orus. Confi rmation is still required that pered by high levels of parasitism and the tive and consume several tubers. Tubers they are the larvae an undescribed Brachy- precise timing required for collection of subjected to feeding often suffer second- cerus sp. The genus Brachycerus is large material. ary bacterial infection and are colonized (about 500 species) with poorly known In addition, Crioceris nigropunctata La- by nematodes. Efforts are currently under- host associations (R. Stals personal com- cordaire (Chrysomelidae) has been re- way to rear larvae to adulthood to confi rm munication). Only one species, Brachycer- corded on cultivated A. plumosus in Cape that they are the juveniles of the Brachycer- us ornatus Drury, has been studied in any Town where the beetles are occasionally us adults noted on the plants. As adults detail and this species is apparently only abundant and responsible for substantial have only been observed in winter on both associated with the ground lily, Ammo- damage (C.A. Kleinjan personal observa- A. densifl orus and the Western Cape form charis coranica (Ker Gawl.) Herbert. (Ama- tions). Eurytoma sp. and Z. snelleni were of A. asparagoides, these weevils are prob- ryllidaceae) (Louw 1990). both recorded from A. plumosus during ably univoltine. Unpublished data in the South Afri- our surveys. Eurytoma sp. and Z. snelleni were reared can National Collection of Insects, Pre- from fruit samples collected in Port Ed- toria, suggest correspondence between Asparagus densifl orus ward and a second noctuid moth, from the Brachycerus species groups delimited Cultivars of A. densiflorus are popular the Coccidophaga scitula group, was reared by Haaf (1957) and different taxonomic horticultural plants in South Africa and from fruit samples of A. densifl orus taken groupings within the (R. Stals elsewhere. This species is described by at this locality. personal communication). In addition to Obermeyer et al. (1992) as a ‘common and the undescribed Brachycerus sp. collected variable species of the eastern region i.e. Discussion on the Western Cape form of A. aspara- southern and eastern Transvaal, Natal and During the surveys of A. asparagoides, goides and A. densifl orus in the vicinity of eastern Cape; also in Mocambique’. How- South African Asparagus species not Cape Town, several other Brachycerus spp. ever, in the distribution map, only one placed within the genus Myrsiphyllum by were collected during our surveys. They locality within the southern and eastern Obermeyer (1984) needed to be identifi ed include: Brachycerus parilis Haaf, a large Transvaal (now Mpumalanga) is shown. from the descriptions of Jessop (1966). species observed feeding on the wide- Given the abundance of closely related Identifi cation of some species including spread form of A. asparagoides, Asparagus Asparagus species in South Africa and the A. densifl orus, A. plumosus (part A. seta- sp. (probably A. aethiopicus) and A. plu- documented variation in morphology of ceous sensu Jessop 1966) and A. africanus mosus in the Knysna area; Brachycerus A. densifl orus and its habitat, a comparison proved problematic principally due to the cornutus (L.) and a second undescribed of plant specimens from Australia with variable morphology of the species and Brachycerus sp. collected on an Asparagus material from South Africa is essential if the resultant inconclusive nature of the sp. in Namaqualand; Brachycerus seti- surveys for potential agents are to be con- keys. pennis Fahraeus collected on an Asparagus sidered. The situation is now somewhat im- sp. in Kwazulu Natal and Brachycerus tec- The cladodes of A. densifl orus are mined proved with the keys published by Ober- tus Haaf collected from an Asparagus sp. in by a fl y Ptochomyza asparagivora Spencer meyer et al. (1992) who recognized 81 the Eastern Cape. All these species, includ- (Agromyzidae) (S. Neser personal com- species in South Africa, as opposed to 40 ing the two apparently undescribed spe- munication). This species was recorded recognized by Jessop (1966), primarily be- cies, are in Haaf’s species group A (R. Stals during our surveys at Port Edward, Kwa- cause several of Jessop’s synonyms were personal communication). Unfortunately zulu Natal and is also present on cultivat- re-erected. However, inconsistencies still no details of the biology of these species ed plants in Cape Town where it is abun- occur and the problem of variable mor- have been published. dant and causes considerable damage to phology of species remains a problem Also of note, is the presence of a com- the cladodes. Preliminary indications sug- particularly when specimens lack repro- plex of Cecidomyiidae associated with gest that the fl ies are subject to high levels ductive structures and no description of Asparagus species in South Africa that of parasitism. Levels of host specifi city the root and rhizome system is present. may have potential as biological control 68 Plant Protection Quarterly Vol.21(2) 2006 agents. Particularly damaging is a species Doidge, E.M. (1950). The South African Louw, S. (1990). The life history and imma- that targets the growth tips of the wide- fungi and lichens to the end of 1945. ture stages of Brachycerus ornatus Drury spread form of A. asparagoides, Asparagus Bothalia 5, 1094 pp. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Journal of sp. (probably A. aethiopicus) and A. plumo- Fellingham, A.C. and Meyer, N.L. (1995). the Entomological Society of southern Af- sus in the Knysna area. On A. plumosus the New combinations and a complete list rica 53, 27-40. fungus, M. kentaniensis, warrants further of Asparagus species in southern Africa Malcomber, S.T. and Sebsebe, S. (1993). investigation and the tephritid, probably (Asparagaceae). Bothalia 25, 205-9. The status of Protasparagus and Myrsi- P. taomyoides, appears to be particularly Jessop, J.P. (1966). The genus Asparagus in phyllum in Asparagaceae. Kew Bulletin damaging, as is the leaf mining agromyzid Southern Africa. Bothalia 9, 31-96. 48, 63-78. on A. densifl orus. Haaf, E. (1957). Revision der äthiopischen Morin, L., Willis, A.J., Armstrong, A. and It is unlikely that rust fungus P. myr- und madagassischen Arten der Gat- Kriticos, D. (2002). Spread, epidemic siphylli will be found in association with tung Brachycerus ol. (Col. Curc.). Ento- development and impact of the bridal either A. scandens or A. declinatus. During mologische Arbeiten aus dem Museum G. creeper rust in Australia: summary of the surveys on A. asparagoides these spe- Frey 8, 1-274, 343-559. results. Proceedings of the 13th Austral- cies were searched for the presence of rust Heinze, E. and Pinsdorf, W. (1962). Die ian Weeds Conference, eds H. Spafford whenever encountered and no symptoms Criocerinen Afrikas (Col. Chrysomeli- Jacob, J. Dodd, and J.H. Moore, pp. 385- were ever recorded. dae). Entomologische Arbeiten aus dem 8. (Plant Protection Society of Western The fruit and seeds of many South Afri- Museum G. Frey 13, 156-270. Australia, Perth). can Asparagus species are attacked by both Kleinjan, C.A. and Edwards, P.B. (1999). Obermeyer, A.A. (1984). Revision of the Z. snelleni and the undescribed Eurytoma A reappraisal of the identifi cation and genus Myrsiphyllum Willd. Bothalia 15, sp. and both these species have consid- distribution of Asparagus asparagoides in 77-88. erable potential in reducing the rate of southern Africa. South African Journal of Obermeyer, A.A., Immelman, K.L. and spread of Asparagus weeds in Australia. Botany 65, 23-31. Bos, J.J. (1992). Protasparagus. Flora of These species were both recorded from Kleinjan, C.A., Edwards, P.B. and Hoff- southern Africa 5(3), 71-82. A. offi cinalis and consequently a potential mann, J.H. (2004). Impact of foliage Witt, A.B.R. and Edwards, P.B. (2000). Bi- confl ict with commercial asparagus grow- feeding by Zygina sp. on tuber biomass ology, distribution, and host range of ers may occur. and reproduction of Asparagus aspara- Zygina sp. (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), goides (L.): relevance to biological con- a potential biological control agent for Conclusion trol in Australia. Biological Control 30, Asparagus asparagoides. Biological Control Prospects for future biocontrol programs 36-41. 18, 101-9. against the other South African Aspara- Kleinjan, C.A., Morin, L., Edwards, P.B. Witt, A.B.R. and Edwards, P.B. (2002). As- gus species in Australia look promising and Wood, A.R. (2004). Distribution, pects of the biology, distribution, and although potential taxonomic diffi culties host range and phenology of the rust host range of Crioceris sp. (Col.: Chry- with the plant taxa need to be addressed. fungus Puccinia myrsiphylli in South somelidae: Criocerinae), a potential Africa. Australian 33, biological control agent for Asparagus Acknowledgements 263-71. asparagoides in Australia. Biological Con- The results presented above stem princi- trol 23, 56-63. pally from surveys conducted by staff at the CSIRO Biological Control Unit based Appendix 1. Grid references to localities mentioned in the text and tables. at the University of Cape Town that were Locality Province Grid reference initiated while Dr. J.K. Scott was in charge Cannon Rocks Eastern Cape 33°45’S 26°31’E of the unit. We are grateful to CONCOM (now ANZECC) and the South Austral- Giants Castle Kwazulu Natal 29°16’S 29°31’E ian Animal and Plant Control Commission Kaaimans River Mouth Western Cape 34°00’S 22°33’E for funding. We thank the Department of Kaapse Hoop Mpumalanga 25°31’S 30°47’E Environment Affairs, Department of Wa- ter Affairs and Forestry, Division of Na- Karbonkelberg Western Cape 34°03’S 18°20’E ture Conservation of the former Transvaal Kentani Eastern Cape 32°30’S 28°19’E Provincial administration, Department of Environmental and Cultural Affairs of the Knysna Western Cape 34°05’S 23°05’E Provincial Administration of the Western Lake Brenton Western Cape 34°04’S 23°02’E Cape, Natal Parks Board, Simonstown Lake Pleasant Western Cape 34°02’S 22°50’E Municipality, Paarl Municipality and Cape Divisional Council for permits to conduct Nachtwacht Western Cape 34°35’S 20°07’E surveys on land under their jurisdiction. Paarl Western Cape 33°44’S 18°56’E The assistance of the National Botanical Paradise Camp Mpumalanga 24°52’S 30°53’E Institute herbaria in Cape Town and Pre- toria as well the Bolus Herbarium at the Phantom Pass Western Cape 34°01’S 23°00’E University of Cape Town and the South Pilgrims Rest Mpumalanga 24°56’S 30°48’E African National Collection of Insects is Port Edward Kwazulu Natal 31°03’S 30°13’E gratefully acknowledged. Ms. P.A. Mull- er, Mr. A.B.R. Witt, Dr. A.R. Wood, Dr. R. Red Hill Western Cape 34°12’S 18°25’E Stals, Dr. S. Neser and Prof. J.H. Hoffmann Sea Farm Western Cape 34°22’S 18°52’E are thanked for their assistance. Sedgefi eld Western Cape 34°02’S 22°48’E References Silvermine Western Cape 34°06’S 18°26’E Doidge, E.M. (1948). South African As- Swellendam Western Cape 33°59’S 20°16’E comycetes in the national herbarium. Bothalia 4, 837-80. Tendele Kwazulu Natal 28°43’S 28°56’E