Session 9 Post-release Evaluation and Management 435
An Overview of Biological Control of Weeds in Tasmania
J. E. Ireson, R. J. Holloway and W. S. Chatterton
Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research/University of Tasmania, 13 St John’s Avenue, New Town, Tasmania 7008, Australia. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Summary
Thirty-five agents have been deliberately released for the biological control of 16 weed species in Tasmania, Australia, with 31 of these released during the last twenty years. The agents include three fungal pathogens and 32 species of invertebrates of which 29 are insects and three are mites. Of these, 24 have established, seven have failed to establish and the establishment of four is still to be confirmed. Four of the seven agents that failed to establish were foliage feeders on boneseed (Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. monilifera (L.) T. Norl.). Only the ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris Gaertn.) program has been completed, with the establishment of a root feeder and two stem and crown borers now providing substantial to complete control. The benefit:cost ratio of the ragwort program has been estimated at 32:1 through annual multimillion dollar savings in lost production to pastoral industries, with benefits expected to increase through the continuing dispersal of established agents. Work on continuing programs involves inputs into the host testing, rearing and release of additional agents, the redistribution of established agents from nursery sites and agent efficacy assessments. Completion will continue to rely heavily on long term funding from state and national governments if the potential public benefits that these and future programs offer are to be achieved.
Introduction currently targeting 11 species of pasture weeds, and five predominantly environmental weeds including In 2006, the annual cost of weeds to Tasmanian blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L. aggregate) which is pastures and field crops was conservatively also a significant pasture weed. The majority (89%) estimated at ca. $58 million (Ireson et al., 2007). of the biological control agent releases have been conducted over the last two decades. Only four This figure consisted of approximately $49.2 million agents were released in Tasmania prior to 1990 with in production losses and $8.8 million in herbicide the gorse seed weevil, Exapion ulicis (Forster), being costs. Labour costs and other associated weed the first in1939. The ragwort seed fly, Botanophila control activities were not included in the estimate of jacobaeae (Hardy), was released 24 years later in $857 million which was about 7% of the then gross 1963, but failed to establish. These were followed annual value of agricultural production in Tasmania. by the initial releases of two species of ragwort There has been no attempt to calculate the cost of flea beetle, Longitarsus flavicornis (Stephens) and environmental weeds to Tasmania due to the lack of Longitarsus jacobaeae (Waterhouse), in 1979 and quantitative data, although a system for rating weed 1988 respectively. This paper lists the agents that have impact in Tasmanian natural ecosystems has been been deliberately released for the biological control of described (Rudman 2006). weeds in Tasmania and summarises the current status Biological control programs in Tasmania are of each program.
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Method of agent introductions seven (20.0%) have failed to establish and the establishment of four (11.4%) is still to be confirmed. Many of Tasmania’s most important pasture and The guild of invertebrate agents released includes 13 environmental weeds are also problems in other foliage feeders, eight root and crown feeders, three parts of south-eastern mainland Australia especially stem and/or crown feeders, three seed feeders, two Victoria and to a lesser extent South Australia and bud feeders, one branch borer and one inflorescence south-eastern New South Wales. Therefore, in most feeder (Table 1). Four of the seven agents that have cases, Tasmania has been the recipient of biological failed to establish were foliage feeders on boneseed control agents from programs initiated either by (Table 1). Failure of these agents to establish was the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial and attributed to high levels of predation by a complex of Research Organisation (CSIRO) or jointly by CSIRO mainly generalist predators (Ireson et al., 2002). and State Government Departments of Primary Of the programs currently underway (Table Industries in other states, particularly Victoria. An 1), only the ragwort project is close to completion. exception was the biological control program for The root feeding effects of the ragwort flea beetle, gorse (Ulex europaeus L.). Gorse, a Weed of National Longitarsus flavicornis (Stephens), have provided Significance (Thorp and Lynch, 2000) and a serious effective control at many sites around the state. problem in Tasmania, was declared a target for In areas where the impact of this agent has been biological control in 1995 by the Standing Committee restricted by site conditions (Potter et al., 2007), there of Agriculture and Resource Management after is now anecdotal evidence that the complementary nomination by the then Tasmanian Department of effects of the ragwort stem and crown boring moth, Primary Industry and Fisheries (Ireson et al., 1999a). Cochylis atricapitana (Stephens) and the ragwort The Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research plume moth, Platyptilia isodactyla (Zeller) are now (TIAR) contracted Landcare Research New Zealand resulting in effective control as they continue to Ltd. to conduct host specificity tests on gorse agents spread naturally. Work being conducted on the other established in New Zealand with funding support programs includes the host testing, rearing and release from the Commonwealth Government’s Natural of additional agents, the widespread redistribution of Heritage Trust. Agents were introduced to Australia established agents from localised nursery sites and through the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) assessment of agent efficacy (Table 1). Victoria, using the quarantine facility at Frankston. Agents for boneseed (Chrysanthemoides monilifera Discussion ssp. monilifera (L.) T. Norl.), English broom (Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link), Cape broom (Genista Using the criteria of Hoffmann (1995) the mospessulana (L.) L.A.S. Johnson) and ragwort biological control of ragwort can be classified as (Jacobaea vulgaris Gaertn.) were also introduced ranging from substantial to complete in many of to Tasmania through this quarantine facility or parts of Tasmania where the weed has been a major through collections from established mainland field problem. Evidence that L. flavicornis has been a key sites. The agents have either been released directly factor in the control of ragwort comes from long into the field or used to start mass rearing cultures term efficacy studies, the widespread establishment to provide stock for ongoing release programs. All of L. flavicornis and photographic records (Ireson et weed biological control programs in Tasmania are al., 1991; Ireson et al., 2007). The control achieved now conducted through TIAR. by L. flavicornis is now producing significant economic benefits (Page and Lacey, 2006); however, Results on some properties unfavourable site conditions and incompatible management strategies have restricted By the end of 2011, 35 agents had been deliberately its impact. Two other agents, the ragwort stem released for the control of 16 weed species. The agents and crown boring moth, C. atricapitana, and the include three fungal pathogens and 32 species of ragwort plume moth, P. isodactyla, are also now well invertebrates of which 29 are insects and three are established in Tasmania. In Victoria, McLaren et al. mites (Table 1). Of these, 24 (68.6%) have established, (2000) and Morley and Bonilla (2008) showed that
XIII International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds - 2011 Session 9 Post-release Evaluation and Management 437 these agents are capable of significantly reducing thistle gall fly,Urophora solstitialis L., and two cotton plant vigour and reproductive output. Both species thistle agents, the crown weevil, Trichosirocalus have been observed causing considerable damage to briesei (Alonso-Zarazaga & Sánches-Ruiz) and the crowns and stems at field sites in Tasmania (Ireson, noctuid moth, Eublemma amoena (Hübner), have unpubl. data) and are expected to provide significant also been released at mainland sites so these agents control in areas where L. flavicornis impact is could also be considered for transfer to Tasmania restricted. once their establishment status has been assessed. A Apart from ragwort, the other Tasmanian weed continuing redistribution programme for the thistle biological control programs vary in their stage of crown weevil, Trichosirocalus mortadelo (Alonso- development and the amount of resources available Zarazaga & Sánches-Ruiz) (Alonso-Zarazaga and for their continuation. Of the other weeds targeted, Sánches-Ruiz 2002), on species of slender thistle is gorse, blackberry, spear thistle (Cirsium vulgare also required from the one established Tasmanian (Savi) Tenore), slender thistle species (Carduus spp.), site where it was released in 1998 (Table 1). horehound (Marrubium vulgare L.) and dock species Boneseed, English broom and Cape broom (Rumex spp.), were all listed among the top twenty are currently the main focus of biological control weeds either across the state or regionally following programmes on environmental weeds in Tasmania. landholder surveys (Ireson et al., 2007). Agent Bridal creeper (Asparagus asparagoides (L.) Druce) releases have also been conducted for Paterson’s infestations are relatively small and localised in curse (Echium plantagineum (L.)) and cotton thistle Tasmania, but the relevance of biological control (Onopordium acanthium L.). Although causing will now depend on the outcome of attempted problems in localised areas, these two pasture weeds eradication programs. are not serious problems in Tasmania compared to Host specificity testing to enable the introduction other states. The small, scattered infestations of these of new agents is either underway or planned for weeds in Tasmania are being contained through several weed species. For instance, three folivores spray programs and, if persistent enough, could and one seed feeder have already been released for enable eradication from the localised areas in which gorse but it is evident that an additional agent or they occur. However, as biological control is being agents will still be required to significantly reduce used against these weeds in mainland states, agents plant vigour (Ireson et al., 2006; Hill et al., 2008). have been introduced to Tasmania and selectively The seed-feeding gorse pod moth, Cydia succedana released at sites which have been difficult to access (Denis and Schiffermüller) is widely established in by conventional control methods. In the long term it New Zealand and, in combination with the gorse is hoped that these sites can act as nursery sites from seed weevil, Exapion ulicis (Forster) has resulted which the agents can either disperse naturally or can in seed destruction levels as high as 92% (T.R. be collected and distributed to other sites in areas Partridge unpubl. data cited by Hill and Gourlay, and suppress these weeds where control has been 2002). Modelling studies (Rees and Hill, 2001) have found difficult. indicated this should be high enough to reduce the More work is required on the establishment recruitment of gorse below replacement levels. The and redistribution of agents for spear thistle, gorse pod moth therefore has the potential to play a slender thistles, nodding thistle and cotton thistle significant role in the biological control of gorse and in Tasmania. Host specific strains of the thistle host specificity studies are underway to determine receptacle weevil, Rhinocyllus conicus (Frolich), whether the agent is safe to release in Australia. The adapted to the life cycle of spear thistle, slender host specificity of the broom leaf beetle, Gonioctena thistles and nodding thistle have been released in olivacea Förster, the broom shoot moth, Agonopterix Victoria and New South Wales, but field surveys to assimilella Treitschke, on English broom (Sagliocco, determine their distribution in these states are yet 2009; Sagliocco, pers. comm.) and the boneseed rust, to be conducted. As no previous releases have been Puccinia mysirphylli G. Winter, are also currently conducted in Tasmania, transfer could be undertaken under investigation. if the agents are found to be well established at any Weeds that may be the target of future programs mainland release sites. The spear thistle crown weevil, include sea spurge (Euphorbia paralias L.), a major Trichosirocalus horridus (Panzer), the nodding environmental weed along the coast of southern
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Australia and a significant problem along the Curculionidae, Ceutorhynchinae). Australian Tasmanian coastline. The weed was declared a Journal of Entomology 41, 199–208. target for biological control by the Australian Weeds Bachelor, K.L. & Woodburn, T.L. (2002) Population Committee in 2010 following nomination by CSIRO development and impact of the bridal creeper and Department of Primary Industries and Water, leafhopper Zygina spp. in Western Australia. Tasmania (Scott et al., 2010b). Potential agents were In Proceedings of the 13th Australian Weeds reviewed by Scott et al. (2010a). Investigations into Conference, 8–13 September 2002, Perth, the biological control of serrated tussock (Nassella Western Australia (eds Spafford Jacob, H., Dodd, trichotoma (Nees) Arech.) (Casonato et al., 2004) J. & Moore, J.H.), pp. 381–384. Plant Protection may also eventually result in agents being made Society of Western Australia. available for control of this weed in Tasmania. Briese, D.T., Heard, T.A., McFadyen, R.E., Sheppard, The economic benefits of successful Australian A.W. & Spafford Jacob, H. (2003) The selection, biological control programs have been demonstrated testing and evaluation of weed biological control (Page and Lacey, 2006), but as many programs may agents: Is there still room for improvement? In: take longer than twenty years it can be difficult to Improving the selection, testing and evaluation justify continued funding over such a long period. of weed biological control agents (eds Spafford Consequently, many biological control programs are Jacob, H. & Briese, D.T.), pp. 1–3. University of often poorly resourced and not fully evaluated once Western Australia, Perth. the agents are released (McFadyen, 2000). Therefore, Burdon, J.J., Thrall, P.H., Groves, R.H. & Chaboudez, it will be important that evidence of any long-term P. (2000) Biological control of Carduus successes are recorded in order to justify further pycnocephalus and C. tenuiflorus using the rust investment in weed biological control (McFadyen, fungus Puccinia cardui-pycnocephali. Plant 2000; Briese et al., 2003). Protection Quarterly 15, 14–17. In recent years, a combination of factors Casonato, S.G., Lawrie, A.C., Butler, K.L. & McLaren, including new regulatory procedures, an overall D.A. (2004) Endemic fungi inhibit germination of decline in funding as well as the retiring of serrated tussock seed: An alternative to classical experienced practitioners or loss of experienced biological control? Proceedings of the 14th staff due to funding cuts has contributed either to Australian Weeds Conference, 62-9 September a declining trend in the number of agents released 2004, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales (eds. in Australia or lack of project continuity during Sindel, B.M. & Johnson, S.B.), pp. 321–324. Weed the last decade. In Tasmania as in other Australian Society of New South Wales. states, the maintenance of weed biological control Davies, J.T., Ireson, J.E. & Allen, G.R. (2007) The programs faces an uncertain future. impact of the gorse spider mite, Tetranychus lintearius, on the growth and development of Acknowledgements gorse, Ulex europaeus. Biological Control 41, 86–93. Davies, J.T., Ireson, J.E. & Allen, G.R. (2008) The We thank Jamie Davies, Department of Pri- phenology and impact of the gorse seed weevil, mary Industries, Parks, Water and Environ- Exapion ulicis, on gorse, Ulex europaeus, in ment and Barry Rowe, Honorary Research As- Tasmania. Biological Control 45, 85–92. sociate, Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Downey, P.O., Holtkamp, R.H., Ireson, J.E., Research, for their comments on the manuscript. Kwong, R.M. & Swirepik, A.E. (2007) A review of the Chrysanthmoides monilifera biological References control program in Australia: 1987–2005. Plant Protection Quarterly 22, 24–32. Evans, J.W. (1942) The gorse weevil. Tasmanian Alonso-Zarazaga, M.A. & Sánchez-Ruiz, M. Journal of Agriculture 13, 15–18. (2002) Revision of the Trichosirocalus horridus Henry, K., Ivory, S., Lush, A.L. & Kent, J. (2009) (Panzer) species complex with description of Importation, rearing and field release of the Cape two new species infesting thistles (Coleoptera: broom psyllid, Arytinnis hakani. Final Report,
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Land and Water Australia, Canberra,
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McFadyen, R.C. (2000) Successes in the biological biological control and the dynamics of gorse control of weeds. In Proceedings of the X populations. Journal of Applied Ecology 38, 364– International Symposium on Biological Control 377. of Weeds, 4–14 July1999, Bozeman (ed Spencer, Rudman, T. (2006) Ecological impact rating N.R), pp. 3–14. Montana State University, system for naturalised plants in Tasmania: First Bozeman, USA. iteration. In Proceedings of the 1st Tasmanian McLaren, D.A. (1992) Observations on the life cycle Weeds Conference, 13–14 October 2005, and establishment of Cochylis atricapitana (Lep: Launceston (eds Hanson, C. & Stewart, L.), pp. Cochylidae), a moth for biological control of 10–14. Tasmanian Weed Society Incorporated, Senecio jacobaea in Australia. Entomophaga 37, Devonport, Tasmania. 641–648. Sagliocco, J-L. (2000) The insect fauna associated McLaren, D.A., Ireson, J. & Kwong, R.M. (2000). with horehound (Marrubium vulgare L.) in Biological control of ragwort (Senecio jacobaea L.) western Mediterranean Europe and Morocco: in Australia. In Proceedings of the X International Potential for biological control in Australia. Plant Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds, 4–14 Protection Quarterly 15, 21–25. July1999, Bozeman, Montana (ed Spencer, N.R.), Sagliocco, J-L. (2009) Application for the approval pp. 67–79. Montana State University, Bozeman, of a host test list for the leaf beetle Gonioctena USA. olivacea, a potential biological control agent for Meggs, J. (1995) Biotic resistance to a chrysomelid Scotch broom, Cytisus scoparius subsp. scoparius. beetle (Chrysolina sp.) introduced to Australia Department of Primary Industries Victoria, for the biological control of boneseed unpublished report, 17pp. (Chrysanthemoides monilifera spp. monilifera). B. Sagliocco, J-L. & Weiss, J. (2004) Importation, Sc. (Hons) Thesis, Monash University, Melbourne. establishment and preliminary impact assessment Miller, D. (1929) Control of ragwort through insects. of Chamaesphecia mysiniformis (Lepidoptera: Experimental work with cinnabar moth. New Sesiidae) for the biological control of horehound Zealand Journal of Agriculture 39, 9–17. in Australia. In Proceedings of the 14th Australian Morin, L., Willis, A.J., Armstrong, J. & Kriticos, D. Weeds Conference (eds Sindel, B.M. & Johnson, (2002) Spread, epidemic development and impact S.B.), pp. 388-390. Weed Society of New South of the bridal creeper rust in Australia: Summary Wales, Wagga Wagga. of results. In Proceedings of the 13th Australian Scott, J.K. & Sagliocco, J-L. (1991) Chamaesphecia Weeds Conference, 8–13 September 2002, Perth doryliformis (Lep.: Sesiidae), a potential agent Western Australia (eds Spafford Jacob, H., Dodd, for the control of Rumex spp. (Polygonaceae) in J. & Moore, J.H.), pp. 385–388. Plant Protection Australia. Entomophaga 36, 245–51. Society of Western Australia. Scott, J.K., Jourdan, M.L., Morin, L., Thomann, T. Morley, T. & Bonilla, J. (2008) Ragwort plume moth & Yeoh P.B. (2010a) Exploration for potential (Platyptilia isodactyla) reduces ragwort (Senecio biological control agents of Euphorbia paralias, jacobaea) plant vigour and makes a useful a major environmental weed of coastal contribution to biological control of ragwort in ecosystems in Australia. In Proceedings of the Australia. Australia and New Zealand Biocontrol 17th Australasian Weeds Conference, 26–30 Conference Abstracts. September 2010, Christchurch, New Zealand (ed Page, A.R. & Lacey, K.L. (2006) Economic impact S.M. Zydenbos), pp. 223–226. New Zealand Plant assessment of Australian weed biological control. Protection Society. CRC for Australian Weed Management Technical Scott, J.K., Rudman, T. & Gill, N. (2010b) Series 10, 151 pp. Nomination of a target weed for biological Potter, K.J.B., Ireson, J.E. and Allen, G.R. (2007). control. Target: Euphorbia paralias L. CSIRO/ Survival of larvae of the ragwort flea beetle, Department of Primary Industries & Water, Longitarsus flavicornis (Stephens) (Coleoptera: Tasmania unpublished report, 25 pp. Chrysomelidae), in water–logged soil. Biocontrol Thorp, J.R. & Lynch, R. (2000) The Determination of Science & Technology 17, 765–770. Weeds of National Significance. National Weeds Rees, M. & Hill, R.L. (2001) Large-scale disturbances, Strategy Executive Committee, Launceston,
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Tasmania, 234 pp. of the crown weevil Trichosirocalus horridus Woodburn, T.L. (1997) Establishment in Australia of on a novel host, Cirsium vulgare in Western Trichosirocalus horridus a biological control agent Australia. In Proceedings of the 13th Australian for Carduus nutans and preliminary assessment Weeds Conference, 8–13 September 2002, Perth, of its impact on plant growth and reproductive Western Australia (eds Spafford Jacob, H., Dodd, potential. Biocontrol Science and Technology 7, J. & Moore, J.H.), p. 430. Plant Protection Society 645–656. of Western Australia. Woodburn, T. & Swirepick, A. (2002) Establishment
XIII International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds - 2011 442 Session 9 Post-release Evaluation and Management sp. despite the despite sp. 2 As above. Ex South Africa (Morin et al., 2002). et al., Ex Africa South (Morin northern in at site release after Established it where Island Flinders on and Tasmania stillis surviving Zygina with program. eradication abovementioned Ex Africa South 2007). et al., (Downey releases. multiple after establish to Failed predators invertebrate by resistance Biotic in preventing suspectedis factor a key as et al., 1995; Ireson (Meggs, establishment 2002). As above. Comments Woodburn, Ex and Africa South (Bachelor site release the only at 2002). Established Flinders on and in northern Tasmania in bridal creeper infestations As Island. local small and - relatively are Tasmania been eradicate to made have ised, attempts herbicide. them using N E N N Status E 1 1995 2000 1999 Year(s) Year(s) released 1991-1993 1993-1995 1995-1996 1996-1997 2000 - Foliage Foliage Foliage Foliage Part of Part af plant fected Foliage, Foliage, stem G. Winter s p. B sp. Agent Zygina Chrysolina Chrysolina scotti Daccordi scotti Chrysolina Comostolopsis germana Prout Puccinia myrsiphylli (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)(Coleoptera: boneseed beetle) (Painted (Uredinales: Phragmidiaceae) (Uredinales: (Bridal creeper rust fungus) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)(Coleoptera: boneseed(Black beetle) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) (Lepidoptera: moth) tip (Bitou Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) Hemiptera: (Bridal creeper leafhopper) (L.) Druce (L.) T. Norl. (L.) T. ssp. ssp. monilifera Chrysanthemoides monilifera (Boneseed) Target weed Target Asparagus asparagoides (Bridal creeper) Table 1. Status of weed biocontrol agents deliberately released in Tasmania (E = established, EU establishment uncertain, N not established) Tasmania 1. Status of weed biocontrol agents deliberately released in Table
XIII International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds - 2011 Session 9 Post-release Evaluation and Management 443 ) (present at at ) (present 2 was also present also was present . C. tenuiflorus As above. release Ex Africa. South at Surviving only to dispersestarting and sites five at point re - after years three to up site, one from still uncertain. lease. Establishment Ex France and Italy. Now widespread. widespread. Now Italy. and Ex France Mediterranean aggressive two Releases of in 1993 in Tasmania made were isolates - C. pycno 1997 on in 1994 and again and cephalus studies Tasmanian sites release some at plant reduce the rust could that showed et (Burdon production flower size and the pathogen of the impact 2000) but al., thistle reduce to insufficient was alone densities. Zealand via Canada via New Ex Germany 1997). Originally established (Woodburn, - in northern Tasma Westbury at site one at has been site The thistle. slender nia on used a nursery as transfer collect to and also uses Agent sites. other to adults spear thistle ( Cirsium vulgare - (Wood host marginal as site) Westbury 2002). Dispersal and Swirepick, and burn been assessed. not has in Tasmania impact Comments EU N E E Status 1 1997 1998 Year(s) Year(s) released 2008-2011 2000-2004 1993, 1994, - Foliage Foliage Foliage Root crown Part of Part af plant fected Sydow s p. sp. Agent Aceria Tortrix (Rosette weevil)(Rosette (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) (Lepidoptera: Puccinia cardui-pynocephali (Acari: Eriophyidae) (Acari: (Boneseed mite) buckle leaf leaf roller moth) roller leaf ( Chrysanthemoides (Uredinales: Phragmidiaceae) (Uredinales: thistle rust fungus) Slender Trichosirocalus mortadelo Alonso-Zaraza - Trichosirocalus ga & Sánches-Ruiz Curculionidae) (Coleoptera: Curtis Curtis Carduus spp. thistles, thistle) nodding (Slender Carduus pycnocephalus- (L.) (Slen der thistle), Carduus tenuiflorus thistle), Carduus slender (Winged L. nutans thistle) (Nodding Target weed Target
XIII International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds - 2011 444 Session 9 Post-release Evaluation and Management (above) but not recovered. recovered. not but (above) 2 Comments release from established Not Ex France. sites two at established now in 1997, but in 2010 following re-releases following in Victoria. site from transfer es - to Zealand. Failed via New Ex Europe imported material of releases from tablish again in 1996 and Wales South New from and Recovered seven sites. in 1998 at in the Tasmanian site one from spreading in 2004 release in 2005 following midlands South New collected from material of been conducted Releases have site. Wales a shade- 2004 from since sites other four at surveys at establishment but culture house be to conducted. yet are these sites Zealand. via New Kingdom Ex United time as the same at sites three Released at L. spartifoliella planned still from possible Establishment collected field stock of releases additional from mainland. Re - pers. com.). (Sagliocco, Ex France - been has recov Agent 37 sites. leased at dispersing. is and ered E EU E Status E 1 1996 1996 1997 Year(s) Year(s) released 2009-2011 1998 2004-2008 2010 - Branches new Buds, growth Buds Part of Part af plant fected Seed head (Hübner) Agent (Diptera: Tephrididae) (Diptera: (Forster) (Forster) spartiophila Arytainilla Psyllidae) (Hemiptera: psyllid) (Broom (Nalepa) genistae Aceria Eriophyidae) (Acarina: gall mite) (Broom (Lepidoptera: Lyonetiidae) (Lepidoptera: moth) twig mining (Broom Urophora stylata (Fabricius) stylata Urophora thistle gall(Spear fly) spartifoliella Leucoptera (L.) Link scoparius Target weed Target Cirsium vulgare Tenore (Savi) thistle) (Spear Cytisus broom) (English
XIII International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds - 2011 Session 9 Post-release Evaluation and Management 445 2 Comments (Henry 2009). Released et al., Ex France widespread becoming is Agent 40 sites. at damage. severe causing and then Reared Portugal. and Ex France between in Tasmania 14 sites at released unpubl. 1992 (Ireson, April 1990 and July dispersed and recovered Initially data). population but sites release from rapidly its to due declined possibly subsequently survive winters. to cold inability imported collected Field adults Ex France. three at released and Australia South from one from dispersing and Recovered sites. site. adults imported Field collected Ex France. at and released South Australia from and dispersing Recovered sites. three sites. two from collected Field adults Spain. and Ex France - re and Australia South from imported - dispers and Established six sites. leased at - assess Establishment sites. two from ing be to conducted. yet sites other at ments E E E Status E N 1 2004 2007 2004 2004 1990 Year(s) Year(s) released 2009-2011 2008 2006-2007 2009 2008-2009 - Crown, Crown, petioles, foliage Taproot, petioles, foliage Taproot, - foli crown, age Part of Part af plant fected Foliage, stems, branches Foliage (Goeze) Agent (Koch) Mogulones larvatus (Schultz) Mogulones Curculionidae) (Coleoptera: weevil) curse crown (Paterson’s Mogulones geographicus Curculionidae) (Coleoptera: weevil) root curse (Paterson’s Longitarsus echii (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)(Coleoptera: curse flea beetle) (Paterson’s Arytinnis hakani (Loginova) Psyllidae) (Hemiptera: Psyllid) Broom (Cape (Zeller)Dialectica scalariella Gracillariidae) (Lepidoptera: miner) leaf (Echium - (L.) L.A.S. (L.) (Pater Target weed Target Genista monspessulana Johnson Montpellier broom, (Cape broom) Echium plantagineum curse) son’s
XIII International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds - 2011 446 Session 9 Post-release Evaluation and Management (above). 2 Comments imported collected Field adults Ex France. three at released and Australia South from be to yet assessments Establishment sites. conducted. collected imported Field stock Ex France. site one Release at Wales. South New from site at in 1997 and in northern Tasmania has in 2009. Agent midlands in Tasmanian dispersing. is and been recovered L. for cardui As Ex Greece. released strains different Three Ex Europe. and established are sites separate three at these hoped is new strains It spreading. - rust popu existing will with hybridise a with genotypes produce and lations vigour and the growth on impact greater blackberry illegallyof an introduced than in 1985. Tasmania in identified first strain E Status EU E E 1 1999 2008 1997 2009 2009 Year(s) Year(s) released 2009 - Seed Part of Part af plant fected Flower pol - buds, len, ovules, immature seed - foli Stem, age Foliage, fruit, buds, canes (Schultz) Winter Winter (Schultz) Agent Larinus latus Herbst latus Larinus Curculionidae) (Coleoptera: weevil) (Seedhead Meligethes planiusculus (Heer) planiusculus Meligethes Nitidulidae) (Coleoptera: curse pollen beetle) (Paterson’s O1ivier cardui Lixus (Curculionidae) (Coleoptera: weevil) (Stem-boring Phragmidium violaceum Phragmidiaceae) (Uredinales) (Blackberry rust) L. Target weed Target Onopordum acanthium thistle) (Cotton Rubus fruticosus L . aggregate (Blackberry)
XIII International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds - 2011 Session 9 Post-release Evaluation and Management 447 has had a signifi had - has spp. 2 Comments Ex Morocco (Scott and Sagliocco, 1991). Sagliocco, and (Scott Ex Morocco - in northern Tas sites three Released at surveys during in recovered and mania has efficacy no study been 2006. Although visual evidence and anecdotal conducted, doryliformis P. indicates cant impact on Rumex on impact cant Ex England via New Zealand. via Ex New England of level High widespread. Now Ex France. in reductions with areas in most control et 90% (Ireson of in excess densities plant 2000b). et al., 1991; Ireson al., Status E E N 1 1997 Year(s) Year(s) released 1979-1985 1963 - Part of Part af plant fected Roots, root crown - Roots, foli age, crown root Seed
Meade Meade (Ochsenheimer) (Hardy), also (Hardy), jacobaeae Agent
(Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) (Lepidoptera: 3 Pyropteron doryliformis (Dock moth) referred to as Hylemia as to referred seneciella Hylemia as incorrectly and (Hardy) [formerly [formerly jacobaeaeBotanophila (Hardy) jacobaeae Pegohylemia (Meade)] Longitarsus flavicornis (Stephens) Chrysomelidae)(Coleoptera: (Ragwort flea beetle) (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) (Diptera: (Ragwort seed fly) Target weed Target spp. Rumex (Dock) spe - pasture Tasmanian Common cies are: (L.) crispus Rumex dock) & (Curled Rumex obtusifolius (L.) dock) (Broadleaf Jacobaea vulgarisJacobaea Gaertn. (Ragwort)
XIII International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds - 2011 448 Session 9 Post-release Evaluation and Management
2 Comments but six sites at Established Ex Spain. difficulties in to due dispersal unknown the from field populations distinguishing et al., (Ireson biotype French dominant similar. probably 1999b). Efficacy Zea USA via New - via Oregon Ex Italy dispersal but six sites at Established land. - difficultiesdistinguish in to due unknown L. flavicornis from field populations ing 1999b). et al., (Ireson Zealand via (Miller, Ex New England because probably established 1929). Not - suit of lack and predation highof levels of 1999b). et al., (Ireson sites pupation able - 1992). Dispers (McLaren, Ex Spain Tasmanian No sites. 22 release from ing surveysbut conducted efficacystudies growth larval stunting indicate feeding to a contributing and plants flowering of in Victoria as density in rosette decline 2000). et al., (McLaren - 2000). Dispers et al., (McLaren Ex Spain larval Significant sites. 17 release from ing Tasmanian observed. No plants to damage impact but conducted efficacystudies output reproductive and vigour plant on - in Victo recorded that to similar probably Bonilla, and 2008). ria (Morley E N E E Status 1 Year(s) Year(s) released 1988-1992 1993-1999 1995-2000 2004-2005 2009-2010 2000-2007 1986-1989 - Roots, root foliage, crown Foliage, flowers Stem, root crown Stem, root crown Part of Part af plant fected (Waterhouse) (Co - (Waterhouse) (Zeller) Agent Longitarsus jacobaeae Chrysomelidae)leoptera: (Ragwort flea beetle) jacobaeae (L.) Tyria Arctiidae) (Leidoptera: moth) (Cinnabar Cochylis- (Lepi atricapitana (Stephens) Cochylidae) doptera: moth) boring (Ragwort crown and stem isodactylaPlatyptilia Pterophoridae) (Lepidoptera: (Ragwort moth) plume Target weed Target
XIII International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds - 2011 Session 9 Post-release Evaluation and Management 449 spp.) restrict spp.) - predato ) and 2 Comments Ex England via New Zealand (Evans, Zealand via (Evans, Ex New England et al., (Ireson widespread 1942). Now seed ranges 2006). Destruction mature to below is but 12.4-55.4% annually from gorse on impact have to required that 2008). et al., (Davies via New Spain and Portugal Ex England, wide - 1999a). Now et al., Zealand (Ireson 2003). Reductions et al., (Ireson spread 2.5 ca. dry36% over of in foliage weight been have release the time of from years 2007). Surveys et al., (Davies measured Chilean predatory by predation indicate ( Phytoseiulusmite persimilis ry beetles ladybird ( Stethorus 2003). et al., (Ireson impact et al., Zealand via (Ireson Ex New England the throughout widespread 2008). Now to been slow have populations but state has damage foliar visible no and increase beenyet recorded. Zealand via New via Hawaii Ex Portugal widespread. 2008). Now et al., (Ireson populations with mixed now Populations Zealand. via New ex England un - Zealand via (Ireson, Ex New England and sites two from Dispersing data). publ. Releases and four. another from recovered continuing. are monitoring Status E E E E 1 Year(s) Year(s) released 1939 1998-2001 2001-2009 2003-2009 2007-2010 - Part of Part af plant fected Seed Foliage Foliage Foliage Dufour Dufour Agent (Forster) (Forster) Exapion ulicis (Coleoptera: Brentidae) (Coleoptera: seed(Gorse weevil) Tetranychidae) (Acari: mite) spider (Gorse Tetranychus lintearius Tetranychus Sericothrips- (Thy staphylinus Haliday Thripidae) sanoptera: thrips) (Gorse - (Lepi (Fabricius) umbellana Agonopterix Oecophoridae) doptera: moth) shoot soft (Gorse Target weed Target L. europaeus Ulex (Gorse)
XIII International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds - 2011 450 Session 9 Post-release Evaluation and Management - - 2 Comments 2000). Widespread (Sagliocco, Ex France unpubl. data). al., 2000a; Ireson et (Ireson Tasma - in conducted studies No efficacy dur by larvae defoliation nia, but severe vigour plant reducing ing spring probably and seed output. 2004). and Weiss, (Sagliocco Ex France impor following one trial site at Releases Releases and South Australia. from tation continuing. site at monitoring E EU Status 1 Year(s) Year(s) released 1997-1999 2008-2011 - Foliage Roots Part of Part af plant fected (Boisduval) (Curtis) Agent Chamaesphecia mysiniformis Sesiidae) (Lepidoptera: clearwing moth) (Horehound (Lepidoptera: Pterophoridae) (Lepidoptera: plume moth) (Horehound Wheeleria spilodactylus L. Target weed Target Marrubium vulgare (Horehound) This refers not only to the year the first release of the agent was conducted but also the periods over which the agent has been released from cultures if there if there cultures released from has been which the agent over but also the periods conducted was release of the agent the first the year not only to This refers Julien and Griffiths (1998) unless otherwise by indicated. origin as listed Agent has been an ongoing mass rearing program. Periods over which field redistribution programs have been conducted for some agents are not included. Mass agents for some conducted been have programs redistribution which field over Periods program. mass rearing has been an ongoing to disperse. slow establish or to difficult agents for some years several over Tasmania in continued have release programs and field rearing 1 2
XIII International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds - 2011