BiocontrolNews and Information 2003 Vol. 24 No. 4 77N–90N

General News

Testing Times for Testing were released against St John’s wort The above rare instances of the failure of (Hypericum perforatum) but they had not New Zealand’s past testing procedures The high profile reporting of non-target been tested against native Hypericum spe- occurred because plants that might have impacts of a few classical weed biocontrol cies. Hypericum japonicum and H. grami- been tested were not. There are just two agents over the past few years highlighted neum are uncommon plants and, although recorded cases where plants were tested, but one shortcoming of many, if not most, bio- none of the agents has been recorded on the testing failed to predict the non-target control programmes – related to not inade- them, they could be at risk. In many other attacks that subsequently occurred. The quate testing, but inadequate monitoring. In projects during that period, and in all broom seed beetle Bruchidius villosus and trying to answer the critics of biocontrol, its projects since 1990, it has been standard the gorse pod moth Cydia succedana have defenders could only point to the absence practice to test native plants so the omission unexpectedly attacked seed of other exotic of reported problems for the overwhelming of indigenous species from test plant lists Fabaceae, although pre-release testing sug- majority of the 1150 or more planned should not occur now. However, this does gested that this would not happen. Investi- releases of weed biocontrol agents that not imply that selecting what plants to test gations into both are continuing, but Fowler have been made worldwide. An equally is now always straightforward. noted that a common link is that both use overwhelming absence of post-release sur- seasonally ephemeral resources (young veys means that there is little concrete evi- The first agent to be released in New Zea- pods) whose phenology in comparison to dence about the non-target impact of most land, cinnabar moth, was tested against that of the agent differs slightly between of these releases. eight native species of Senecio before per- Europe and New Zealand, potentially In New Zealand, Landcare Research has mission was given for its release against offering novel no-choice situations to been dusting off old files and investigating ragwort. However, when ragwort is defoli- agents in the field after release. This gives the safety record of weed biocontrol there ated the moth occasionally attacks two spe- us a new concept to consider: Do agents since the first biocontrol agent, cinnabar cies of native Senecio (S. minimus and S. introduced for discrete seasonal resources moth (Tyria jacobaeae), was released biserratus) which were not tested. Why need more careful assessment? Should against ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) in were these two not included in the test plant more rigorous no-choice testing be consid- 1929. This audit will alert the country’s list? They were in a different genus at the ered in these circumstances? Withers biocontrol community to any lurking dan- time. This is the only recorded instance of believes that the answer lies in our ability to gers, and also identify past flaws that will an introduced weed biocontrol agent accurately interpret the results of host spe- help tighten up testing procedures for the attacking a native non-target species in cificity testing, something that retrospective future. New Zealand, but could such a testing analysis of the methods used in the past, omission happen again? It is unlikely. Plant combined with post release field assess- Landcare has been looking at some agents systematics have clearly progressed since ment, will help us with. that are now common in New Zealand, 1929 and if the testing were being con- checking what testing was done before each The message is that if weed biocontrol is to ducted now, these two species would be win the confidence of its often vociferous was released, and whether non-target attack included. However, even with the taxo- has occurred – or might yet. Reporting sceptics, it is likely to require more sophis- nomic relationships clarified, there is ticated yet transparent interpretation of the results at the 11th Symposium on the Bio- another source of uncertainty. logical Control of Weeds in Canberra this host range testing carried out, and poten- tially will become more time-consuming year, Simon Fowler said that, overall, the Alternanthera sessilis, a close relative of reliability of host specificity testing in New and (therefore) more costly as a result. At a alligator weed (A. philoxeroides) was not time when time and budgets are being cut Zealand in the past has been good although included in host specificity tests in that bio- a few gaps have been identified. this fills the biocontrol community with control programme. Both are exotic species dismay. As a direct consequence of the The largest gap in testing probably and indeed there are no native New Zealand greater cost some projects will not be occurred in some projects conducted plants in the family. But what was not fore- undertaken, while the increased scrutiny is between 1943 and 1982. Although early seen was that A. sessilis would subse- likely to raise the bar so high that poten- biocontrol projects included native species quently attain cultural importance as a new tially useful and harmless agents will be in specificity tests, during this period 13 vegetable crop for some sectors of the com- rejected. introductions of natural enemies were made munity. Short of including a fortune-teller which relied heavily on testing in other in the biocontrol project, this would have Source: Hayes, L (ed) (2003) In retrospect. countries, and New Zealand natives were been hard to predict but Toni Withers In: What’s new in biological control of not tested. In one case, thistles, the rationale (Forest Research), who has been working weeds. Annual review. Lincoln, New Zea- was that there are no native thistles in New with Fowler and others on this project, land; Landcare New Zealand Ltd 2003, No. Zealand so there were no closely related believes that the current rigorous process 25, pp. 7-9. native species to test. While there could for drawing up test plant lists means that a Contact: Simon Fowler, have been problems where introductions similar case would not now be overlooked. Landcare Research, Private Bag 92170, were made against other targets with New Of two agents introduced against alligator Auckland, New Zealand. Zealand relatives, no non-target impacts weed, one (the moth Arcola malloi) attacks Email: [email protected] have been recorded on New Zealand native other Alteranthera species, and although Fax: +64 9 849 7093 plants, and only one potential serious damage to A. sessilis has not been observed impact has emerged so far. Three agents it remains a possibility. ❑

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Birch Sawflies Seen Off of attack in June-July from the univoltine initiated a successful communication cam- species, P. thomsoni, together with a second paign to dissuade the public from applying An Old World birch leaf-mining sawfly, generation of F. pusilla. Although a third insecticide on the grounds that it would dis- accidentally introduced to Alaska, is the species, the late birch leaf edge miner, Het- rupt biocontrol. Edmonton’s success has subject of a classical biocontrol programme erarthrus nemoratus, is present in Alberta, been noted by authorities in areas still trou- employing a natural enemy from neigh- it is very rare and causes little damage. bled by the sawflies, and NoFC is currently bouring Canada. This programme, capital- working with Northwest Territories and izing on the successful biocontrol of birch In the early 1990s, scientists were surprised Alaska on control programmes. leaf-mining sawflies in Canada, will also to notice a dramatic drop in sawfly damage mark the first instance of a natural enemy to birch trees in Edmonton, Alberta and Alaska remained free of alien birch leaf- being released as part of a major pro- even more surprised to find that a native mining sawfly pests until about the 1990s gramme against an invasive alien species in parasitoid was responsible by reducing when the first damage to birch was noticed. the wild in Alaska. populations of one of the species, P. thom- Subsequently, birches in Anchorage began soni. The parasitoid responsible, Lath- to sustain the greatest damage, which now Birches have a worldwide distribution in rolestes luteolator, appears to be native to extends over more than 14,000 ha in and the North Temperate Zone, and some 12 both Old and New Worlds. It had not previ- around the city. The pest has also spread as native species are found in North America. ously been recorded from P. thomsoni, far north as Fairbanks, east to Glennallen They are an important component of the although it attacks sawflies in the genus and south to Haines and Skagway. It was boreal forests that extend north to the Caliroa in Europe and North America, and not until 2002 that the major culprit was treeline. A number of native and exotic spe- Profenusa alumna on northern red oaks positively identified as P. thomsoni; how- cies are highly valued and widely planted (Quercus rubra) in eastern Canada and the ever, F. pusilla and H. nemoratus are also as ornamental and shade trees in town and USA. It is not unusual to find native parasi- present in Anchorage but very rare. Birch is cities. The wood from some birch species is toids switching to an exotic host, but they one of Anchorage’s most common shade used for wood pulp and timber and for a are generally not sufficiently efficient to tree species, and the impact of them turning large variety of products, from furniture to exert effective control – indeed, it is an brown at the peak of the short summer is canoes to ornaments. Birch sap is starting to axiom of classical biological control that particularly dramatic. The rapid rate of find a niche as a non-timber forest product. co-evolved natural enemies from the area spread of P. thomsoni, coupled with the In the harsh climate of the northern forests, of origin of the pest exert the most effective failure of weekly trapping to find any evi- birch buds, twigs, pollen catkins (flowers) control because their life histories and pop- dence of the parasitoid, suggested that the and nutlets (fruits) are an important food ulation dynamics are most closely linked. sawfly has left behind the natural enemies source for birds, mammals and insects. However, there are a number of examples that now control it farther east. A 3-year Since the early 1900s, North American of such ‘new associations’ providing useful cooperative multi-agency programme has birches have suffered the invasion of five levels of control (e.g. citrus leaf miner, been initiated between CFS-NoFC and the leaf-mining sawflies, all of European Phyllocnistis citrella). US Department of Agriculture Forest origin. By mining the leaves, their larvae The control of F. pusilla followed more Service (USFS) to study populations of P. cause extensive discoloration that is conventional classical biological control thomsoni in Anchorage, locate populations unsightly and reduces amenity values. The lines, utilizing two parasitoids, Lathrolestes of the parasitoid L. luteolator in Canada annual destruction of the trees’ photosyn- nigricollis and Grypocentrus albipes, and introduce parasitoids to Alaska, in the thetic capacity has long-term impact on which are highly specific to F. pusilla in expectation that it may re-enact its Cana- their health, and severe attacks over several Europe. These parasitoids had previously dian success and suppress P. thomsoni years can weaken them and make them sus- been released against F. pusilla in eastern again. Of the known hosts of L. luteolator, ceptible to attack by other insects, diseases Canada in the 1970s and the northeastern only P. thomsoni and Caliroa cerasi occur and drought. Application of systemic pesti- USA in the 1980s, with excellent results, at in Alaska. No other members of these cides (dimethoate), the most common least for L. nigricollis (G. albipes did not genera occur there so there is low risk of means of control for these pests in urban establish). Following on earlier successes, host switching. In 2003, baseline data were centres, has had significant monetary costs scientists from the Canadian Forest Service obtained on the ecology and mortality of P. to the public, and an undoubtedly signifi- – Northern Forestry Centre (CFS-NoFC) thomsoni in Alaska, sources of L. luteolator cant environmental cost. teamed up with colleagues from the Uni- were located in the Northwest Territories, The spread of the leaf miners across the con- versity of Alberta, and contracted CABI parasitoids have been collected and are tinent was slow but unremitting. Two spe- Bioscience (then the International Institute overwintering in Edmonton before being cies, the birch leaf miner (Fenusa pusilla) of Biological Control, IIBC) in Delémont, transported to Anchorage in the spring of and the amber marked leaf miner (Profe- Switzerland to supply natural enemies from 2004, and import permits have been nusa thomsoni), became particularly wide- Austria. Lathrolestes nigricollis and G. secured to allow the releases to proceed. spread and destructive. From their point of albipes were shipped and released between While scientists are gaining the upper hand introduction on the east coast of North 1994 and 1996, and both species became with P. thomsoni and F. pusilla, they are America, these two species spread across established although L. nigricollis was also keeping a close watch on two more the intervening ca. 4000 km to the western most successful. Since then, the wasp pop- recently introduced species that mine Canadian province of Alberta by the 1960s ulations have increased rapidly and spread leaves of birch, Scolioneura betuleti and and were soon causing alarm. Once popula- throughout the Edmonton area. In 2003, L. Messa nana. Both species are currently dis- tions were well established, most birch trees nigricollis was recovered from F. pusilla tributed only in eastern North America; S. in urban centres had turned brown by mid- approximately 300 km from the release betuleti has a localized distribution in summer, and this level of infestation con- sites. It is now difficult to find the birch Ontario and M. nana is widely distributed tinued year after year. The additive action of leaf-mining sawflies in Edmonton. As a from Ontario to New Brunswick and in the the species heightens the problem: attack result of the impacts of the parasitoids, the northeastern USA. With its large range and begins with first generation F. pusilla in city curtailed its expensive (and sometimes propensity to cause high levels of damage, early- to mid-May, as the trees begin to controversial) policy of spraying its birch M. nana is a growing concern and warrants break bud. This is followed by new waves trees on public lands with dimethoate, and increased vigilance. News 79N

Sources: Anon. (2003) Science and nature ians for habitat and food resources. They • The team has the skills and technology give sawflies a one-two punch. Solutions have spread beyond Queensland, with a for moving the project forward to (newsletter of the Canadian Forest Service) range currently extending from northern create a recombinant virus capable of Fall/Winter 2002 New South Wales into the Northern Terri- acting as a biocontrol agent. www.nrcan.gc.ca/cfs/scf/national/what- tory. They threaten the World Heritage Site The report highlights a number of gaps in quoi/Solutions of Kakadu National Park and are contin- the project so far and as planned: uing to spread through the tropical north Anon. (2003) Forest Insect and Disease towards Western Australia. There are cur- • A comprehensive plan for testing Conditions in Alaska – 2002. USDA Forest rently no control measures effective for native species is needed to ensure that Service, Alaska Region, R10-TP-113, 62 anything but small, restricted areas. (a) the viral vector has been weakened pp. successfully and (b) the genes selected Investigations into possible biocontrol Mason, P.G.; Huber, J.T. (2002) Biological to block cane toad development are solutions for cane toad began in 1990, with control programmes in Canada, 1981-2000. specific to this species. surveys for pathogens in the toad’s area of Wallingford, UK; CABI Publishing, 608 pp. • The scarcity of information on the origin in Venezuela and ecological studies proposed ranavirus vector needs Contact: David W. Langor, of the pest there and in Australia. More remedying by targeted research. Research Scientist – Insect Management & recently, research has focused on investi- Biodiversity, Natural Resources Canada – gating potential viral biocontrol agents. A • Methods for containing the risk of the Canadian Forest Service, stimulus for this work was rapid advances released virus escaping to other 5320 - 122 Street NW, Edmonton, made in gene technology during the 1990s countries need to be considered. Alberta, T6H 3S5 Canada together with the progress made by CSIRO The report questions whether the project Email: [email protected] in genetic manipulation of viruses to inter- team can address these issues and, if not, Fax: +1 780 435 7359 rupt animal development. While this calls for the Department of the Environ- Ed Holsten, Research Entomologist, approach fits with cultural pressure for ment and Heritage to assess the implica- USDA Forest Service: Alaska Region; ‘humane’ control methods, it also needs to tions of these gaps. The question appears S&PF, FHP & PNW, 3301 “C” St., address public concerns about the safety of somewhat rhetorical, insofar as the report Ste. 202, Anchorage, Alaska 99503, USA genetic modification. A project aimed at describes the testing of the attenuated Email: [email protected] producing a recombinant viral agent was recombinant virus as “a major task that will Fax: +1 907 743 9453 initiated in 2000, and was the subject of the need substantial expertise from outside the recent review. ❑ project team.” While the report notes that is The report notes that, although there have unlikely to be possible (or necessary) to test the 200 or more native frog species, it End of the Road for the been hitches in maintaining a healthy cap- argues that the rationale for which species Cane Toad? tive colony of cane toads for research pur- poses, excellent technical progress has been are to be tested, and why, needs to be Cane toad (Bufo marinus), biocontrol’s made and objectives have been met on time explained (although this will be made more best-known disaster story, may become a and on budget. It draws attention to the difficult because the phylogenetics of Aus- model for developing a new form of bio- project’s achievements and is encouraging tralian frogs are not well established.) Fac- control. According to a recent report*, the about its prospects for success, while also tors to be considered include: technical feasibility of producing a viral pointing out areas that need to be • Impact of differences in ecology (e.g. agent that can disrupt the development of addressed: habitat preferences and behaviour) cane toad looks extremely promising, but a • A recombinant ranavirus has been between taxonomically closely related number of other issues need to be addressed created, indicating that genetic species on susceptibility. if the overall objective of producing an modification is a technically feasible • Impact of an individual’s health and effective self-disseminating viral vector is approach in this system. environmental conditions on to be achieved. • Methods of attenuation (weakening the susceptibility. The report was the result of a review, ability to cause disease) have been • Cost, feasibility and ethics of testing funded by Department of the Environment assessed. Attenuation by passaging threatened species with few remaining and Heritage (DEH) through the National was successfully demonstrated for a wild populations, and whether to test Heritage Trust, of the government-funded wild-type and a recombinant ranavirus species assumed extinct in the wild. ‘Development of a cane toad biological in an Australian native frog, Litoria • Necessity for testing other groups also control’ project. The Australian Govern- infrafrenata. Attenuation is ment is continuing its support for the susceptible to ranaviruses (reptiles, fundamental to the production of a fish). approach through the DEH. In September it viral vector that does not endanger also announced that an additional A$ non-target species, and its reliability is The report calls for the development of a 200,000 of funds is being released by the vital for safeguarding native detailed strategy for comprehensively DEH for new projects on short- and biodiversity. The report endorsed the testing the success of attenuation in Aus- medium-term control techniques for cane need for further research to confirm tralia’s frogs, reptiles and fish, at various toads in Australia. results so far. life stages, in advance of testing the recom- binant attenuated virus. It suggests that the Cane toads were introduced to Queensland • Genes critical to the development of strategy should demonstrate that expertise in 1935 to control beetle pests in sugar cane toads have been identified using has been sought from relevant experts in cane, a job to which they proved singularly micro array technology, and potential frog, fish and reptile biology, and ecology ill suited. Instead they became a pest them- for progress in this field is promising. and virology. selves, preying on small animals and poi- Evidence indicates that developmental soning larger predators (including differences between cane toads and Most aspects of the ecology of ranaviruses, household pets) that try to eat them, and native frogs may be sufficient for a such as survival, mobility and patho- out-competing native reptiles and amphib- suitable gene to be identified. genicity, are little understood, yet would 80N BiocontrolNews and Information 2003 Vol. 24 No. 4 impinge on their success or otherwise as tually to be released.” Any such release optimistic about the successful outcome of viral vectors. The report calls for research would be controlled by the Office of the the technical aspects of the project. How- into their ecology, in particular to investi- Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR), after ever, it also identifies obstacles to transfer- gate key questions: an extensive programme of consultation ring this technology safely to the field and with community groups. endorses the need for cooperation between • What is the status of ranaviruses in the scientists of different disciplines to over- Australian native fauna? (Only one in The report also discusses the issue of inter- come these. Above all, the report recog- one species has been reported so far.) national commitments. National interests nises the importance of perception over need to been weighed against those of other • What is their prevalence in wild cane evidence-based argument in making judg- countries, which brings different elements toad populations? Ranaviruses are ments about risk, not only amongst the lay of risk into consideration – some of the considered extremely robust in nature public but also within the wider scientific ‘plus’ points at a national level may be neg- and readily transported through the community. atively viewed by other countries. For environment. But if ranaviruses are example, ranaviruses can survive in the Effective safe control of cane toad would present in wild cane toad populations environment (i.e. outside the host) for be welcome, not just in Australia, but as thought, why do they not have more extended periods under conditions of fairly throughout the world biocontrol commu- impact, given the density of cane toad high temperature and desiccation (which is nity, for whom constant references to its populations? Perhaps they are not good for agent dissemination). However, introduction are a depressing reminder of present, or very prevalent? Or perhaps the virus could be transported by unwitting the poor public perception of biological they are less robust, virulent or human agents (on boots or fishing equip- control’s safety record. Experts and stake- transportable in the natural ment, for example) to another country, holders, including members of conserva- environment? which may have (a) susceptible native spe- tion groups and research organizations, will • Once (and if) ranaviruses have been cies of amphibians, reptiles or fish that have attend a workshop early in 2004 to discuss shown to be present at appropriate not been tested under protocols designed to how to take the research forward. levels in wild cane toad populations, safeguard Australian native species and (b) more questions arise. How does native cane toads. With international travel *Hazell, D.; Nott, R.; Shannon, M.F. environmental variation affect and trade at unprecedented levels, these (2003) Review of the project ‘The develop- ranavirus prevalence, mobility, and risks cannot be dismissed. ment of a cane toad biological control’. capacity to infect? Do the wild type Canberra, ACT; Department of the Envi- Clearly this is an issue for quarantine and attenuated viruses behave the ronment and Heritage, National Heritage authorities (although they are more used to same in the natural environment? Trust, 18 pp. keeping organisms out of, rather than www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/ The answers to these questions will confirm within, a country’s borders). The report pests/canetoad whether or not the ranavirus is a good states that no recombinant form of a rana- ❑ choice of vector, and suggest whether addi- virus should be released unless it is feasible tional dissemination mechanisms might be to contain it within Australia. This is not a needed. limitation put on release of other, naturally Winning Water Lettuce occurring, biological control agents in Aus- War The report praises the project team for tralia, and is likely to provoke protest (and ensuring that results are relayed to the A project that has successfully controlled counter-protest). The report also notes, public. However, it encourages them also to water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) in a nature however, that molecular techniques may be share results with scientists in other disci- reserve in the Eastern Cape Province of able to manipulate the virus, for example to plines. It notes that the project will interest South Africa has demonstrated the effec- reduce its survival outside the host without “a diverse range of scientists and practi- tiveness of the control agent under some significantly compromising its effective- tioners from amateur herpetologists to ecol- difficult conditions. Water lettuce, origi- ness as a biocontrol agent, which could ogists and virologists” and suggests that nally from South America, is a declared contribute to its safety from the quarantine they may be able to assist if kept informed weed in South Africa. A leaf- and stem- perspective. of progress – and furthermore that keeping feeding weevil, Neohydronomus affinis, the entire community informed will tend to Whether an attenuated recombinant self- was first released against it in 1985. It prevent a build up of concern that could disseminating ranavirus will prove to be the causes considerable damage and has con- develop in a vacuum of information. answer to the cane toad in Australia will trolled the weed in a number of situations. take another 10 years to determine, However, the Eastern Cape has a fairly The potential for mutation and host range according to this report – it does not pull its temperate climate with cool winters and in expansion in a virus being released into the punches in laying out the of the size of the addition the water bodies where control environment is a natural cause of concern. challenges ahead. In the meantime, the was achieved are highly eutrophic. Thus Ranaviruses are considered stable and the report calls for more resources to be pro- success under these conditions indicates likelihood of the one chosen for this project vided for the complementary areas it asks that there really is no need to consider any reverting back to its pathogenic form is to be researched, and for other avenues to other control methods. described by the project team as close to be investigated to alleviate the cane toad zero. However, according to the report not The Cape Recife Nature Reserve near the problem in Australia in the short- to all scientists share this confidence and they city of Port Elizabeth incorporates two medium-term. need to be presented with the evidence water treatment settlement ponds that are rather than reassurances. It stresses the In addition to evaluating the cane toad also used extensively by birding enthusiasts importance of engaging the scientific com- project, this report makes an important con- as they attract many species of waterfowl. munity on the issue of safety, as dissent tribution to the debate on the future of dis- In 2001 one of these ponds was invaded by between scientific camps is likely to deepen seminating viruses as biocontrol agents. It water lettuce, which by 2002 had covered public anxiety. The report makes the point highlights the excellence of the research, the entire 1.5 ha pond and had also moved that: “Confidence from the broader com- the promise of the results so far, and the into the second pond. In August 2002, 240 munity will be essential if the virus is even- capabilities that Australia possesses, and is adult N. affinis weevils were introduced to News 81N the first pond. A quantitative post-release Dahlsten's expertise was called upon again Known as a dedicated educator, Dahlsten evaluation was initiated at this site in Jan- when the red gum lerp psyllid (Glycaspis was appointed associate dean for instruction uary 2003 by the Department of Zoology brimblecombei) began attacking and killing and student affairs at UC Berkeley’s Col- and Entomology at Rhodes University, California's red gum eucalyptus trees in lege of Natural Resources in 1996. He Grahamstown. Initially the plants were 1998. Following surveys in Australia, he advised 39 graduate students during his very large, averaging nearly 1 kg wet imported another species of Psyllaephagus. tenure, but he also extended his enthusiasm weight per plant. By March 2003 the mat of The efficacy of this wasp is still being eval- for insects and education beyond the water lettuce had started to break up and the uated, but it has thus far been most suc- campus by developing and heading out- average wet weight of the plants had cessful in the state’s coastal areas. reach programmes through the college and dropped to less than 100 g per plant – and through the campus's Interactive University there were on average 26 adult weevils per In addition to his work on psyllids, Dahl- Project. In the CityBugs Program, for plant. The weevils also dispersed to the sten distinguished himself with his research instance, Dahlsten and his students teamed other pond. By June 2003, the entire mat on the population dynamics of tree-killing up with teachers in the Oakland Unified had sunk and only a few scattered plants bark beetles and the factors that attract their School District to develop interactive lesson were found in the riparian vegetation. The natural enemies. Other projects included plans on insects. In the Environmental evaluation will continue through the research on how the methods used to con- Leadership Outreach Program, Dahlsten summer to document any reoccurrence of trol Pierce's disease, which affects grape- also helped develop courses in urban envi- the weed. vines and is spread by the glassy-winged ronmentalism for Oakland public school sharpshooter (Homalodisca coagulata), students, particularly those in poor or politi- By: Martin Hill, Department of Zoology affected riparian habitats, and on the eco- cally disadvantaged communities. and Entomology, Rhodes University, logical impact of the Sudden Oak Death Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa. His more than 200 publications were a sig- Email: [email protected] pathogen, a fungus-like algae that has nificant contribution to the field of biolog- Fax: + 27 46 622 8959 killed tens of thousands of oak trees ical control and he was a member of several throughout the state. Wide interests professional societies. His efforts and out- ❑ included ornithology (he maintained one of standing contributions earned him earlier the largest databases of insectivorous birds this year the UC Berkeley Distinguished Donald Dahlsten in California's forests and riparian areas, Service Award and the College of Natural and recently contributed a 20-page chapter Resources Citation. Dahlsten received Donald Dahlsten, a leading expert in bio- on the biology of the chestnut-backed logical control and forest entomology, and numerous other honours throughout his dis- chickadee for ‘Birds of North America’). a professor of insect biology at the Univer- tinguished career, including the UC Ber- keley College of Natural Resources sity of California, Berkeley died on 3 Sep- An early career dedicated to football was tember 2003 at the age of 69. Outstanding Teaching Award in 1995. For blighted by polio but, undeterred, he shifted 2 years in a row, he was chosen to be a Over the course of his 40-year career, Dahl- his career aspirations to science. He member of a research team visiting the sten developed a reputation as one of the enrolled at UCLA (University of Cali- People's Republic of China as part of an world's most respected leaders in biological fornia, Los Angeles) before transferring to exchange programme in integrated pest control. His research focused on the devel- UC Davis, where he received his bachelor’s management. One of Dahlsten’s last hon- opment of ecologically sensitive methods degree in entomology in 1956. He con- ours will be given posthumously in for controlling insects that feed on trees in tinued his graduate studies at UC Berkeley, November by the Western Forest Insect forests and in urban environments, which receiving his MSc and PhD degrees in ento- Work Conference – the 2003 Founder’s ultimately gave California a critical weapon mology in 1960 and 1963, respectively. As Award – in recognition of his contributions in their fight against psyllid pests that were a graduate student, he had worked as a to the field of forest entomology. spreading fast through the state’s eucalyptus research assistant in entomology at UC David Rowney, a research associate at trees. In the early 1990s, he found a species Berkeley. After he finished his studies, he Dahlsten’s lab and a friend for 32 years of Psyllaephagus wasp that effectively con- taught at the Los Angeles State College for said, “Generations to come will benefit trolled the blue gum psyllid (Ctenarytaina one year before coming back to UC Ber- from the reduction in pesticide use that Don eucalypti) infesting blue gum eucalyptus keley as an assistant entomologist. He accomplished through his successful bio- trees in nurseries throughout California. worked his way up to a tenured faculty logical control efforts both in California Two years after the parasitoid's introduc- position by 1969, and from 1981 to 1988 and around the world.” tion, it was hard to find any psyllids. It was served as chair of the former Division of a classical biocontrol success story. Biological Control. ❑ IPM Systems

This section covers integrated pest man- ticipatory research at the field level to The selectivity of biopesticides makes them agement (IPM) including biological con- policy change. A meeting in Tanzania this good for the environment because they trol, and techniques that are compatible July signalled the beginning of a process to have fewer non-target effects than conven- with the use of biological control or mini- overhaul legislation on biopesticide regis- tional broad-spectrum pesticides, but mize negative impact on natural enemies. tration in eastern Africa. This initiative is makes them bad for business because the Harmonization Sounds intended to make it more straightforward narrow target range means a restricted Good for Biopesticide and profitable for the small- to medium- market niche. This paradox at least partly Business sized producers, who are the mainstay of explains why, despite the growth of the The drive to improve farmer uptake of IPM the biopesticide sector, to market their environmental lobby and more stringent technologies takes many forms, from par- products throughout the region. pesticide legislation in recent years, biopes- 82N BiocontrolNews and Information 2003 Vol. 24 No. 4 ticides still account for less than 1% of the turn would lower the purchase price and application to specific crops and cropping global pesticide market (and a large propor- ultimately increase the uptake of the tech- systems. This achievement was spear- tion of that is accounted for by Bacillus nology by farmers. headed by Alison Stewart, Professor of thuringiensis, or Bt). Plant Pathology at Lincoln University and The Desert Locust Control Organization Director of the newly established National Conventional synthetic chemical pesticides for Eastern Africa (DLCO-EA) hosted a Centre for Advanced Bio-Protection Tech- typically have a broad host range: most workshop on 1-4 July 2003 in Arusha, Tan- nologies, whose research team has special- insecticides usually kill many kinds of pest zania to begin the harmonization process. ized in studying biocontrol mechanisms for insects. Therefore, one product can be prof- Members of the national registration control of soil-borne pathogens. itably produced for many uses. The devel- authorities of five countries (Tanzania, Dji- opment and registration costs for a bouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda) met to The diseases at the centre of this investiga- pesticide are high, so the major agrochem- review a candidate biocontrol agent in a tion were two economically important ical companies are compelled to target their mock exercise designed to highlight the dif- fungal pathogens of vegetable crops. Scle- research at agents with a broad spectrum of ferences in how such a product would be rotium cepivorum is the causal agent of activity. However, broad-spectrum action treated according to the existing different onion white rot which results in losses of means the products can kill beneficial national guidelines. The product chosen for 30-70% p.a. of New Zealand’s largest insects. this review by the 20 workshop participants export earning vegetable crop, whilst Scle- was Green Muscle, a locust biopesticide In contrast, biopesticides have a narrow rotinia species cause soft rots in a wide based on the fungus Metarhizium anisop- host range and are safer for use in IPM sys- range of fruit and vegetable species. Nei- liae var. acridum that infects only locusts tems. However, the cost of developing and ther pathogen is well controlled by existing and grasshoppers. registering a biopesticide makes it a poor chemical sprays owing to difficulties in tar- commercial proposition unless the market The participants of the Arusha workshop geting soil-borne pathogens and, in S. is particularly profitable. Bt is a case in on biopesticide harmonization committed cepivorum’s case, the chemicals are no point. It is effective against widespread lep- themselves to revising guidelines by Sep- longer effective due to accelerated micro- idopteran pests of cash crops such as tember. With some further revisions, a doc- bial degradation in soil. The pathogens’ cotton, maize and vegetables – a market ument will be presented for consideration problematic nature is compounded by the sufficiently large to make it a commercially by all member countries of the Southern fact that both may persist in cropping soils attractive product. Even so, the global value and Eastern African Committee on Harmo- for many years owing to the presence of of this market is estimated at some US$120 nization (SEARCH). SEARCH is a non- hard, over-wintering structures called scle- million (for all Bt products) – small in com- governmental organization comprising rotia. parison to the average broad-spectrum government regulators from countries Research on biocontrol of onion white rot insecticide (e.g. a new neo-nicotinoid). Yet, spanning South Africa and Madagascar to was begun by Professor Stewart in 1985, no other biopesticide has come close to Ethiopia. The group’s ultimate goal is to when large numbers of soil microorgan- reaching a market of this size, with the develop guidelines that may be uniformly isms were screened for antagonistic activity products in the sector usually worth less adopted throughout the region. towards the pathogen. Promising microbes than $10 million. This workshop was funded by support from were then incorporated into S. cepivorum- The costs of developing and registering a the African Emergency Locust and Grass- infested soil in large boxes for glasshouse- biopesticide must be overcome by the hopper Assistance (AELGA) project of the based trials, in which a Trichoderma atro- small- to medium-sized enterprises that US Agency for International Development viride strain was found that gave between usually market them. Although the costs (USAID). AELGA’s biopesticide project is 40-75% disease control compared to are less than for a conventional agrochem- managed by Virginia Polytechnic Institute untreated boxes. ical, they are still disproportionately high and State University in the USA, with The research group then entered into a joint compared to those for a major agrochem- partner institutions in Kenya, Ethiopia, partnership arrangement with Agrimm ical company registering a new chemical Senegal and France. Technologies Ltd to facilitate commercial- pesticide. To add to the trials of the biopes- Contact: Miriam Rich or Larry Vaughan, ization of this strain. Agrimm, run by direc- ticide manufacturer, the problem of inher- IPM CRSP, Office of International tors Dr John Hunt and Mr David Gale, was ently small markets is compounded Research, Education, and Development, already formulating Trichoderma spp. as because countries have different registra- 1060 Litton Reaves Hall, Virginia Tech, soil bio-inoculants, and brought to the part- tion requirements. In spite of harmoniza- Blacksburg, VA 24061-0334, USA nership a wealth of technical experience. tion initiatives, different information is still Email: [email protected] / [email protected] This expertise enabled the researchers to required for markets covering several coun- ❑ test a wide range of delivery strategies to tries. Therefore biopesticides development best target the pathogen in field trials. is often not economically feasible, even when a product could potentially be used Commercial Success from Fundamental studies complemented these against a regional pest. 15 Years Trichoderma applied studies by enabling the researchers Research to optimize the biocontrol activity. To Recognizing both the potential for biopesti- determine the best time for application, a cides in sustainable agriculture and the dif- Several biological control products recently genetic fingerprint of the biocontrol agent ficulties they face to become registered, the introduced to the market for control of crop was developed and used to track its survival pesticide authorities of eastern Africa are diseases in New Zealand owe their success and spread in field sites. Other studies indi- seeking to harmonize biopesticide registra- to a long running research programme that cated that the biocontrol agent antagonized tion procedures in the region. They argue has involved both fundamental and applied the pathogen via several means: antibiotic that by opening the potential market to the research to optimize their efficacy. The production, competition for nutrients, and whole of the region, biopesticide develop- products, produced and marketed by plant growth promotion. ment will become more profitable, making Agrimm Technologies Ltd of Christchurch, commercial development more cost-effec- New Zealand, consist of selected Tri- The research on onion white rot control had tive and attractive to manufacturers. This in choderma spores formulated for targeted provided plenty of insights into the issues News 83N involved in developing biocontrols for scle- All parties involved in this programme without the predatory mites some growers rotial pathogens. This experience was then believe that the success of the commercial will use up to 12 miticide sprays per season. used in developing a biocontrol agent for implementation of these Trichoderma- control of Sclerotinia minor lettuce drop. based products has been due to good sci- There is a double paradox in this story, Using similar glasshouse and field based ence backed up by a sound commercial out- however. Jones comments that good IPM screens, a T. hamatum strain was identified look. With this success under their belts, practice in the strawberry sector is compro- that directly affects the pathogen by occu- Prof. Stewart, Dr Hunt and Mr Gale are mised in southeast Queensland if the crop is pying the root zone space and competing keen to expand their collaboration to to be exported to Victoria. In this case, for nutrients. Field evaluations over the last combat other crop diseases. there is a requirement to apply dimethoate 5 years have shown that by applying the (in the first week of September). The biocontrol agent around seedling roots and Contacts: Alison Stewart, Bio-Protection, requirement is targeted at eliminating stem bases, protection that equalled or bet- PO Box 84, Lincoln University, Queensland fruit fly (Batrocera tryoni) tered that of chemical fungicides was Canterbury, New Zealand. from imports to the more southerly state, obtained. This work, conducted on both Email: [email protected] but the practice disrupts IPM and can cause Lincoln University and growers’ proper- Web: http://bioprotection.lincoln.ac.nz mite outbreaks. Although fruit fly baits have been shown to be successful in trials, ties, culminated in successful commercial John Hunt, Agrimm Technologies Ltd, they are not yet permitted as an alternative scale trials during 2000-2002. PO Box 13-245, Christchurch, to the dimethoate sprays. New Zealand. Currently, several bio-inoculant products Email: [email protected] are utilizing proprietary strains of Tri- The conflict between maintaining effective Web: www.tricho.com choderma from the above research as the IPM in strawberries in Queensland and pre- active ingredient. Trichopel™Ali 52 is a ❑ venting the fruit fly's possible incursion fur- granule that is applied to the furrow during ther south is a tricky issue to resolve. The seed sowing, and uses T. atroviride’s Strawberry IPM Paradox fruit fly, a tropical and subtropical species growth promotion properties to help estab- with a wide host range, is Australia's most lish vigorous roots in onion seedlings. The In Queensland, Australia, two-spotted mite costly horticultural pest. A number of coun- sustained release formulation enables the (Tertranychus urticae) is the major pest of tries refuse to import Australian horticul- beneficial fungus to colonize the soil strawberries and can greatly reduce both tural produce because of the fear of around developing seedlings, and to grow yield and quality in this high-value crop. So importing the fruit fly along with the pro- with the roots throughout the life of the it might come as something of a surprise to duce, while in others, market access for onion. Use of Trichopel Ali 52 typically learn that most strawberry growers in Australian citrus and stone fruit depends on increases harvest yields of field onions by southeast coastal Queensland are deliber- areas maintaining ‘area freedom’ from the 8-12% and spring onions by 34%. ately releasing the pest in their crops. fly. An outbreak of fruit flies in such areas prohibits exports of fruit until they are cer- The lettuce product was formulated with Biocontrol of the pest mite using the preda- tified free of this pest again. the transplant lettuce nursery industry in tory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis is an mind. A combination of two formulations established component of an IPM manage- A Fruit Fly Exclusion Zone (FFEZ) was ensures the establishment of dominant ben- ment system in strawberries. The predators created in southeastern Australia, spanning eficial fungal populations in the root zone are traditionally supplied on bean or soya- the three states of New South Wales, Vic- of the lettuce, thus producing a strong seed- bean leaves, with instructions to release toria, and South Australia. Because this ling for field planting. Trichodry™6S flake them in the field by placing them among the zone is considered to have area freedom is incorporated into the seedling mix prior foliage of infested plants. However, under a from fruit fly, produce grown there has a to cell tray filling, and a top-up of Tricho- release system developed by Horticultural greater market value nationally, and can flow™6S WP is applied to each lettuce Crop Monitoring (HCM) consultant Paul also be exported to countries with stringent seedling ‘plug’ several days prior to Jones, the predatory mites are released at quarantine regulations designed to prevent planting out. Treatment of seedlings in this marked sites through the crop, together introduction of the fruit fly. Although it can way typically increases harvests giving with relatively high numbers of the two- live and breed in the FFEZ area, the fruit fly pack-outs of 85-90% due to improved seed- spotted mite prey. The prey population does not normally occur there and is ling establishment and stress tolerance. grows and provides a concentrated (expensively) eradicated when found. It is breeding site for the predatory mite, which not known whether or not a permanent pop- The commercial products are currently can thus increase in numbers and disperse ulation could be established if eradication marketed in New Zealand and are likely to through the crop before natural pest mite were abandoned, so preventing incursions soon be available in other countries through populations reach damaging levels. is seen as the best strategy for this other- arrangements with local distributors. Although initially rather cool to the concept wise costly pest. Unfortunately, this has a Whilst they have no withholding period of releasing the pest, once the logic was knock-on effect on IPM for other pests, and and are certified as suitable for organic explained the growers were prepared to try, other farmers, outside the zone. farming by AgriQuality in New Zealand, and they were rewarded with substantially the products are also compatible with most reduced mite damage. Miticide resistance Sources: Australasian Biological Control fungicides applied after plant establish- is a serious issue, so a biological control News, August 2003. Horticultural crop ment. Research in this area is continuing, that works and reduces the need for monitoring develops new release technique with Agrimm hoping to extend the market spraying is very welcome. The ‘simulta- for persimilis in strawberries. into Australia through an active research neous releasing’ technique has now been www.goodbugs.org.au/news.htm programme in collaboration with the successfully used for the last 7-8 years and The ABC (Australasian Biological Con- Department of Primary Industries at Knox- has significantly reduced miticide use. trol) website is the virtual home of the field, Victoria, in which the products are Rarely, HCM may recommend two miti- Association of Beneficial Arthropod Pro- being tested under Australian cropping cides per season, but in the majority of ducers, Australia. conditions. cases no miticides are used. In contrast, www.goodbugs.org.au/default.htm 84N BiocontrolNews and Information 2003 Vol. 24 No. 4

Fruit fly: www.ento.csiro.au/research/pest- US Department of Agriculture – Agricul- and plant-based trials has allowed the mgmt/IPMModellingNetwork/QFF.htm tural Research Service (USDA-ARS) sci- testing to progress to the greenhouse stage, entists have been awarded a patent for a which may pave the way for commerciali- Contact: Paul Jones, novel fungicide, CAY-1, which was iso- zation. CAY-1 has been shown to be effec- Horticultural Crop Monitoring, lated from cayenne peppers by Anthony De tive at low application levels against both Queensland, Australia. Lucca (ARS Southern Regional Research Colletotrichum and Phomopsis. In addi- Email: [email protected] Center, New Orleans, Louisiana). De tion, the compound has a range of other Fax: +61 412 714 905 Lucca isolated the saponin 5 years ago potential applications, including as a mos- ❑ while screening for natural compounds to quito larvicide or molluscicide, and for mil- protect crops from fungi. Found widely in dews in domestic situations. This has led to Hot Pepper Source for plants, saponins have detergent properties a welter of interest from commercial com- Strawberry Protection that allow them to penetrate fungal cells. panies; a number of them have been sup- Colletotrichum and Phomopsis fungi are Since then, De Lucca has teamed up with plied with the cayenne extract by ARS and economically important pathogens, David Wedge (ARS Natural Products Utili- are investigating its potential. inflicting significant damage to small fruit zation Research Unit, Oxford, Mississippi) Source: crops such as strawberries in the USA. A and Barbara Smith (ARS Small Fruit USDA-ARS news release, 29 August 2003 naturally occurring compound found in Research Station, Polarville, Mississippi) www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2003 cayenne peppers may soon add heat to the to test its efficacy against fungi attacking battle to control them. strawberry. A year of successful laboratory ❑ Training News

In this section we welcome all your experi- have met with varying degrees of success. The training course, coordinated by CAB ences in working directly with the end- Following devastating infestations in International and held at its Caribbean users of arthropod and microbial biocon- Dominica in the mid 1990s, the apparently and Latin America Regional Centre trol agents or in educational activities on very host-specific parasitoids Amitus hes- (CABI-CLARC) on 23-28 March 2003, natural enemies aimed at students, farmers, peridum and Encarsia perplexa were intro- was one of the initiatives of the Caribbean extension staff or policymakers. duced from Texas and subsequently gave Agriculture and Fisheries Programme – satisfactory control throughout the island. Integrated Pest Management Project. The More Than Biocontrol to Taking their cue from this success, the Integrated Pest Management Project Citrus Blackfly Trinidad Ministry of Agriculture, Land and encompasses specialist activities financed Management Marine Resources (MALMR), after pres- by the European Union through the Carib- sure from the Cooperative Citrus Growers’ bean Agriculture and Fisheries Pro- A classical biological control project often Association of Trinidad, commissioned gramme (CAFP). CAFP is a €22.2 million has to overcome both scientific and polit- CAB International to undertake the impor- European Community – CARIFORUM ical obstacles. A training course in Trinidad tation and release of the same two species initiative aimed at strengthening the econ- on the biological control of citrus blackfly from Florida. On this occasion, the intro- omies of member states by enhancing the (CBF), Aleurocanthus woglumi, was ductions were undertaken in accordance contribution of the agriculture and fish- designed to tackle both aspects. This is an with the IPPC (International Plant Protec- eries sectors. invaluable approach for scientists new to tion Convention) Code of Conduct for the The subject matter covered included princi- biocontrol. They need to be able not only to Import and Release of Exotic Biological ples of classical biological control, espe- handle the technical aspects of imple- Control Agents, making the programme, cially within the Code of Conduct menting a biocontrol project, but also to from start to finish, a model for future clas- guidelines, and illustrated by the examples deal with understandable concerns about sical biocontrol introductions. To be able to of CBF control from Dominica and the safety of introducing exotic species. refer to such a model example is particu- The dual focus of such a course is particu- Trinidad. Detailed information was pro- larly important when addressing the com- larly useful for countries with little or no vided on natural enemies of whiteflies monly encountered, and understandable, experience of classical biological control, worldwide, with emphasis on the region, suspicion of classical biological control where scientists new to biocontrol will, in and on A. hesperidum and E. perplexa in programmes. Following the introductions the absence of colleagues with experience, particular. Special attention was given to into Trinidad in April 2000, several stake- have to deal with both the scientific chal- monitoring and surveillance and to public holders, including most members of the lenge and public anxiety. awareness programmes. Practical sessions CBF project management committee, on whitefly and citrus leaf miner (Phylloc- undertook a short training period. Trainees CBF is an important pest of citrus and other nistis citrella) parasitoid identification from that course became resource persons crops (as well as being one of many ‘black’ were included, as well as fieldwork. whiteflies). Originating in Asia, it has for the present course, bringing the CBF spread around the world and was first management experience in Trinidad to rep- Participants found the course both useful recorded as a pest in the Caribbean in 1913. resentatives of the rest of the Caribbean and enjoyable. Most felt the necessity for CBF is not a virus vector, but causes direct region. The course was attended by trainees verification of available information con- damage by feeding, as well as giving rise to representing Antigua & Barbuda, Domin- cerning the current distribution of CBF and sooty moulds. These grow on the copious ican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, St Kitts & its natural enemies in the region, and for honeydew that the nymphs excrete, and can Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Gren- greater transparency concerning the distri- substantially reduce the plant’s photosyn- adines and Surinam. Resource persons bution of quarantine pests in general. A nat- thetic area. Several attempts at classical were mainly from Trinidad, Dominica and ural reluctance on the part of some biological control over the past 70 years Europe. countries to be open about the occurrence News 85N of new pests, due to the effect on exports, ested in participating should contact workshops similar to that described above, needs to be countered with regional, coor- Andrew Polaszek (see below). contact: dinated initiatives on the containment and Source: Polaszek, A. (2003) The citrus Andrew Polaszek, Dept of Entomology, control of pests. Above all, no state should blackfly workshop. International Whitefly The Natural History Museum, Studies Network, Norwich, UK; IWSN be punished for being open on such matters. London SW7 5BD, UK Newsletter No. 17, p. 3. Plans for a detailed regional survey of Email: [email protected] whiteflies and their natural enemies are cur- For further information on CBF natural rently being developed, and those inter- enemies or in connection with setting up ❑

Announcements

Are you producing a newsletter, holding a ‘Enhancing international cereal production Second International Sunn Pest Conference, meeting, running an organization or capacity for food security.’ ICARDA, PO Box 5466, Aleppo, Syria. rearing a natural enemy that you want Email: [email protected] A major pest of wheat and barley, sunn pest other biocontrol workers to know about? Fax: +963 21 2213490/2225105 accounts for annual yield losses of 20-30% Send us the details and we will announce it Web: www.icarda.cgiar.org/sunnpest/ for barley and 50-90% for wheat in central in BNI. Spconference.htm and western Asia and eastern Europe. The name ‘sunn pest’ encompasses a group of ❑ Whitefly Group Spreads insects representing several genera of the Its Wings shield bug (Scutelleridae) and stink bug Weed Biology Conference (Pentatomidae) families, with the species Whiteflies are one of the most serious agri- Eurygaster integriceps being the most eco- cultural pests in most continents, dramati- The 12th International Conference on nomically important. Over recent decades cally reducing crop yields through direct Weed Biology will be held in Dijon, France problems have intensified, largely due to feeding damage and transmission of plant on 31 August – 2 August 2004. The provi- changes in farming practices. This viruses. In addition, increasing movement sional programme includes: threatens food security and reduces the sta- of plant material and produce between bility of traditionally wheat-based agricul- • Physical and cultural weed control: countries raises the risk of whiteflies and tural systems. development and implementation in associated viruses spreading to new areas. sustainable agriculture. The ready flow of information generated on Since the first international conference in global whitefly research, crop protection 1992, significant progress has been made • Crop-weed interactions: fundamental studies and growing practices is vital to towards the development of an IPM understanding of processes and combating these threats. In response to this, package. The goals of this second confer- utilization of this knowledge for the European Whitefly Studies Network ence are to review research, disseminate improved weed management. (EWSN) has gone global and become the knowledge on recent advances towards International Whitefly Studies Network management, and develop international • Site specific weed management: state- (IWSN). networking among sunn pest researchers of-art of sensors, GPS/GIS hard- and and managers. Topics to be covered soft-ware and machinery (sprayers) for The new IWSN newsletter, which replaces include: monitoring and management. its EWSN predecessor, will continue to be edited by Ian Bedford, David Oliver and • IPM tactics for management of sunn • Other cropping situations: biology and Liz Robertson. The first issue is out, and is pest: recent advances in IPM research, control in tropical crops, biological available in print and on the IWSN website. cultural practices, biological control, control, biodiversity and endangered The newsletter will adopt an international chemical control and host plant species. profile, reporting and disseminating resistance. • Herbicide resistance: cultural and whitefly-related information worldwide. • Socioeconomics of sunn pest: farmer chemical methods to prevent further development of resistance, management Contact: IWSN Office, participatory activities, impact strategies for resistant populations. c/o John Innes Centre, assessment methods, farmers’ constraints in adoption of IPM, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK. • Optimization of herbicide dose: economic returns and environmental Email: [email protected] chemical weed control in crop benefits of IPM. Fax: +44 1603 450045 production, dose adjustment, reduction IWSN website: www.whitefly.org • Sunn pest biology and ecology: recent of herbicide inputs. ❑ advances in the characterization of sunn pest, pheromone research, and Further information: J. Gasquez, INRA, ecology and physiology. Biologie et Gestion des Adventices, Sunn Pest Conference 17 Rue Sully, BP 86510, More on sunn pest and recent research can Dijon Cedex, France. The Second International Conference on be found on Sunn Pest Net at: Email: [email protected] Sunn Pest will be held on 18-22 July 2004 www.uvm.edu/%7Eentlab/sunnpest/ Fax: +33 3 69 32 62 at ICARDA (International Centre for Agri- index.html Web: cultural Research in the Dry Areas) in www.dijon.inra.fr/malherbo/AccueilF1.htm Aleppo, Syria, in collaboration with the Conference information: University of Vermont. The theme will be, Mustapha El Bouhssini, ❑ 86N BiocontrolNews and Information 2003 Vol. 24 No. 4

New Books

Enhancing Quality of been formulated nor available, especially to Information is now available in the litera- Commercial Biocontrol commercial producers in the developing ture on the field efficacy of a large number Agents countries. The quality control guidelines of parasitoids, predators and pathogens, in outlined in this excellent book*, the first addition to standardized laboratory multi- In the fast changing agriculture scenario in comprehensive publication on this topic, plication methods for many of them. It is the current WTO (World Trade Organiza- specifically for biocontrol agents, will be of hoped that this book will kindle the inter- tion) regime, avoiding chemical pesticide immense value to students, scientists and ests of biological control workers all over residues in agricultural produce and commercial producers involved in the mass the world to develop protocols for mass enhancing environmental protection and production of biocontrol agents throughout production and quality control of additional sustainability of crop production have the world, and fulfils a long felt need. natural enemies and at the same time gained importance to be competitive in improve upon the ones described in this The book consists of 20 chapters, divided global trade. The value of biocontrol agents book, so that biocontrol agents can be uti- into six convenient sections, starting with in bringing down population densities of lized on a larger scale to control more and the need for quality control to the actual major crop pests has been recognized since more crop pests. Availability of standard- quality control tests for 30 parasitoids and the 1870s. Nevertheless, natural enemies ized products of assured quality will create predators. The sections in between provide are available commercially only for control additional demand for such products and background information and insights into of a limited number of crop pests and that will not only enthuse the existing units to mass production of natural enemies too mainly in Europe and North America. strengthen their facilities but also including sources of variation in behaviour, The situation is paradoxical considering the encourage entrepreneurs to come forward suggested methods of coping with these fact that mass production of insect biocon- to set up commercial production units. variations, an overview of species of mass trol agents for augmentative releases is not Therein lies the future of biological control, produced natural enemies and the develop- a new concept in developing countries, par- considering the fact that sustained mass ments that resulted in evolving guidelines ticularly India. Thus, establishment of par- production cannot be achieved without for quality control in Europe and North asitoid breeding laboratories there in 1926 establishing professionally managed, fully America. for control of coconut black headed cater- equipped, specialized facilities exclusively pillar (Opisina arenosella) can be consid- Mass production of natural enemies is an for this purpose. ered as one the earliest organized attempts essential prerequisite for the adoption of *van Lenteren, J. C. (ed) (2003) Quality for the biological control of an insect pest. biological control in pest management. control and production of biological control Similarly Trichogramma spp. are used Many of the units engaged in mass produc- agents. Theory and testing procedures. extensively to control sugarcane borers in tion of biocontrol agents are unaware of the Wallingford, UK; CABI Publishing, 352 India, and several sugar factories either pro- sources of variability of natural enemy pp. Hbk. UK£65.00 / US$120.00. ISBN duce or procure the egg parasitoids from behaviour and methods to prevent their 0851996884. commercial producers. Nevertheless, only genetic deterioration. It is important that the a handful of natural enemies are available condition of individual units of a natural By: Dr K.P. Jayanth, Bio-Control Research commercially in India, in spite of the fact enemy production system be understood Laboratories, A division of Pest Control that the first commercial biological control for effective implementation of a total (India) Pvt. Ltd. laboratory in the country was established in quality control system, which consists of ❑ the year 1981. On the other hand, about 125 management, research, methods develop- species of natural enemies are available ment, material, production, utilization, per- Aiming for Better Agent commercially in Europe and North sonnel and quality control. Such a system, Selection America. the procedure for implementation of which is succinctly elucidated in the book, will This publication* is a collection of papers Among the bottlenecks limiting the help in increasing production efficiency presented at a workshop organized by the progress of biological control, the absence and cost-effectiveness, besides assisting in CRC (Cooperative Research Centre) for of standardized methods of production and the identification of the causes of the prob- Australian Weed Management, aimed at quality control is the most important. lems encountered during the rearing improving the efficacy and evaluation of Unless this problem is solved and natural process. This in turn will ensure that these biocontrol as well as reducing the chances enemies of reliable quality are made as organisms are utilized effectively in the of any adverse impacts. The ten papers con- readily available as chemical pesticides, field, in addition to providing the informa- tained in this 99-page volume discuss many biological control is likely to be treated tion required for the use of biocontrol of the things that concern modern weed only as a matter of academic interest. agents in pest management. biocontrol practitioners including agent pri- Adoption of standardized production tech- oritization, host specificity and non-target niques for superior quality natural enemies Crop protection technology is tantalizingly effects, and suitable evaluation of the out- is crucial for both the practice of biological poised at the crossroads today, awaiting the comes be they measured in ecological or control and also for convincing the users right kind of inputs from the industry. The economic terms. that biological control is a dependable pest editor of this book has estimated that the management tool. The need for main- worldwide turnover for the sale of biocon- D. T. Briese and co-authors introduce the taining quality of mass produced biocontrol trol agents in 2000 was US$50 million with volume by considering where and how agents has been an area of concern for a predicted annual growth of 15-20%. Nev- improvements in selection, testing and many years and has often been the topic of ertheless, consumption of biorational prod- evaluation of agents might be made. R. discussion in many conferences worldwide. ucts and biocontrol agents together account McFadyen discusses whether the use of Nevertheless, standardized protocols for for less than 1% of the pesticide consump- ecology can improve (and improve eco- production and quality testing have neither tion in India, as compared to 12% globally. nomically) on the success rates achieved by News 87N traditional agent selection methods. A. W. Another Testing Book Re- tures, and forests are dealt with in separate Sheppard deals with the debate on the rele- available sections. Each section synthesises knowl- vance of using ecological principles to pri- edge from published articles, unpublished oritize agents and reviews current methods A new print run means another host testing reports and the personal experiences of the for predicting efficacy. D. T. Briese exam- publication from the Australasian region is authors, who are each leaders in the biolog- ines the rationale behind the centrifugal again available*. This, the second printing ical control of the weeds they are dis- phylogenetic method (CPM) of test plant of the book, publishes papers that were con- cussing. The book thus provides the most selection and discusses how it can be mod- tributed to a workshop sponsored by the up-to-date and accurate status report of ernized. A. J. Willis and co-authors draw on Cooperative Research Centre for Tropical weed biocontrol in the region currently the results of a study of past releases of Pest Management. Australian and New available. A concluding section discusses a agents with known potential to attack Zealand scientists summarize and discuss series of cross-cutting issues pertaining to native plant species in Australia to discuss the pros and cons of the common assays what will define an appropriate target weed the predictability and acceptability of such used for assessing host specificity for weed for biological control in the future. potential non-target effects. K. Dhileepan and insect biocontrol agents. Recommen- New editions of two practical manuals pro- and A. E. Swirepik & M. J. Smyth consider dations are given on the most appropriate vide an overview of the biology and bio- ways of evaluating the effectiveness of assays to use for host specificity testing, control of weeds in the genus Centaurea in weed biocontrol on local and regional and how we might integrate a range of the USA. scales, respectively. D. J. Criticos discusses methods to maximize our ability to inter- the role of various types of ecological pret insect behaviour accurately. The first manual2 covers six knapweed spe- models in the evaluation of projects and The book has chapters by some well- cies: squarrose knapweed (C. virgata ssp. agents. T. L. Nordblum considers ways to known authorities from the region in the squarrosa), diffuse knapweed (C. diffusa), improve economic assessments of biocon- field of host specificity testing. For spotted knapweed (C. soebi), black knap- trol by using realistic assumptions about instance, in the weed biocontrol field there weed (C. nigra), meadow knapweed (C. biological factors in an appropriate socioe- are chapters that thoroughly review the pratensis) and brown knapweed (C. jacea). conomic setting. Finally, A. W. Sheppard methods and best uses for no choice trials Descriptions are provided for each species and co-authors summarize the debates and (Richard Hill), choice trials (Penny together with a key to separate them. conclusions from the various sessions to Edwards), open field host specificity tests Detailed descriptions of 13 knapweed bio- present the workshop's views of what is (David Briese) and overviews on the use of control insects (eight seedhead feeders and needed to improve selecting, testing and cut foliage in assays (Bill Palmer) and five root borers) include information on evaluation of weed biological control approaches to assay design (Andy Shep- identification and lifecycles designed to agents. pard). This book is not just for weed bio- help identify them in the field. control, however, with two chapters that The second manual3 is devoted to yellow Who better than the Australian researchers give thoughtful insights into parasitoid host starthistle (C. solstitialis), and provides to draw on their considerable experience in specificity testing (by Barbara Barratt & guidelines on how to establish and manage weed biocontrol to pull together these co-authors and Michael Keller). a biocontrol programme. A description of highly important issues in one volume the weed is followed by detailed descrip- whose contents should influence all *Withers, T.M.; Barton Browne, L.; tions of each of the six insect agents workers in the field? Many of the issues Stanley, J. (1999) Host specificity testing in released against it in the USA, again tar- raised in this meeting were reiterated at the Australasia: towards improved assays for geted at use for identification the field. subsequent 11th International Symposium biological control. Australia; State of on the Biological Control of Weeds held in Queensland, Department of Natural Both manuals also cover, in practical detail, Canberra in April this year, reinforcing the Resources and Mines, 98 pp. Reprinted the different elements of a biocontrol pro- importance of these topics to a worldwide (2003) with permission by Forest Research, gramme (planning, implementing and eval- audience. It is valuable to have the diverse Rotorua, New Zealand. NZ$30. uating). They deal with: developing work but intrinsically-linked themes so well pre- Contact: Publications, Forest Research, schedules for field activities; selecting and sented in one volume and I am sure all prac- Private Bag 3020, Rotorua, New Zealand. preparing a release or nursery site; col- titioners will benefit from accessing it. Email: [email protected] lecting, handling releases of, transporting Fax: +64 7 343 5897 and shipping agents; and monitoring agents *Spafford Jacob, H.; Briese, D.T. (2003) Web: www.forestresearch.co.nz and vegetation at the release sites (with Improving the selection, testing and evalu- guidelines for each agent). Glossaries of ation of weed biological control agents. ❑ terms ensure clarity, and there are selected Proceedings, CRC for Australian Weed references for those wanting to know more. Management Biological Control of Weeds US Weed Biocontrol Appendices include useful release and Symposium and Workshop, Perth, Western Publications monitoring forms, plus a troubleshooting Australia, 13 September 2002. CRC for guide. New and updated publications on weed Australian Weed Management Technical biological control in the USA are available Also see the Proceedings section, this issue, Series No. 7, 99 pp. from the Forest Health Technology Enter- for details of the Proceedings of the 1st prise Team in Morgantown, Virginia. International Symposium on Biological Obtainable from: Control of Arthropods (ISBCA) which was CRC for Australian Weed Management, ‘Biological control of invasive plants in the held in Honolulu, Hawaii on 14-18 July Waite Campus, University of Adelaide, eastern United States’1 provides a reference 2002. Printed and CD versions of these pro- PMB 1, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia. guide for field workers and land managers ceedings are also available from Richard Email: [email protected] concerning the historical and current status Reardon. Fax: +61 8 8303 6590 of the biological control of invasive plant Web: www.weeds.crc.org.au species in the eastern USA. Weeds associ- 1 Van Driesche, R.; Lyon, S.; Blossey, B.; ated with lakes, ponds and rivers, wetlands, Hoddle, M; Reardon, R. (2002) Biological ❑ prairies and grasslands, old fields and pas- control of invasive plants in the United 88N BiocontrolNews and Information 2003 Vol. 24 No. 4

States. Morgantown, WV, USA; USDA 3 Wilson, L.M.; Jette, C.; Connett, J.; Morgantown, WV 26505, USA. Forest Service, Publication FHTET-2002- McCaffrey, J. (2003) Biology and biolog- Email: [email protected] 04, 413 pp. ical control of yellow starthistle. Morgan- Fax: + 1 304 285 1564 town, WV, USA; USDA Forest Service, 2, 3 Can also be obtained from: 2 Wilson, L.M.; Randall, C.A. (2003) Publication FHTET-1998-17, 2nd ed, July Carol Bell Randall, USDA Forest Service, Biology and biological control of knap- 2003, 76 pp. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA. 1, 2, 3 weed. Morgantown, WV, USA; USDA Obtainable from: Richard Reardon, Email: [email protected] Forest Service, Publication FHTET-2001- FHTET, USDA Forest Service, 07, 2nd ed, April 2003, 100 pp. 180 Canfield Street, ❑ Conference Reports

Have you held or attended a meeting that geous, and the presentations were encourage the use of pathogens as potential you want other biocontrol workers to know interspersed with lively discussions. biocontrol agents in general. Rose about? Send us a report and we will include DeClerck-Floate (AAFC), reviewing bio- it in BNI. Jose Gustavo Torres gave an overview on logical control projects in Canada, cited the classical biological weed control in success of Mecinus janthinus against Dal- US Advisors Deliberate Mexico, which targets water hyacinth matian toadflax (Linaria dalmatica). Permit Processes (Eichhornia crassipes), Salvinia, Convol- vulus arvensis, and saltcedar (Tamarix Two representatives from the United States spp.). In Mexico, petitioners use the Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), The annual meeting of the Technical Advi- Shawn Alam and John Fay, responsible for sory Group for Biological Control Agents NAPPO (North American Plant Protection Organisation) format to submit petitions for the compliance of petitions with the Endan- of Weeds (TAG), which advises the US gered Species Act Section 7, also partici- Department of Agriculture – Animal and the release of agents. So far, Mexico has only released agents that have already been pated. This section of the Act requires all Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA- federal agencies to ensure that any action APHIS) on the introduction of weed bio- approved in other countries, i.e. Canada or the USA. It is now considering Eccrito- authorized, funded, or carried out is not logical control agents, was held in Spokane, likely to jeopardize the continued existence Washington State on 9-11 September 2003. tarsis catarinensis, an agent for water hya- cinth that has not yet been reviewed by of any endangered or threatened species or TAG is an independent voluntary com- TAG. result in the destruction or adverse modifi- mittee, first formed in 1957. The mission of cation of designated critical habitat. Shawn the group is to facilitate biological control Seven presentations reported on petitions Alam gave a presentation on the general of weeds in North America, namely by that were close to submission or had role of FWS within the permit process. reviewing petitions for the release of bio- already been submitted or for which release Their attendance meant TAG could discuss logical control agents for weeds and giving had recently been granted. For example, with FWS representatives issues regarding recommendations to regulating agencies John Goolsby (USDA-ARS, Australia) the processing of petitions by FWS, and the for or against their release. The group com- talked about work on potential agents for solution to frustration. Conveniently, in this prises 15 members of all relevant US state Melaleuca and Lygodium. Tim Collier context, two relevant presentations were agencies (e.g. USDA-APHIS, USDA Agri- (University of Wyoming) gave an update given: one on the famous (or infamous) culture Research Service (USDA-ARS), on a potential agent for Russian knapweed ‘houndstongue-story’ [see BNI 23(4), 84N US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), (Acroptilon repens) for which a petition (December 2002), Impasse dogs hound- US Environmental Protection Agency will shortly be submitted. James Cuda stongue control in the USA] by Mark (USEPA) and Bureau of Indian Affairs (University of Florida) presented an inter- Schwarzländer (University of Idaho), and (BIA)), plus representatives from Canada esting idea for overcoming a specific the other on the development of test plant (Doug Parker and Peter Mason, Agriculture problem, but one that could have more lists by Linda Wilson (also University of and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)) and widespread application. Larvae of a poten- Idaho), which led to more discussion. The Mexico (Jose Gustavo Torres, Comision tial sawfly agent for control of Brazilian outcome of the exchanges suggest that Nacional de Sanidad Agropecuaria). Al peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolius) in researchers should: (1) contact the regional Cofrancesco (Army Corps of Engineers), Florida are toxic to vertebrates if consumed FWS office as early as possible when the current chair of TAG, calls annual in large amounts. He suggested releasing starting a new biocontrol initiative to be meetings to discuss current petitions and unmated sawfly females, which would sub- aware of any potential threatened or endan- controversial issues. sequently only produce males. Judy Hough gered species issues, (2) take the concerns Goldstein (University of Delaware) gave an and recommendations of FWS seriously For more information on TAG, the permit update on host range tests with the weevil and respond in a constructive manner, (3) process in general and submitted petitions Homorosoma chinensis for biological con- try to have a close-to-final test plant list see: trol of mile-a-minute weed (Polygonum ready as early as possible, (4) be sure to perfoliatum), for which investigations are consider threatened or endangered species www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/permits/tag/ being conducted in collaboration with Ding and justify choices made, and (5) try to Jianqing (Chinese Academy of Agricul- engage FWS in finding material of threat- About 60 people attended, a larger number tural Sciences (CAAS), Institute of Biolog- ened or endangered species for testing. than usual, and more than 20 presentations ical Control, Beijing). Bill Bruckart (ARS – John Fay recommended contacting the were given on either specific petitions or Fort Detrick) described first releases of Center for Plant Conservation, Missouri more general issues of the permit process. Puccinia jaceae, a rust recently approved Botanical Garden for seeds of indigenous The fact that more people than usual partic- for control of yellow starthistle (Centaurea North American plants. Al Cofrancesco ipated was in general felt to be advanta- solstitialis); he took the opportunity to suggested a pragmatic view of test plant News 89N lists, agreeing that they need to stay flexible shipping labels, the cessation of the practice on foodwebs, interference with other agents to account for the availability of test plants of hand-carrying biocontrol organisms, and or the release of non-indigenous organisms proposed, different agent biologies, and test in general increased oversight and enforce- that do not control the target. Currently, results. ment activities. Details will be posted on information on the potential efficiency of Bob Flanders (USDA-APHIS Plant Protec- their webpage soon. Most of theses planned agents or their interaction with other agents tion and Quarantine (PPQ), Riverdale, changes were regarded as positive, since is not required as part of the petition Maryland), responsible for signing release they should make the permit process more process. permits for biological control agents, gave transparent and efficient. a presentation on recently planned permit Hariet Hinz (CABI Bioscience, Switzer- The lively meeting ended with Al Cofranc- policy changes within his agency, in part land) gave an overview of what should ide- esco, who has been the chair of TAG for the triggered by the Agricultural Bioterrorism ally be included in pre-release studies in the past 12 years, being re-elected unani- Protection Act of 2002 and the formation of area of origin of target weeds, which linked mously for another 3-year term. the new Department of Homeland Security well with a presentation by Joe Balciunas (DHS). Changes will, for instance, involve (USDA-ARS, Albany, California) on the By: Hariet Hinz, CABI Bioscience Swit- the development of ‘ePermits’, which will Code of Best Practices. He argued that host zerland. allow electronic submission and tracking of specificity does not always equal safety, petitions, development of new, more secure and cited indirect effects of released agents ❑ Proceedings

First International available in a bound, printed edition (573 production and use of reared natural Arthropod Biocontrol pp. in length) and also on CD. They will enemies; Post-release dispersal, Symposium make a valuable addition to any biocontrol distribution, and impact of augmented library. natural enemies in field settings; The 1st International Symposium on Bio- Survey of actual and potential use in The proceedings are divided into two parts. logical Control of Arthropods (ISBCA) outdoor crops. was held in Honolulu, Hawaii on 14-18 The first part includes 66 oral presentations July 2002. This symposium launched a new (all but 13 included as full papers) and the • Conservation of natural enemies (18 series of meetings that will be held every 4 second part contains work presented as papers): Nectar feeding by parasitoids; years in future – conceived to be the ana- posters, 56 in all. The volume provides a Alternative hosts and habitat refuges logue of the long running and highly effec- unique compilation of the state of research, for natural enemies; Effects on natural tive International Symposia on the implementation and thinking in the field of enemies of using Bt crops in IPM Biological Control of Weeds, which have arthropod biological control in 2002, with systems; Pesticide effects on natural been going since 1960. The lack of such a the main presentations organized as fol- enemies. forum until now has held back the disci- lows: pline of arthropod biocontrol, the organ- • Issues and techniques (17 papers): • Classical biological control (16 izers felt, and made it less effective in Future expanded use of classical papers): Importation biological control; meeting new challenges (which are many biological control; Methods to Monitoring for effects of biocontrol and growing) to its practical use. The intent colonize, evaluate and monitor natural agents on nontarget organisms. of the initiators of the ISBCA is to create a enemies; Molecular methods in *Send mailing details to: Richard Reardon, meeting for practitioners that can build classical biological control; Modelling FHTET, USDA Forest Service, cohesion within the discipline, and foster and theory as tools to clarify causes of 180 Canfield Street, discussions of issues affecting their work. success or failure of biocontrol Morgantown, WV 26505, USA. projects. The proceedings of the meeting, compiled Email: [email protected] by Roy Van Driesche at the University of • Augmentation of natural enemies (15 Fax: + 1 304 285 1564 Massachusetts, have now been published papers): Successes in augmentative and are available free on request*. They are biological control; Economics of ❑