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Sorting Salvinia Salvinia: USA Begins populations of 'Australian' C. salviniae, Round Two collected originally from Brazil and used in An aquatic fern native to southern Brazil, successful biological control programmes giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta) is consid- Cyrtobagous salviniae was released for the in Australia, Papua New Guinea, South ered one of the most invasive plants in the second time against giant salvinia (Salvinia Africa, and other countries. molesta) in Texas and Louisiana in October world. Its rapid rate of spread is facilitated However, the release permit for the 2001. Weevils for this release were by environmental adaptability coupled with 'Florida' C. salviniae was not extended to obtained from cooperators in Australia an ability to propagate vegetatively from cover the 'Australia' C. salviniae. where they have been used successfully to plant fragments. Regulatory officials in the USDA-APHIS control Salvinia molesta. Following the (Animal Plant Health Inspection Service) second release in the USA, numerous It has been the target of classical biological required that a new permit be issued, which adults and significant damage were found control programmes since the 1960s in involved a lengthy process made more at most of the sites 2 months later in Africa, Asia, and Australia. However, the lengthy when a petition written by another December. The winter season is expected first attempts were unsuccessful in Africa, lab was rejected because of substandard to inhibit any further activity by the weevils India, Fiji, and Sri Lanka because of the research and reporting, thereby causing but we hope to learn if they can overwinter misidentification of the plant as Salvinia further delays in obtaining a general release at locations in east Texas and western auriculata. Researchers surveyed S. auric- permit. In cooperation with Wendy Forno Louisiana. Additional releases of C. ulata in Guyana and Trinidad and found a of Australia (formerly of the Common- salviniae will be conducted if necessary small weevil identified as Cyrtobagous wealth Scientific Industrial Research during the spring and summer of 2002. singularis. Although C. singularis did Organisation, CSIRO) and Sharon establish in several areas, it had no effect on Salvinia molesta has been established in the Docherty and Martin Hill from South the infestations. Salvinia molesta was wild in the USA since at least 1998, but it is Africa (formerly of the Plant Protection separated from S. auriculata in 1972 and its possible that it has been living free in the Research Institute, PPRI), we wrote a new native range in Brazil was discovered in USA for rather longer, as it has been widely petition, which was approved and the 1978. In 1980, what was thought to be a distributed as an ornamental plant and is permit was finally issued, thus facilitating biotype of C. singularis from S. molesta easily obtained via the Internet. First the second releases. was introduced at Lake Moondarra in discovered in eastern Texas, it now extends Studies designed to sort out the differences Australia and proceeded to destroy more into western Louisiana. between the populations of C. salviniae are than 30,000 t of S. molesta in less than one continuing. Preliminary data shows that year. Closer examination of the 'biotype' The first release of C. salviniae was 'Florida' weevils are equally attracted to resulted in its elevation to species status, conducted in June 1999 using weevils both S. molesta and S. minima,canrepro- namely C. salviniae.Thisnewspecies collected from common salvinia, S. duce on S. molesta, and live longer and lay reversed earlier failures and successful minima, in Florida rather than the tried- more eggs on S. molesta than on S. minima. programmes were conducted in Australia, and-tested stock from Australia, as this In addition, the 'Australia' weevil has Fiji, Ghana, Kenya, Malaysia, Papua New obviated the risk of introducing new demonstrated the ability to suppress S. Guinea, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, pathogens or parasites into the USA. minima in tank studies. India, Botswana, Namibia, and Sri Lanka, Cyrtobagous salviniae had been introduced where control has been dramatic and rapid: accidentally into Florida prior to 1960 and By:P.W.TippingandT.D.Center in many cases S. molesta was reduced by is now found throughout the state feeding USDA-ARS Invasive Plant Laboratory, on S. minima, and has also been found more than 90% in less than a year following 3205 College Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL attacking S. molesta at one site in release of C. salviniae*. 33314, USA southwestern Florida. Unfortunately, the Email: [email protected] / results of the first biocontrol attempt were Here we look at progress in two [email protected] unclear as many of the original Texas and programmes to combat recent invasions. Fax: +1 954 476 9169 Louisiana release sites were corrupted or The first, in the USA, underlines how taxo- destroyed by floods, droughts, saltwater
nomic uncertainties and confusion can still intrusion, or landowner actions. Significant confound biocontrol. The second, in the damage of the salvinia was noted at one Salvinia: West Africa Senegal River in Senegal and Mauritania, release site, though, before it was destroyed Battles Invasives deals with management of invasive species by the landowner (despite a previous to mitigate threats to both the environment agreement not to do so). The freshwater wetland systems of and economic development. Mauritania and Senegal are crucial habitats Gene sequence studies in early 2000 found for Palaearctic migrant birds crossing 200 *Tipping, P. (2000) Biological control minor differences between 'Australia' and km of the arid western Sahara Desert, and programmes for giant salvinia: history and 'Florida' weevils in the number of base pairs as such they are the focus of national and update on US efforts. Water Hyacinth News in the D2 gene. Further releases of the international conservation efforts. A series No.2,p.6. 'Florida' weevils were suspended because of national parks has been set up by the of the taxonomic uncertainty this created, governments of Senegal and Mauritania in
and instead efforts were redirected to recognition of the importance of the

Are we on your mailing list? BiocontrolNews and Information is always pleased to receive news of research, conferences, new products or patents, changes in personnel, collaborative agreements or any other information of interest to other readers. If your organization sends out press releases or newsletters, please let us have a copy. In addition, the editors welcome proposals for review topics. 2N BiocontrolNews and Information 2002 Vol. 23 No. 1 ecosystems, many of which are designated tation, and notably dense stands of Typha cultivation. OMVS constructed four sluices World Heritage Sites and/or recognized as australis (reed mace) in shallow water, and to re-flood the area and restore the pre-dam Wetlands of International Importance by mats of floating weeds, initially Pistia hydrological scheme and to preserve the Ramsar. The wetlands and the rivers that stratoites (water lettuce) and now Salvinia. rich biodiversity. Since then IUCN (World feed them, though, are also fundamental to Besides visible impacts on the riparian Conservation Union) has built two more maintaining local livelihoods and regional human and wildlife populations there have dykes and sluices to optimize water economies, providing fishing, irrigation for been less-evident effects, including a management, and sponsored artificial agriculture and potable water supplies for substantial increase in malaria, for flooding by the park management. In both rural and urban areas. Traditionally example, owing to an increase in year- consequence, 16,000 ha of salt desert are maintained by varying seasonal rainfall, round standing water for breeding. Down- restored and the ecosystem is reviving, a advances in hydrology now create oppor- stream, in contrast, conditions became unique example of the reconstruction of a tunities for water flow to be regulated to more saline and water supply virtually natural environment. Diawling was made a meet needs throughout the year. Such ceased during the dry season. These National Park in 1991 with a mandate to changes inevitably lead to disruption of the changes were enhanced by embankments integrate conservation and development ecosystem, and restoring a balance that is built to separate the river from the (including fishing and pastoralism within sustainable in the long term is proving a floodplain, which led to large parts of the its boundaries), and was designated a challenge, and is having to overcome some floodplain and estuary becoming drier. Ramsar site in 1994. It, too, has been unexpected obstacles including invasion by invaded by Typha, and more recently by The emergence of an invasive weed threat alien water weeds, with Salvinia molesta Salvinia. is thus part of a wider issue: the impact of (giant salvinia) causing alarm most changing land-use patterns and hydro- Waves of Invasives recently. Concerted efforts involving local, logical management on the natural national, regional and international co- The invasive weed problem surfaced in the ecosystems along the lower Senegal river, operation have been made to mitigate the Djoudj Park soon after the Diama Dam where salinity traditionally varied from Salvinia threat. Mechanical clearance became operational in 1988. Reports of nearly fresh (during inundation) to brackish provided limited and costly short-term Pistia were first received in 1989. The as water levels fell through the dry season. relief, but improved water management and weed’s encroachment over the next 5 years The ecological disturbances above and biological control through introduction of was relentless, covering part of the Djoudj below the Diama Dam are reflected in the the weevil Cyrtobagous salviniae is River water surfaces within the Park in the national parks that bound the river to the providing a permanent solution. In a wider early dry season, making navigation north and south. context, however, this programme provides difficult and threatening the habitat of a blueprint for both preventing the Djoudj National Park (Parc National des permanent and visiting birds. The fall in introduction of other invasive species, and Oiseaux du Djoudj) in Senegal was created salinity following the completion of the implementing good management of those in 1971. It was designated a Wetland of dam and inadequate control of flooding already present. International Importance under the Ramsar (leading to an insufficient drying-out Convention in 1980 and inscribed on the period) were cited as being responsible for Damming a Problem UNESCO World Heritage List in 1981. this and other changes in vegetation in the This seasonally inundated wetland system Park, and similar changes in the nearby Historically, the wetlands were sustained covers some of 16,000 ha of brackish lakes Senegal River and other water bodies by natural flooding, but this was variable and pools, linked by a network of channels including Lac de Guiers. This lake, some and in some years of diminished rainfall stemming from the Senegal River. Djoudj 50 km upstream of the Diama Dam, is the (particularly since the 1960s) it failed to forms a permanent sanctuary for some 1.5 city of Dakar’s major drinking water supply restore water levels. The erection of dykes, million birds, and even more migrants: an and also provides irrigation water for vast sluices, temporary dams and, more estimated three million pass through agricultural areas. recently, permanent dams on the Senegal between September and April, and more River by OMVS (Organisation pour la Fortunately, there was a good history of than 70 species of migrant birds were Mise en Valeur du fleuve Sénégal, a successful biocontrol of Pistia with the identified during an expedition to catch and trilateral organisation grouping Mali, Neotropical weevil Neohydronomus ring Palaearctic birds in 1990. The Senegal and Mauritania) formed the basis affinis, beginning in Australia and sanctuary now lies upstream of the dam. of a management plan for the Senegal River subsequently elsewhere including Africa. Changes in vegetation since it was basin, intended to allow river navigation, Introductions in Senegal began in Lac de completed included an initial explosive and provide reliable irrigation for agri- Guiers in 1994, with the support of IITA growth of Pistia during the first half of each culture on hundreds of thousands of (International Institute of Tropical dry season, accompanied by a more hectares as well as water and electricity Agriculture) and GTZ (Deutsche Gesell- insidious but no less damaging spread of supply for rural and urban areas in Senegal schaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit). the emergent weed Typha. and Mauritania. The Diama Dam, built near Introduction of weevils from Lac de Guiers the mouth of the Senegal River and 25 km The Diawling National Park (Parc National into the Djoudj Park took place in 1998 and upstream from the city of St Louis, prevents du Diawling) lies on the Mauritanian side subsequent years within the framework of seawater incursion into agricultural land in of the Senegal River delta, downstream of an EU (European Union) funded research the delta during the dry season. Since it the Diama Dam in the former estuary. The project (coordinated by (Koninklijk became operational in 1988 it has wrought area became completely cut off from fresh Instituut voor de Tropen/Royal Tropical significant ecological changes in the lower water after the Dam’s construction, and for Institute, Netherlands (KIT/RTI) in collab- Senegal River basin. Upstream, the form- several years it was flooded only with oration with the Finnish Environmental erly estuarine, seasonally dry conditions of seawater. Owing to the high evaporation Institute, the University of Vienna in the lower river have given way to rate, the area quickly became a salt desert, Austria and the Senegalese Ministry of the permanent freshwater, and this has led to with high pyrite concentrations in the soil, Environment). The Pistia vegetation luxurious development of aquatic vege- which also made it unsuitable for became markedly stressed, but as the plants News 3N dieoffinthecourseofthedryseasonowing unplanned release of water turned out to be Donors were slower to react, however. to the increased salt content of the water, very beneficial downstream of the dam. Instead, contributions from the Minister the natural enemy populations collapse. The remaining mangrove trees, craving himself, the Senator of Rosso, national However, Pistia proved to be a prolific seed freshwater during the dry season, staged a environmental NGOs, the fishermen of the producer (because of – some or all of – recovery. Other beneficiaries were the Diawling Park, and some DGIS (Dutch increased salinity, crowding and nutrient- young marine fish that still try to use this Development Aid Agency) workers paid rich water owing to bird colonies) and former estuary as a nursery, and of course for a shipment of 300 Cyrtobagous strong seedling regrowth each season the local people. salviniae weevils from PPRI (Plant meant the biocontrol agents needed to be Protection Research Institute), South As Salvinia spread through adjacent water reintroduced annually. Releases made im- Africa in April 2000. Charmed by this bodies and basins, including the Lac de mediately after inundation at the beginning private initiative, PPRI charged only Guiers, it became increasingly apparent of the dry season in September proved most transportation costs: a mere US$300. The that this was a new threat, not just to the effective. The introduction of the weevils weevils were used to establish a starter ecological equilibrium, but also to the was accompanied by improvements in colony in plastic containers (purchased by economic stability and human health of the water management, and together these an Austrian and Dutch development region. It provided a substrate for other measures have reduced Pistia populations workers) on the shores of the Senegal weedstoencroachonwaterbodies,and to a level that does not impact adversely on River. Continuing the spirit of ‘do-it- there was a threat that it could spread into the ecological function of the Park. yourself’ biocontrol, local fishermen from rice fields, as it has elsewhere in the world. the village of Zirét Takhredient became The weed also impedes gas exchange, and While the Pistia problem has been solved, involved in rearing and maintaining the as the plants decay they consume oxygen, though, Typha is still thriving within the insect cultures, regularly refreshing the which further disturbs the ecological national parks and outside. In less than 10 breeding culture with fresh Salvinia plants balance and impacts negatively on aquatic years, it has built an almost impassable wall and removing dying ones. These people fauna and potable water quality. between the river dykes and the open water normally fish in the Park, migrating to the Conversely, though, weed cover increases on both sides of the river, clogged shallow river as the Park dries up. Continuing the available habitat for disease vectors waterways within the parks, invaded the support for Diawling Park staff and the such as snails and mosquitoes. economically important Lac de Guiers, and fishermen was provided by a GTZ has caused particular problems by its Weevils Win Again technical advisor working at the Ministry of spectacular take-over of a shallow Rural Development. First releases were The recognition of the threat from a new freshwater reservoir just above the Diama made in June 2000 at various sites from the invasive floating waterweed precipitated Dam. Typha continues to have diverse Diama Dam to Rosso, and 9 months later prompt action in both Mauritania and negative impacts on drinking water, the impact was visible within the Typha Senegal, although fear of nontarget effects, fishing, water-borne diseases and pests, stands: Salvinia had completely even from the tried-and-tested Salvinia which far outweigh any potential of the disappeared. More fishermen are now biocontrol agent, led to delays in funding plant to combat erosion or be used in beginning to return. manufacturing. and of biocontrol implementation in Senegal. The only international funding for this A new threat, from Salvinia, was first In Mauritania, Salvinia blocked water inlets striking success was from China, which observed in the Senegal River near the to the Diawling Park completely, ham- contributed to the state budget for Djoudj Park in September 1999, the result pering the annual artificial flooding. mechanical removal of Salvinia in front of of an accidental introduction from a nearby Barriers built in the river in front of the the main water inlets of the Park, just before flooded field where it was under sluices, intended to prevent Salvinia the artificial flooding period in 2000. The cultivation. By then, though, Salvinia had entering the Park, collapsed under the speed with which control has been already invaded a stretch of more than 70 weight of plants as soon as the sluices were achieved is testament to the dedication of km of the river between the village of opened during the rainy season inundation those involved, decisive action at every Rosso and the Diama Dam, approximately in July-August 2000. Worse, the Park level, and the cooperation and generosity of 20 km upstream from the city of St Louis*. authorities could not now close the sluices all involved. Such qualities may not be IthadformedthickmatsalongtheTypha because of the remaining plants. Thus enough to meet future invasive threats: fields, which occur in shallow water along water continued to leak into the former Salvinia is acknowledged to be an ‘easy’ the southern shore in Senegal and the floodplain for 5 months before the sluices target for biocontrol, and the international northern shore in Mauritania. Tributaries of were repaired and closed. This extended donor community needs to be ready to help the Senegal River as well as narrow period of freshwater in the Park also Mauritania in the future. channels through the Typha, which had allowed Typha to establish itself in the been kept clear by the local population Across the river in Senegal, the Djoudj Park areas around the sluices. Salvinia had using laborious manual methods, were now had remained free of the weed. Sluices serious impact on local people, as fishing entirely overgrown by Salvinia. Con- were kept closed to prevent Salvinia had become impossible and some 40% of sequently, it had become very difficult for incursion, but clearly this bought only the fishermen left the area to work in the the people in the villages along the river to limited time. The weed was, in any case, city or in the rice fields, thus jeopardizing reach open water and even when they did impacting seriously on the livelihoods and the 7 years of ecosystem restoration efforts fishing was impossible because their nets health of the population outside the Park. aimed at promoting re-migration back to became clogged with Salvinia plants. Only The Ministry of the Environment quickly the delta by re-establishing the natural the main flow of the river was still open. mobilized initiatives. The scientific resources to sustain riparine livelihoods. Dense plant masses also piled up against committee (Groupe de Réflexion et the Diama Dam, and these led to it being The Minister of Rural Development and the d'Appui Scientifique et Technique; opened three times a week to flush down Environment in Mauritania gave a green GRAST) of the National Parks Directorate the Salvinia plants. Ironically, this light to biological control in February 2000. (Direction des Parcs Nationaux; DPN), 4N BiocontrolNews and Information 2002 Vol. 23 No. 1 comprising scientists, decision makers and a so-called 'starter' population was not threatens the ecosystem. During the St local people was tasked with developing, cultivated at a protected site. Instead, all the Louis workshop, participants learned that directing and evaluating a Salvinia insects were released at unmarked sites in water hyacinth plants are being sold as management strategy. This met first in the river where the infested plants could not ornamentals at a plant nursery in the city. February 2000 with Dr Arnold Pieterse be kept together. Subsequent surveys failed This does not pose an immediate threat to (KIT/RTI). Recognizing the need for to recover any weevils and it may be St Louis, as the water in the Senegal River regional coordination, the management assumed that the small number of insects downstream of the Diama Dam is too strategies of Senegal and Mauritania were became too dispersed to build up a brackish for water hyacinth to survive. developed during and following further population. With the support of the Dutch However, if plants were somehow to be inter-country meetings held in April 2000 government, IUCN imported 1200 more transferred to the river upstream of the and June 2001. weevils from South Africa in March 2001, Diama Dam, which is only 20 km away, a a year later. A rearing operation was started new ecological disaster would emerge. Participants at the February 2000 meeting at the Biological Station (Station Water hyacinth is even more aggressive agreed that biological control would be the Biologique) in Djoudj Park in the frame- than Salvinia and the available biological lasting lynchpin of Salvinia management in work of a new policy project of the EU, control agents are less efficient than Senegal too, with mechanical control being which is coordinated by RTI. In this Cyrtobagous. The authorities announced used to provide rapid and short-term context, two Senegalese students at the that the plants would be destroyed. How- alleviation. While the biological control University of St Louis were trained in ever, as large numbers of water hyacinth effort was being set in motion, mechanical rearing techniques by PPRI, and plants are present in the markets of Dakar, removal began to clear important water- subsequently insects from their rearing pro- extreme watchfulness remains a priority. ways and in particular keep backwaters and gramme were released in the Senegal River tributaries near the sluices for the Djoudj Thus, although first Pistia and now in the vicinity of the Park and in the Lac de Park clean of Salvinia. Salvinia have been brought under control, Guiers. A UNESCO (UN Educational, invasive weeds continue to threaten the A joint civilian and military committee for Scientific and Cultural Organization) region. In this sense, what is happening in mechanical eradication (Comité Civilo- funded mission to Senegal in April 2001 the Senegal River basin is an example of a Militaire d'Appui au Développement; found that the rearing operations were problem facing the whole continent: land- CCMAD) was coordinated by the Société beinghamperedbyaseverelackof use change owing to population pressure d’Aménagement et d’Exploitation du Delta resources at the Biological Station of DPN, and agricultural development is allowing de la Fleuve du Sénégal (SAED). CCMAD however. The mission concluded that the invasive species to threaten Africa's comprises representatives of local people, operational capacity in terms of logistics, biodiversity, economy and health. The military personnel, Djoudj Park staff, materials and staff, could be improved. agriculture, river traffic, hydroelectric and regional water and forests inspection Despite these misgivings, it soon became other developments that the dams on the services, the tourist office and DPN. apparent that the weevils were doing a Senegal River were built to help are under Funding for mechanical control came from magnificent job. Within 6 months of this threat from invasive weeds. The actions of both state and private sources and from the visit, Salvinia plants were dying throughout the parties involved in the threat to the UN Development Programme (UNDP) the Senegal River, and their colour was Senegal River basin, and in particular the Global Environment Facility (GEF). turning from green to dark-brown or black. concerted and cooperative actions of the During 6 weeks in May-June 2000, 200 Evidence for the weevils' wide dispersal countries in recognizing the need to include civilians and military personnel put in 6000 was seen both in Senegal and in Mauritania. invasive species issues in management and h to remove as much weed as possible (and In Senegal, Salvinia plants were infested at development plans for the delta, provide a particularly to clear infestations upstream distances far from the release sites near the good model for other parts of the continent. of sluices), and to erect barriers to prevent Djoudj Park, and it may be assumed that the further spread into backwaters feeding the *Pieterse, A. (2000) Aquatic weed weevils had flown across from Mauritania, Park. More than 20,000 m3 of weed was management. In: Rijn, P.J. van (ed)Weed where they had been successfully released removed, which provided short-term management in the humid and semi-humid almost a year earlier. A workshop held in St alleviation of the weed problem and tropics. Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Louis in October 2001 on the problem of contributed to containment of its spread. Royal Tropical Institute, pp. 169-176. invasive plant species made it possible for Cost, however, was prohibitively high in the participants, who came from all over Websites: terms of manpower and fuel costs (5000 Africa, to see the Salvinia die off in the Djoudj National Bird Park: litres of diesel fuel, for example, was used), Senegal River with their own eyes. www.senegal-online.com/senega292.htm and mechanical measures could delay but UNESCO World Heritage List: not indefinitely prevent Salvinia's invasion Battle Won, War Continues www.unesco.org/whc/sites/25.htm of the Park and were not practical on the Ramsar: www.ramsar.org/ larger scale needed for widespread control. The rapid and spectacular invasion of the Senegal River delta by Salvinia captured Contact: The biological control component of the the attention and stimulated action by local, Dr Arnold Pieterse, Royal Tropical Salvinia management strategy was placed regional, national and international stake- Institute, Mauritskade 63, 1092 AD under the management of DPV (Direction holders. However, the Salvinia explosion in Amsterdam, The Netherlands de la Protection des Végétaux), which was the River happened in the wake of the Email: [email protected] tasked with coordinating efforts by national largely unchallenged invasion by the Fax: + 31 20 6684579 and international bodies. The first batch of equally damaging but less conspicuous 300 weevils was imported from PPRI species, Typha, along the river, in M Sara Diouf, Directeur Adjoint, Direction (shortly after weevils were introduced into reservoirs and inside the parks. des Parcs Nationaux, PO Box 5135, Dakar- Mauritania), financed by the Dutch Fann, Senegal government via IUCN. The release of these Even worse could follow: water hyacinth Email: [email protected] first weevils in Senegal ended in failure, as (Eichhornia crassipes) is not far away and Fax: +221 252399 News 5N

M El Waled ould Mome, Director, these forests. Collection of branches and the production of paper and paperboard Diawling National Park, PO Box 3935, logs of A. mearnsii by the local people for products. In 2001, South Africa exported Nouakchott, Mauritania firewood purposes will also have helped 1.2 million tonnes of black wattle wood Email [email protected] spread of the tree species. Wild animals product worth around R360 million
such as bison and deer also aid in seed (US$31.5 million) from 130,000 ha of dispersal. The allelopathic properties of managed plantations centred in the leaves and branches are other possible provinces of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu- Black Wattle Problem factors favouring the gregarious growth of Natal in northeast South Africa, and from Emerges in Indian Forests the species. black wattle control programmes. In 1998, the industry directly employed between Needless to say, the biodiversity of the Black wattle (Acacia mearnsii)isafast 10,800 and 13,000 people, mostly unskilled growing leguminous tree native to subtropical montane forests in Kerala is labourers. In addition to this, black wattle is Australia. It is widely used as a source of now under great threat owing to this a source of firewood utilized for cooking unchallenged invasion by A. mearnsii. tannin, fuel wood, charcoal, poles, green and heating in lower income rural com- Control methods need to be considered manure and windbreak. Suited to cooler munities where it is also used for informal urgently, and in this context it should be tropics, this tree grows well in tropical housing and building construction. areas where the annual rainfall is more than noted that this species is a serious weed in 1000 mm. South Africa, where it was introduced Environmental Impact much earlier than in Kerala. Extensive areas of black wattle plantations Despite the economic virtues of black have been established in South Africa, By: Dr K. V. Sankaran, Kerala Forest wattle in South Africa, the tree has serious South America, southern Europe and Research Institute, Peechi – 680 653, environmental impacts, which are reflected Southeast Asia. The main purpose of Kerala, India in its status as a weed of national introduction was for the commercial Email: [email protected] importance. Black wattle occurs on 2.5 production of tannins, which is used for
million hectares in South Africa mostly in leather tanning and in products such as the southern and eastern sectors of the wood adhesive. country where mean annual rainfall Black Wattle: South Africa exceeds 500 mm. The invaded area is the In Kerala State in southern India, A. Manages Conflict of equivalent of 131,000 ha of condensed mearnsii was introduced in the 1980s and Interest infestation and this is expected to increase mainly grown in the high altitude areas at 5-10% per annum without proactive (over 1000 m above sea level; masl). It was Australian Acacia (wattle trees) have been intervention. The main negative impacts preferred over other candidate forestry utilized in South Africa since the 1820s for associated with black wattle are the species because of its fast growth rate and sand stabilization, garden ornamentals, reduction in surface stream flow with a net the minimum post-planting care required. timber and pulp production and tannin present value cost of R16,285 million However, attempts to grow A. mearnsii on extraction. Their use has been widespread (US$1425 million) (based on an annual a plantation scale were not successful in and most of the 13 naturalized species form water consumption of 577 million m3), loss most places in Kerala owing to high an integral, although not always welcome, of biodiversity, and increased soil erosion seedling mortality, eco-climatic stress and part of South African socio-economic and destabilization of river banks. Black other factors. Hence, it now occupies only a culture. Black wattle (Acacia mearnsii)is wattle has invaded grassland, fynbos, very small area in the State, and fresh the most economically important Aus- savanna and forest biomes in South Africa planting is not undertaken because of tralian Acacia present in South Africa, both and is considered a threat to the species-rich recurrent failure in establishment. as a silvicultural crop plant and as an Cape Floral Kingdom and many of the invasive weed. The experiment with black wattle biodiversity ‘hot spots’ of southern Africa. plantations has left an ominous legacy, Black wattle is indigenous to southeast The potential for species’ reduction and however, for A. mearnsii has not simply Australia where it forms a common loss is therefore substantial. The key gone away. Recent surveys conducted by component of Eucalyptus forests. The ecological traits that contribute to the the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) species was utilized initially in South success of black wattle are its ability to indicate that in certain isolated pockets in Africa as an ornamental as it appeared in develop large soil-stored banks of long- the high altitude areas, some trees of A. the 1858 catalogue of the Cape Town lived seeds that are triggered to germinate mearnsii survived against the odds and are Botanical Gardens. However, the en masse by fire (a characteristic that is now growing luxuriantly, forming small commercial potential of black wattle was shared by many other Australian acacias) scrub jungles. At Vattavada (1800 masl) in soon realized by John van der Plank who and the development of a large, Idukki District, it was noticed that, within a commenced the development of plantations structurally-dominating crown. period of 3 years, A. mearnsii has in KwaZulu-Natal in 1864, primarily for Biological Control penetrated and spread over a 1 km2 area in the production of tannins, which are the dense subtropical montane (shola) extracted from the bark. Black wattle bark The vast scale of black wattle invasion in forests, suppressing the native vegetation. is a rich source (31-51% dry weight of South Africa, coupled with the species Spread of the trees into the core areas of the bark) of water-soluble tannins, primarily negative impacts, led in 1973 to the highly diverse shola forests at 3,7,3’,4,’5’-pentahydroxy-2-phenyl chrom, initiation of a biological control pro- Kolukkumalai (2480 masl) in the same which is used for tanning leather and the gramme that targeted the seeds of black district was also observed. The high manufacture of water resistant resins or wattle. Organisms that could develop or competitive ability and seed production, adhesives for reconstituted wood products. feed on vegetative parts of the plant were prolonged seed dormancy and high rate of Black wattle wood is also an important not considered because of the direct seed viability of the species probably export product of South Africa with the negative impact these may have on the helped the tree to spread like a wildfire into majority being processed as pulpwood for black wattle industry. However, resistance 6N BiocontrolNews and Information 2002 Vol. 23 No. 1 to research on seed-reducing agents for Conflict Resolution Gall-Forming Fly black wattle mounted over the subsequent Black wattle is a difficult target for years. The industry challenged the validity Resolution of the potential conflict by a biological control. The species inhabits a of the research programme by questioning negotiated agreement, in retrospect, was broad eco-climatic range in South Africa, the status of black wattle as a serious the most pragmatic approach that could has a high fecundity, sometimes aseasonal invader, which had not been adequately have been taken on this issue. Negotiations flowering and fruiting, and an early sexual documented at the time. In addition, were founded on basic trust and the ability maturation period. These attributes make it growers were concerned about the possible of both sides to acknowledge and unlikely that satisfactory control will be depletion of seeds within plantations that understand each other’s concerns. The achieved by any single seed-reducing are required for natural regeneration of eventual outcome was satisfactory to both species. Although M. maculatus is causing crops, and the protection of seed orchards sides of the conflict, but the fact that it took increasing levels of seed damage, sufficient used for mass production of seed from about 25 years to resolve the issue using an seed reduction across the full range of black selected tree stock. The research effort adequately represented industry and wattle in South Africa will probably only shifted as a result of this conflict and biological control research has been rightly be achieved by the additive effect of focussed on the biological control of other criticized. In South Africa today, biological compatible seed-reducing insects. We are control research is governed by a process of invasive, mostly non-commercial Aus- examining the potential role of a gall- tralian acacias, particularly A. longifolia, A. public consultation and liaison with forming cecidomyiid midge as an melanoxylon, A. cyclops, A. saligna and the affected parties. In the case of black wattle additional seed-reducing agent for black related Paraserianthes lophantha (Mimo- biological control, a steering committee wattle. Gall-forming insects have been saceae). As a result of this research, all with industry representatives, researchers spectacularly successful in reducing seed these species are now considered to be and other relevant organizations or loads on A. longifolia and A. pycnantha in under satisfactory, or partial, biological individuals, share in information transfer. South Africa by committing the plants to control in South Africa using seed-reducing Potential conflicts of interest are identified allocate host resources to gall formation at insects and a host-specific gall-forming rust in the early stages. This process has now the expense of fruits. This ‘forced fungus. However, in 1987 the research been formalized as a mandatory procedure commitment’ acts as a resource sink and programme found itself again in conflict under the National Environmental Manage- vegetative performance of infected trees is with the black wattle industry when a seed- ment Act 1998 (No. 107). Although at reduced in the process. Clearly, this indirect feeding curculionid, Melanterius servulus, times the legislative process is admin- impact would not be accepted on black proposed for the biological control of P. istratively clumsy and inefficient, it enacts wattle in South Africa, and indeed other lophantha, was found to feed on seeds of the principle of freedom of information and countries where the species is economically black wattle in laboratory tests. The black equitable consultation and is therefore a important. However, an undescribed wattle industry opposed the release of this progressive move. cecidomyiid, Dasineura sp. has been insect from quarantine due to concerns of discovered that forms flower galls (2-3 potential damage the insect may cause to Melanterius Seed Weevil mm) by causing the ovary to swell soon black wattle seed supplies. The research after oviposition and form small, multi- programme was suspended, but then The resolution of the conflict of interest chambered galls. Fruit production is then recommenced following pressure by associated with the release of M. servulus in prevented. A low biomass of galls, despite environmentalist and farmers affected by P. South Africa opened the opportunity to re- high infection levels, together with a lophantha. A negotiated agreement was commence the search for seed-reducing shorter activity period compared to fruit achieved stipulating that releases of M. agents for black wattle. A small, univoltine development, releases the host tree from servulus could be made on P. lophantha beetle, M. maculatus, that feeds on resource commitment and could have providing it could be demonstrated that developing seeds can be locally common beneficial consequences on vegetative black wattle seed orchards could be on black wattle and closely related Acacia growth. The cecidomyiid appears to have protected with insecticides. Synthetic spp. (section Botrycephalae) in Australia. sensitive host-finding abilities and as adults pyrethroids registered for use in wattle The beetle was approved for release in are readily dispersed by wind, offers the plantations were found to cause high 1993 after it was proven that non-target potential for effective seed-reduction of mortality in the field on the analogous M. species, particularly indigenous African black wattle in South Africa. As with most ventralis, which develops in seeds of A. acacias, were not accepted as hosts. gall-forming cecidomyiids, the insect has a longifolia.Asin vitro tests showed M. Mounting public concerns over the narrow host range and presents no threat to ventralis and M. servulus had similar environmental impact and continued African Acacia, which belong to different mortality responses to these insecticides, spread of black wattle in South Africa, subgenera from Australian Acacia. the wattle industry accepted that seed coupled with the knowledge that Protecting Seed Orchards orchards could be protected, should the Melanterius could be controlled in seed need arise. The beetle was formally orchards facilitated the process of approval The issue of protecting black wattle seed approved for release in 1989 on the for release. Once again, release approval orchards from attack by the cecidomyiid is condition that releases were confined to the was conditional, in that beetles would only paramount to the debate on whether this Cape Peninsula in the extreme southwest of be distributed in the Western Cape, to allow insect could be approved for release in the country, until it could be confirmed that the wattle industry time to prepare for South Africa. Trials utilizing a range of M. servulus would not attack black wattle future incursions of the beetle into insecticide formulations on trees in under field conditions. Subsequent field plantation areas. The insects have become Australia will be undertaken to resolve this surveys showed that M. servulus does not abundant in the vicinity of their original problem. Insecticide spraying for the use black wattle as a host and that feeding release sites, but their natural dispersal has suppression of M. maculatus or Dasineura on this plant in laboratory tests was an been slow. The beetle has not been detected sp. in black wattle seed orchards will artefact of confined, non-choice test anywhere near the commercial wattle involve an additional cost to the industry. conditions. growing regions of South Africa. Indigenous pests such as foliage-feeding News 7N

Lepidoptera can warrant pesticide and a 3- to 4-year period for fruit Black wattle is grown commercially in application in plantations, but outbreaks are production. During this time, populations many other countries and is reported to sporadic and annual applications are mostly of Melanterius and Dasineura will become have escaped cultivation in Tanzania, not necessary. Most wattle growers in locally extinct, and recolonization must Zimbabwe, Swaziland, India, Madagascar, South Africa (75%) regenerate trees occur from neighbouring sources at the Hawaii, La Réunion, Brazil and New following harvesting using line-seeding, onset of flowering or fruiting. The rate of Zealand. The impact of naturalized black where treated seeds are drilled into the soil, re-establishment of seed-reducing insects wattle in these areas is largely unknown, especially in colder areas, or use nursery- will depend on the size of founder but given the experience in South Africa, it raised seedlings from improved tree lines. populations and their intrinsic rate of is likely to be considerable or has the About 1000 ha of seed orchard services this increase. Very little is known about the potential to become so. Introduction of market in South Africa and would require latter for both Melanterius and Dasineura. seed-reducing biological control agents of annual protection from seed-reducing Geographic and weather variables will black wattle to these countries, particularly biological control agents should these influence the size of founder populations in the early stages of invasion, is likely to establish within seed production areas. All with distance from the neighbouring result in massive long-term cost savings. but 18 ha of this area is dedicated to the source, the nature of barriers between sites, By: Robin Adair, Agricultural Research collection of seed for line-seeding that and the direction of the prevailing wind Council, Plant Protection Research yields around 3 t of seed per annum. being most important. Plantations that are Institute, Private Bag X5017, Stellenbosch Melanterius maculatus and Dasineura sp. isolated are likely to experience slow 7599, South Africa have a period of overlapping adult activity colonization by Melanterius and Dasineura Email: [email protected] between September and October and andseedproductioninthefirstfewyearsof Fax: +27 21 883 3285 insecticides applied to the tree canopy the establishing crop should be close to during this time should limit the impact of normal. Alternatively, grouping two or The author thanks S. Neser, B van Wilgen both insects. A single application of three consecutive seasons’ plantings and J. Hoffmann for comments on an insecticide is likely to be sufficient for together within a mosaic of non-Acacia earlier version of this article. control of Melanterius, but several may be plantation species could reduce migration
necessary for the Dasineura, if the total rates and lower the impact of the insects on potential seed crop is to be protected, as subsequent seed crops. As black wattle is adults emerge from the soil during the often grown amongst blocks of Eucalyptus Harmonizing Weed entire flowering period of black wattle. and Pinus, only minor changes to farm Biocontrol in Australia Systemic organophosphate insecticides planning would be required to implement Over the coming issues of BNI you will be may have a greater role in the protection of this model. trees from Dasineura than foliar-applied reading about a range of biological control of weeds projects that are underway in synthetic pyrethroids. The projected cost to The ‘Sterile Tree’ the wattle industry for the protection of Australia with CSIRO (the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organ- 1000 ha of seed producing plantations from Emerging technology is very likely to have isation). [See the next two articles, and also both Melanterius and Dasineura sp. is an important impact on the way biological Training News, this issue.] Here we give between R115,000-R300,000 (US$10,000- control of black wattle seed is managed in some background to these initiatives, and 26,000) per annum, based on the aerial South Africa. In an innovative initiative outline the development of the strategy of application of cypermethrin at R110/ha. sponsored by the wattle industry, a cooperative action that lies behind them. This cost could be reduced with improved breeding programme has commenced to line-seeding techniques, which are produce a ‘sterile tree’ through Weed control is a problem that is faced by considered wasteful of seed, or the phasing manipulation of the tree’s genetic most farmers no matter what agricultural out of line-seeding in favour of replanting composition using gamma irradiation, and production regime they belong to. There with nursery-raised seedlings. This has the formation of triploid trees. If successful, would be few farmers in Australia, or been the trend in many areas of South the sterile tree will produce no flowers or indeed around the world, who could claim Africa, and the implementation of seeds, and if adopted by the wattle industry, to be running weed free properties, whether biological control in wattle growing areas biological control could be practised in they are raising ostriches or growing trees. could accelerate this rate of change. South Africa with minimal conflict of In Australia weeds are the most widespread interest. In this situation, the benefits of the Natural Regeneration of Wattle Crops problem faced by growers, much more so industry could be preserved while allowing than salinity, for example. Weeds do not Wattle growers that rely on natural seedling wild black wattle trees to be freely discriminate between natural environments regeneration as a method of crop re- suppressed using biological control. It is or manipulated production systems, nor do establishment (25%) are unlikely to require this situation that is expected to positively they stop at the farm fence or any border. protective insecticide sprays. Even in the change the cost:benefit ratio of black wattle Realizing this is an important step in weed presence of biological control agents, low in South Africa from a current undesirable control, as is the realization that weed numbers of seed will be produced that will 0.4 to 4.3. If this were achieved, the divided issues cannot be addressed one species at a accumulate in the soil over the 10-year crop perceptions of black wattle in South Africa time using only one technique. A holistic rotation period. A single application of would change to that of a generally approach to weed management is required. synthetic pyrethroid during a prolific welcomed ‘guest’ with great utilitarian flowering season would certainly guarantee value. Also, effective implementation of One of the initiatives that is helping to bring seed supply for the next crop. Also, several biological control of black wattle seed in together a range of weed control options in silvicultural practices will reduce the South Africa may greatly enhance the Australia is the National Weed Strategy and impact of biological control agents. After industry’s success in seeking approval to the relevant strategic plans associated with clear-felling, there is a 2- to 3-year sexual expand plantation areas to meet market the 20 Weeds of National Significance maturation period for flower production demand for its products. (WONS). 8N BiocontrolNews and Information 2002 Vol. 23 No. 1

As well as thinking about weeds in a control for Mexican poppy (Argemone successful in this role that it continued to holistic manner, organizations involved in mexicana), Hyptis and bellyache bush invade coastal habitats in southeastern weed management need to work together. (Jatropha gossypiifolia). Queensland, NSW and Lord Howe Island. A major step towards greater collaboration Theimpactfromsomeoftheseagentsis Bitou bush is particularly prevalent on the was taken in 1995 when the Cooperative only just starting to be felt because central and north coasts of NSW and the Research Centre (CRC) for Weed biological control is a long-term option. total area infested in Australia is now Management Systems was established and Some of the target weeds have been in estimated to be over 70,000 ha. this has continued with the commencement Australia for over 100 years, and it would of the new CRC for Australian Weed be blithely optimistic to expect the agents to CSIRO Entomology, in collaboration with Management in July 2001. The original reverse a century of damage in the space of Weeds CRC formally brought together the Cooperative Research Centre for a year or two. For instance, for most weeds leading organizations involved in weed Australian Weed Management and NSW there is a huge build up of long-lived seed control and was a catalyst in the integration Agriculture, has attracted funding through in the soil and this stock of seeds must be of various weed management practices. the National Heritage Trust to allow the depleted before any kind of control can be ThenewWeedsCRCtakesthiscollab- rearing, release and evaluation of the leaf- affected. In some cases this amounts to oration one step further and incorporates rolling moth. The moth was first released hundreds of thousands of seeds per square northern Australia, allowing a truly metre of soil, all waiting to germinate and near Grafton NSW in 2001 and subsequent national approach to weed management. all capable of surviving for up to 10 years or releases have been made along the NSW One of the options in weed management is more. coast from Moruya in the south to the biological control, the use of naturally Queensland border. occurring invertebrates (such as insects) or As organizations work more closely pathogens (fungi) to control plants that together, biological control is increasingly The life cycle of the leaf-rolling moth takes being looked at as an important component have become weeds. Biological control about 8 weeks from egg to adult, depending in overall weed management, rather than as does not eradicate a weed, but if successful on the season. Eggs hatch after about 8 days it can restore Nature’s balance to a point a last resort when all else has failed. Research into the integration of biocontrol and the larvae move to the shoot tips where where the weed is no longer of economic they begin to feed. The larval stage lasts importance. Currently it is estimated that agents with other management practices is about 30 days and during this time the agricultural weeds in Australia cost more allowing Weeds CRC researchers to larvae feed on leaves, stems and surfaces of than Au$3.3 billion per annum, so reducing develop best practice management guides that economic impact by even a small that will ultimately provide landowners young shoots resulting in death of shoot fraction would be a major achievement. For with a package of information that they can tips. High larval populations in summer, many years, CSIRO Entomology has been implement on their properties. when the insect is most active, may involved in the biological control of a range Contact: Kate Smith, CSIRO Entomology, severely defoliate, weaken or kill plants. of agricultural and environmental weeds. GPO Box 1700, Canberra, ACT 2601, The larvae then pupate for around 10 days Some of these weeds are on the WONS list Australia and then live as adults for about 14 days as part of the National Weed Strategy. Email: [email protected] during which time they mate, lay eggs and There are currently a number of agricultural Fax +61 2 6246 4177 the cycle begins again. weeds that are targets for biological control
by CSIRO. For temperate Australia, Biological control agents, like the projects exist for Paterson’s curse (Echium previously released tip moth and seed fly, Rollers Released on plantagineum), Onopordum thistles, nod- as well as the leaf-rolling moth, comple- ding thistle (Carduus nutans), Scotch Australian Coastal Weed ment each other and increase pressure on Cytisus scoparius Emex broom ( ), and blue Bitou bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera bitou bush, making it less competitive. Heliotropium amplexicaule heliotrope ( ). rotundata) is a major conservation weed of Biological control is a long-term strategy New projects have recently commenced on coastal southeastern Australia and through for control and is most often best used with wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum)and the National Weeds Strategy is listed as one a combination of other control methods. serrated tussock (Nasella trichotoma), of Australia’s 20 Weeds of National The best combination to achieve control is although it will be some years before agents Significance. [See also BNI 20(4),108N often site specific, but may include are released and established on these latter (December 1999) ‘Speedy seed fly’.] weeds. For environmental weeds, agents herbicide, manual removal or fire. have been released on bridal creeper One more biological weapon has now been (Asparagus asparagoides), bitou bush and added to the assault on this South African Once the weed has been removed from an boneseed (Chrysanthemoides monilifera conservation menace and it comes in the area it is important to ensure that another spp.), horehound (Marrubium vulgare), form of a moth. The leaf-rolling moth weed does not take its place. Revegetation blackberry (Rubus fruticosus), St John’s (Tortrix sp.) is the most damaging insect of heavily infested areas has a major role to wort (Hypericum perforatum) and Scotch feeding on bitou bush in its homeland, play in the prevention of further problems. broom with work commencing on South Africa, and is the sixth biological Montpellier broom (Genista monspes- control agent to be released on this weed Contact: Kate Smith, CSIRO Entomology, sulana). along the New South Wales (NSW) coast. GPO Box 1700, Canberra, ACT 2601, In tropical Australia agents have been BitoubushwasfirstrecordedinNSWin Australia released on mimosa (Mimosa pigra), the early 1900s and from 1946 through Email: [email protected] parkinsonia (Parkinsonia aculeata), until 1968 it was deliberately planted along Fax+61262464177 mesquite (Prosopis spp.) and sida (Sida the NSW coast to aid control of erosion and acuta) and research is being conducted into post-mining rehabilitation. It was so
News 9N

Australia's Two-Step these agents throughout the infested areas atropunctata was able to bring about the Strategy for Blue of southeastern Australia. destruction of the Orange County wine industry in the late 19th century. During the Heliotrope It is hoped that the planning and evaluation 1880s Pierce's disease decimated more than carried out thus far will bring the desired 16,000 ha of grapes in the Anaheim area. The mauve coloured flowers of the deadly results of curtailing the unchecked spread The incurable disease has appeared on and SouthAmericanblueheliotrope(Helio- of blue heliotrope and limiting its impact in off ever since, but its spread was limited. tropium amplexicaule) infest thousands of the areas in which it has gained a presence. hectares in eastern Australia. Originally Farmers in most parts of the state were able introduced in the 19th century as an Contact: Kate Smith, CSIRO Entomology, to control it by pruning infested branches, ornamental garden flower, blue heliotrope GPO Box 1700, Canberra, ACT 2601, grubbing out infected vines, and replanting. Australia has now spread from southern Queensland The status quo was shaken by the arrival in Email: [email protected] as far south as the Victorian border and into California of H. coagulata, a cicadellid Fax +61 2 6246 4177 South Australia. It is poisonous to stock, native to the southeastern USA. First causing liver damage that can result in loss
identified in the state in Ventura County in of condition and often death. 1990, it began wreaking havoc in 1999 when the first disease outbreak occurred in The first biological control agent, the leaf- Cocktail for a the vineyards of Riverside County's feeding beetle Deuterocampta quadrijuga, Sharpshooter Temecula region. Much larger, vagile, and was released on 21 November 2001. The The vineyards of California are under threat more robust than native sharpshooters, it release of this beetle is due to the efforts of from an old enemy given a new lease of life spreads the disease much more efficiently. the Blue Heliotrope Action Committee of by a new ally, the glassy-winged sharp- Moreover, it has a recorded host range of northern NSW, who continued to seek shooter (GWSS), Homalodisca coagulata. over 70 species, and thrives in urban and support for biological control and were Pierce's disease, a serious malady of grapes rural environments. As well as Pierce's successful in gaining funding through the (caused by the xylem inhabiting bacterium disease, it can transmit diseases such as Rural Industry Research and Development Xylella fastidiosa) was first identified in oleander leaf scorch (in California), phoney Corporation (RIRDC). California over a century ago. The peach disease (in the southern USA), In the early 1990s CSIRO conducted bacterium produces xanthan gum, which almond leaf scorch and alfalfa dwarf. In surveys in South America that identified blocks the xylem vessels. The leaves of California, GWSS has two generations per some insect species as potential biological diseased plants typically develop drying or year and overwinters as adults. It can fly control agents. However, at the time blue scorching symptoms, and the vines become distances over 400 m and up to heights of 8 heliotrope did not attract sufficient industry unproductive and usually die within 1-2 m, frequently appears in high numbers, and − funding, so no further work was done and years of infection. GWSS is a xylem- survives winter temperatures dipping to the plant continued to spread. After a long feeding insect that readily acquires and 6.5°C in citrus orchards. It spread delay CSIRO was able to begin in earnest in transmits X. fastidiosa. Currently, there is throughout the wine producing areas of 1998. Professor Miguel Zapater of the no known cure for eliminating the disease southern California, and into the south of University of Buenos Aires, Argentina from infected vines. the San Joaquin Valley threatening the table grape industry there. Current losses came on board to study the biology of a In rapid response to this deadly alliance, an have been estimated at US$14 million number of the potential agents that were inter-disciplinary collaborative effort in- dollars-worth of damage to the wine identified in the earlier study. As a result, volving the US Department of Agriculture industry in just a few years. GWSS has now D. quadrijuga and Longitarsus sp., a flea- – Agricultural Research Service (USDA- established in San José and threatens beetle whose larvae feed on the roots, were ARS) and Animal and Plant Health California’s premier wine producing areas prioritized for the biological control of blue Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS), the of Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino heliotrope. California Department of Food and counties. Agriculture (CDFA), County-based Co- In March 2000, CSIRO received the first operative Extension Personnel, the A state-wide management programme batch of D. quadrijuga eggs. The larvae University of California (UC) and industry includes survey activities to determine the and adults of the beetle feed on leaf tissue and private organizations planned and distribution of GWSS in California and and can cause complete defoliation of the launched a multi-pronged attack to detect new infestations, and regulatory weed. They were reared in quarantine and simultaneously manage the threat posed by activities to prevent artificial spread to spent a year and a half being tested to the GWSS-Xylella combination. Its goals uninfested at-risk areas. In this context, UC ensure that they would be safe to release are to contain the sharpshooter's spread, Cooperative Extension (UCCE) has into the Australian environment. Tests and at the same time develop a cocktail of launched an information campaign to alert showed that the beetles only attacked the control and curative measures to protect the growers and enlist their assistance in South American blue heliotrope and did not wine industry in the south of the state from monitoring for the disease. pose a risk to non-target plant species, further devastation. A meeting held in San Biological control is seen as the key including native Australian Heliotropium Diego, California in December 2001 ingredient in an IPM solution. One native species. provided an opportunity to review egg parasitoid, Gonatocerus ashmeadi,is progress. Based on these results, in July 2001 already abundant in California, but is Australian Plant Biosecurity authorities Until recently, Pierce's disease was spread primarily effective during the summer. approved the release of the beetle for the by native sharpshooters, principally the Researchers at UC Riverside are evaluating biological control of blue heliotrope. blue-green sharpshooter (Graphocephala another species from the same genus, G. Efforts are currently underway to obtain atropunctata). These are poor fliers and triguttatus, which attacks earlier in the funding for host-specificity testing of the prefer other plants in preference to grapes season, and could potentially depress flea-beetle and eventual redistribution of for feeding. However, even G. numbers of first generation sharpshooters. 10N BiocontrolNews and Information 2002 Vol. 23 No. 1

In cooperation with CDFA, they have found in the grape-growing regions of Riverside are studying some 100 genes released G. triguttatus reared from stock California. Over a dozen species of egg that, if removed, could render the bacterium imported from Texas and Mexico in parasitoids have been collected. Shipments harmless by preventing transmission or vineyards and citrus groves in Riverside, to US quarantine for evaluation against infection. To be successful, the modified Ventura, and Tulare counties, and are now GWSS are expected to begin in 2002. bacteriumwouldneedtobeableto waiting to see whether this species can Parasitoids or other sharpshooter natural outcompete the wild-type disease-causing survive the Californian winter. enemies from similar subclimates might form. An alternative strategy is to use Additionally, UC Riverside researchers are outperform natural enemies imported from another a bacterium or virus to kill Xylella. looking at the preferences of parasitoids for different climates. Chile, also, has some This would entail using bioengineering GWSS of different ages to assist with mass good climate matches and is being included techniques to modify an antagonist from rearing efforts of these natural enemies. in new explorations for new biological the gut of the sharpshooter to produce The outcomes of competition between control agents. enzymes lethal to X. fastidiosa.Infected different species of egg parasitoids for sharpshooter populations could potentially GWSS egg masses of different ages are Even good biological control will not pass this on from generation to generation. being studied to determine if new natural provide a complete answer to the GWSS A candidate bacterium has been shown to enemy additions to California will be problem, as small numbers of insects can reproduce in the sharpshooter gut. Now a complimentary or antagonistic to GWSS still transmit disease and wreak havoc. suitable lethal gene is being sought, which control. One other area that is being (Consequently, there is not a viable grape would need to be inserted into the investigated is the importance of flowers industry in areas of the USA where GWSS bacterium, and then application technology and other sugar sources for helping increase is native.) Biocontrol will therefore be just would have to be developed, and of course the longevity and fecundity of GWSS one part of the GWSS management rigorous safety standards would have to be parasitoids in citrus orchards and vine- strategy, and other possibilities including met before any genetically modified yards. This strategy may be particularly chemicals (insecticides and bactericides), organism could be released. Another important for helping parasitoids survive cultural control (barriers), breeding potential method for disarming X. through the winter to attack the spring programmes (traditional and transgenic), fastidiosa is to prevent it producing the generation of GWSS eggs. The spring and monitoring strategies (for GWSS and xanthan gum, the substance that damages GWSS egg population currently suffers Xylella) are being investigated. and eventually kills the plant. Some from low levels of parasitism (around 30- Plant resistance is a good complementary bacteria are known to break down xanthan, 60%) by G. ashmeadi. Summer levels of tool for biocontrol, but currently there are and the search is on for one that does this GWSS egg parasitism by G. ashmeadi are no commercial vines resistant to Pierce's inside diseased grapevines. Although these much higher, often exceeding 95%. disease. Research is focused on tools are at an early stage of development, investigating the molecular mechanisms of they could be a powerful boost for control Scientists at the USDA-ARS Beneficial susceptibility to X. fastidiosa, and also on options. Insects Research Unit in Weslaco, Texas investigating mechanisms of resistance in are looking at egg parasitoids found in The wide host range of GWSS causes wild grapevine relatives that do not develop south Texas, Louisiana and northeastern particular problems. A variety of common the disease. With this information, classical Mexico. Surveys in south Texas during weeds can carry X. fastidiosa, and this breeding or biotechnology could be 2001 showed that 86% of GWSS egg reinforces the importance of good weed employed to create a vine more resistant to masses were attacked by the parasitic wasp, control to prevent disease spread. In Xylella. G. triguttatus. This species will continue to addition, fava bean, a common cover crop be released in California during 2002. Making vines physically unattractive to the in vineyards in northern California, can Gonatocerus fasciatus is one species being sharpshooter is another approach. USDA- also host the bacterium, and legume crops targeted for importation into California ARS scientists in West Virginia have found are now contra-indicated as crops in from Louisiana this year. Natural enemies that a coating of white kaolin particles vineyards. in the home range of GWSS are thought to makes them inhospitable. Field trials be at least partly responsible for the low coordinatedbyUSDA-APHISinvine- The sharpshooter is especially problematic densities of sharpshooters in these regions. yards, some bordering citrus orchards, in where citrus and vines are cultivated in At the same time USDA is conducting Kern County, California gave encouraging close proximity. Although GWSS can DNA analysis on the Californian sharp- results. Three treatments applied from mid- transmit disease in citrus, these pathogens shooters, and comparing results with March to mid-April resulted in sharp- are not found in California, and the populations from elsewhere to try and shooter numbers lower than those found on sharpshooters feed and reproduce in citrus determine the source of origin of the insecticide-treated vines. In addition, the without causing significant damage. They invasion. The results may help delineate kaolin treatments were cheaper than six tend to overwinter in the citrus trees' where the most effective biocontrol agents insecticide treatments. It could provide a protective foliage and move out to colonize might be found. promising non-toxic early-season alter- vineyards in spring. Trials coordinated by native to insecticides. It may not be suitable UC Davis Extension Service staff in Kern Exploration for sharpshooters and more for use once the vines have bloomed, as County demonstrated that contact natural enemies, though, is already being visible white kaolin residues on grapes, insecticide applied to citrus in winter conducted in South and Central America. although harmless, do affect wine quality reduces adult numbers, while a follow-up At the USDA-ARS South American and would probably be unacceptable to systemic treatment in spring targets the Biological Control Laboratory in Argen- consumers. wingless nymphs, which are confined to the tina, scientists are surveying and collecting plant they hatch on. Thus fewer survive to parasitoids from the eggs of the South Innovative biotechnology may allow the move onto the vines when they mature. In American sharpshooter, Tapajosa rubri- causal agent of Pierce's disease to be separate trials conducted by the USDA- marginata, collected from areas of targeted. Armed with the full genome ARS Western Cotton Research Laboratory Argentina with subclimates similar to those sequence of X. fastidiosa, scientists at UC in Arizona and UC Riverside researchers, News 11N pyrethroids and neonicotinoids gave fastest remnant populations of the target weed is a The amended CARA regulations separate knock-down of the pest, with one prerequisite of sustainable biocontrol; yet it alien problem plants (discussed under pyrethroid compound giving 100% kill in 6 is this aspect that often brings biocontrol regulation 15) from indigenous ones (dealt hours. Compound residues from both into conflict with weeds legislation, with under regulation 16), differentiate classes also continued to give good because legislation usually requires the between three categories of alien problem knockdown beyond 28 days. However, total and immediate eradication of declared plants, and are unique in making special resistance development is a major concern or noxious weeds. legal provision for biological control. with sole reliance on insecticides for Classification of Problem Plants by the GWSS management. Until recently, this has also been the CARA Amendments situation in South Africa, where biological An additional problem with this approach, control has not always been recognized by Bush encroachment indicators. The however, is that significant areas of citrus law as a viable, long-term control measure indigenous problem plants (44 species) are are under IPM for primary pests or under for alien invasive plants. Several now called 'indicators of bush organic production. Therefore, consid- potentially successful biocontrol projects encroachment'. The amended regulations erable grower resistance to paying for and have been impeded by the insistence of the display an understanding of the ecology of using insecticides for a pest that is not a relevant authorities that herbicides or bush encroachment by advising land users problem in citrus is being experienced and mechanical control, often in an attempted to take extra care in areas characterized by disruption of stable IPM programmes 'eradication', be applied as soon as the the listed species. In addition, they caused by broad spectrum pesticide use is populations of biocontrol agents go through prescribe ecologically sound management resulting. GWSS control where organic or a temporary depression that is part of their practices aimed at preventing bush IPM citrus borders grapevines is thus natural population cycle. Other biocontrol encroachment and at combating it where it particularly difficult and controversial. projects never got off the ground because already occurs. Although biocontrol by egg parasitoids and the authorities were not prepared to risk the Declared weeds and invader plants. Alien other compatible measures are expected to phasing out of the herbicidal regime in problem species are subdivided into three alleviate the problem to some extent, the favour of biological control. Stands of categories, based on their current utilization introduced parasitoids will take time to declared weeds under complete biological (or lack thereof) in South Africa. have an impact in citrus, wilderness and control have frequently been cleared residential areas. In the meantime, cage chemically or mechanically by order of the 1. The greatest proportion of alien trials to test the efficacy of augmentative authorities or out of ignorance, resulting in problem plants (124 species) are those releases of commercially produced green the loss of valuable biocontrol material. that have no function to fulfil in South lacewing larvae (Crysoperla rufilabris) Africa or whose harmfulness conducted by CDFA scientists in the The recent amendment of the relevant outweighs any useful properties they southern San Joaquin Valley gave legislation in South Africa has gone a long might have. These were placed into promising results. Further trials are planned waytorectifythissituation.DuringMarch Category 1, and are called 'declared with other commercially available preda- 2001, regulations 15 and 16 of the weeds'. This denotes that they are tors. Results of trials in organic lemons Conservation of Agricultural Resources prohibited and must be controlled have reduced sharpshooter numbers, Act (CARA) were drastically revised. wherever they occur. The only although not as much as in conventionally Despite a much tougher stand on weeds, as exception is that they may grow in treated citrus. reflected by the substantial increase in the biological control reserves (discussed USDA is also researching alternatives to number of plant species that are now either later). chemical pesticides for killing the eggs prohibited or regulated, some imaginative 2. A much smaller group (35 species) without affecting natural enemies. changes in the regulations have consists of invasive plants that significantly improved the prospects for nevertheless have certain beneficial Contact: Mark S. Hoddle, Department of biological control. properties that warrant their continued Entomology, University of California, presence in certain circumstances. Riverside, CA 92521, USA In the original 1983 version of CARA, These were placed into Category 2, Email: [email protected] harmful plants were divided into 46 species and (together with Category 3 plants) Fax: +1 909 787 3086 of declared weeds (which had to be are called 'invader plants'. They have Walker Jones, USDA-ARS, Kika de la eradicated) and 35 species of invader plants commercial, structural or utility value Garza Subtropical Agricultural Research (which needed to be controlled in rural as timber, fruit or medicinal plants, soil Center, Beneficial Insects Research Unit, areas only, if they were threatening any stabilizers, wind breaks or sources of 2413 East Highway 83, Weslaco, TX agricultural resource). Of these invader fodder, fuel or building material. Land 78596, USA plants, ten species were alien plants, while users will be allowed to cultivate or Email: the other 25 were indigenous species. By retain these species on condition that [email protected] making no distinction between alien they take the necessary responsibility Fax: +1 956 969 4888 invaders and indigenous species that for the water use and seed pollution by became unnaturally abundant only as a these trees. Permission has to be
result of inappropriate management obtained from the Executive Officer, practices, several valuable indigenous who will demarcate a specific area for New Legislation Benefits species were placed under unnecessary the growing of a particular Category 2 Weed Biocontrol in South 'suspicion' in well-managed areas in which plant species. Category 2 plants Africa they were not causing problems. No growing anywhere except in such provision was made for dealing with plant demarcated areas or in biological Biological control, by definition, does not species that were clearly harmful in certain control reserves will be regarded as result in the complete eradication of the situations, yet were valuable to part of the declared weeds, and will have to be target weed. The continuous presence of population. controlled. Category 2 plants may be 12N BiocontrolNews and Information 2002 Vol. 23 No. 1

sold only to, and purchased only by the This formulation allows scope for now be regarded as illegal, was the users of areas demarcated for the biological control. Seed-destroying insects enforced herbicidal treatment of Opuntia particular species. have the potential to prevent or contain the aurantiaca in areas where the cochineal establishment and spreading of the target Dactylopius australis was effectively 3. Another group of 'invader plants', weeds, e.g. the snoutbeetles Melanterius controlling the cactus. This used to happen placed into Category 3 (39 species), spp. that destroy up to 100% of seeds frequently in the Eastern Cape Province, consists mainly of popular ornamental produced by several Australian Acacia especially while the cochineal populations plants. It was considered unnecessar- spp., aided in certain cases by were at the bottom of a natural curve, but ily harsh to prohibit them outright, inflorescence-galling wasps (Trichilogaster still managed to keep the weed population and instead a ban was placed on all spp.); the flowerbud-feeder Trichapion below the economic damage threshold. A new plantings. The existing speci- lativentre together with the seed-feeder state subsidy on the registered herbicide, mens of Category 3 plants, except Rhyssomatus marginatus that almost MSMA, encouraged land users even those growing in or near watercourses obliterate seed production in Sesbania further to use herbicides instead of or wetlands, may be retained until punicea and the combination of a fruit biological control. Nevertheless, the they die naturally. In cases where weevil, Erytenna consputa and a seed herbicide campaign against this weed was a these plants threaten any agricultural moth, Carposina autologa, which together failure, despite being the country’s most resource, the Executive Officer has destroy the vast majority of newly expensive weed control project. Where the authority to enforce additional produced seeds of Hakea sericea,aswellas biological control was given an opportunity measures. No further trade in Cate- seeds accumulated on the plant. Natural to reach its full potential, O. aurantiaca is gory 3 plants will be allowed, plants enemies that weaken their target plant by no longer a problem. The same applies to may no longer be propagated and all attacking its vegetative growth can be said Hypericum perforatum in the Western seedlings must be controlled. to contain the plant’s growth, propagation Cape Province. and regeneration. Examples are the Another feature of the recent amendments 'nutrient sink' effect of the gall wasps Biological control reserves. Biocontrol to the CARA legislation is that certain (Trichilogaster spp.) mentioned above, and researchers need protected areas in which sterile or less invasive forms of plants from the leaf, bark and flower feeding beetles to monitor the establishment and Categories 1 to 3 may be grown and sold Leptinotarsa texana and L. defecta that performance of newly-released biocontrol legally. Examples include the sterile reduce the photosynthetic surface and agents, even though the agents cannot yet double-flowered cultivars of Nerium deplete the nutrient reserves in the be expected to exercise effective control of oleander, the sterile form of Lantana rhizomes of Solanum elaeagnifolium,thus their target weeds. Protected areas for montevidensis, all spineless cactus pear containing its growth and vegetative biocontrol agents also serve the purpose of cultivars and selection of Opuntia ficus- reproduction, and preventing fruit set by letting the agents build up their numbers to indica, the sterile cultivar ‘Rubrum’ of feeding on the flowers. In all the cases allow their collection and mass-release into Pennisetum setaceum, and all cultivars of mentioned above, effective biological new areas, or to enable the agents to Pyracantha angustifolia. Similarly, several control complies with CARA’s definition colonize recently cleared surrounding areas plant species were placed into different of control. as their target weed regenerates. Mindful of categories in different provinces, based on these requirements, CARA provides for the the climate in which they are likely to Recognition and safeguarding of biological designation of biological control reserves. become invasive. Examples are Acacia control. The CARA regulations prescribe dealbata,whichisadeclaredweedinthe the following control methods, as long as Biocontrol reserves will be designated by Western Cape Province and a Category 2 they are appropriate for the particular the Executive Officer, on application in invader plant in the rest of the country; species and ecosystem: writing by a biocontrol researcher or practitioner (“biological control expert”). It Ardisia crenata, which is a declared weed • uprooting, felling, cutting or burning only in the Northern Province, KwaZulu- will be illegal to destroy the biocontrol Natal and Mpumalanga, and Schinus • treatment with registered herbicides agents in such a reserve, or to do anything that will reduce their efficacy. This terebinthifolius, which is a declared weed • biological control carried out in in KwaZulu-Natal and a Category 3 stipulation implies that a mechanism has to accordance with the stipulations of all be created by which all persons involved in invader plant in the rest of the country. the relevant Acts Most of these exemptions were negotiated the control of alien invasive plants are in consultation with the nursery industry. • any other method recognized by the informed of the whereabouts of biological Executive Officer control reserves.

Implications for Biological Control • a combination of the above, except that Biocontrol as an Instrument for biocontrol reserves and areas where Resolving Conflicts of Interest Control of weeds and invaders instead of biocontrol agents are effective, shall eradication. The amended CARA reg- not be disturbed by other control Biological control in the form of seed- ulations do not insist on the eradication of methods to the extent that the agents destroying agents has the potential to all declared weeds or invader plants that are destroyed or become ineffective restrict the invasive potential of a formerly grow in areas where they are forbidden by invasive plant species without interfering Today this is probably the only weeds law, but only on their control. CARA with its utilization. This is illustrated by the legislation that specifically mentions defines 'control' as: “the combating of use of the curculionid, Melanterius acaciae biological control as an acceptable control plants by means of the prescribed methods” to destroy the seeds of the valuable method. (including biological control), “to the Australian timber species, Acacia extent necessary to prevent or to contain the CARA goes even a step further by melanoxylon, without affecting the quality occurrence, establishment, growth, multi- protecting biological control from of the wood. Different Melanterius spp. plication, propagation, regeneration and interference by other control measures. An have been released to reduce the invasive spreading of such plants”. example of such interference, which would potential of several Australian Acacia spp. News 13N in South Africa [see also 'Black wattle: might invoke this exemption clause to Portuguese Leave British South Africa manages conflict of interest, obtain permission to continue planting Standing! this issue]. Similarly, the bruchids, jacaranda trees along their roads on Algarobius prosopis and Neltumius condition that a host-specific seed-feeding Which would you least like to have to work arizonensis, which destroy the embryos in insect be introduced and released against with: an invasive impenetrable thicket- the seeds of Prosopis spp. without this popular street tree. forming, intensely prickly shrub, or a significantly reducing the nutritional value minute, almost immobile insect control Conclusion of the pods, allow the continued utilization agent? Spare a thought for scientists of this valuable shade tree and source of The amended CARA regulations might be involved in gorse (Ulex europaeus) stock feed. In this case, the efficacy of seed unpopular because of the inclusion of such biocontrol in New Zealand, then, for they destruction depends on the measures that a large number of popular plant species: have both to contend with. The gorse thrips are taken to keep the pods away from the every farmer, forester, landscaper and (Sericothrips staphylinus) imported from livestock until the beetles have had the nursery owner – in fact almost every the UK and released in New Zealand some opportunity to complete their life cycle in landowner – is now at risk of transgressing 10 years ago has the dubious honour of the seeds. the law, albeit inadvertently. With regard to being named “slowest moving biocontrol biological control of alien invasive plants, agent of all time” by Landcare Research. The availability of biological control as a however, the amendments create an conflict resolving tool was one of the As this 1- to 2-mm-long, usually wingless awareness of this control method amongst factors that has made it feasible for CARA insect had not dispersed far beyond its the authorities, promote its use and its to allow persons to continue farming with original release sites, it was clear to the integration into management strategies, and invasive plant species, such as Acacia scientists involved that it would need a safeguard the valuable agents that have mearnsii, Acacia melanoxylon, Prosopis fairly massive redistribution exercise if the been released into the field. The country is spp. and several Pinus species. Category 2 control programme were to succeed. Not sure to reap the benefits of this forethought plants may be grown only in legally entirely surprisingly, they found the public in the form of improved, cost-effective and demarcated areas and under controlled reluctant to help – not just because of the sustainable control of invading alien plants. conditions. One of the few practicable ways gorse prickles, but also because the size and for the land user to comply with the Further Reading cryptic nature of the insect made people requirement of preventing or restricting the less than confident in dealing with it. These three key publications give spreading of the invader plant from the background information on the weed demarcated area is by releasing host- However, dialogue with colleagues programmes referred to in this article. working on gorse biocontrol in Hawaii specific seed-destroying natural enemies. suggested that the British thrips was a bit of Without this option, the present Category 2 Hoffmann, J.R. (ed) (1991) Biological a non-starter. Hawaii had imported both plants would probably have had to be control of weeds in South Africa. British and Portuguese strains of S. included under Category 1 (declared Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, weeds). This step would have caused such Special issue, 37(1-3),255pp. staphylinus, and while they had also found an outcry by the present users of these plant the British strain to be slow-moving or Olckers, T. & Hill, M. P. (eds) (1999) worse, the Portuguese insects dispersed species that Government would most likely African Entomology Memoir No. 1. with encouraging rapidity. For example, have withdrawn all the species concerned Biological Control of Weeds in South one 6000-ha area of gorse was completely from legislation altogether, leaving them to Africa (1990-1999), 182 pp. infested within 6 years. invade the country unchecked. Olckers, T.; Zimmermann, H.G.; Hoffmann, Seed-destroying biocontrol agents also Portuguese thrips from Hawaii were J.H. (1998) Integrating biological control have a function to fulfil with regard to imported into quarantine in New Zealand, into the management of alien invasive Category 3 invader plants (mainly and were being reared for releases planned weeds in South Africa. Pesticide Outlook ornamental trees). Despite the general ban for early 2002. No one is quite clear why 9(6), 9-16. on further planting of Category 3 plants, a the Portuguese insects move faster. It may clause was included whereby the Executive See also the two PPRI handbooks described be that more develop wings… or could it be Officer may grant exemption from this in ‘New Books’, this issue. that the Portuguese have more of an stipulation, amongst others. Such an explorer's sense of adventure than their By: Hildegard Klein, ARC-Plant Pro- exemption will only be granted if the stay-at-home British relatives! tection Research Institute, Private Bag Executive Officer is satisfied that the risk of X134, Pretoria 0001, South Africa Contact: Hugh Gourlay, Landcare Research, invasion was minimal, e.g. if the climate is Email: [email protected] Lincoln, New Zealand unsuitable for seedlings to survive, or if Fax: +27 12 3293278 Email: [email protected] seed production is negligible. The city planners of Pretoria and Johannesburg

14N BiocontrolNews and Information 2002 Vol. 23 No. 1

IPM Systems

This section covers integrated pest material azinphos-methyl (Guthion). Congratulations for some really nice, management (IPM) including biological Again, the results are encouraging; patient work to the apple IPM team at the control, and techniques that are compatible comparable levels of control were University of Massachusetts! with the use of biological control or achieved. The much less severe impact of By: Charles Benbrook, Benbrook Con- minimize negative impact on natural indoxacarb on a range of beneficials also is sulting Services, 5085 Upper Pack River enemies. likelytohelprestoreanumberof Road, Sandpoint, Idaho 83864, USA biocontrol processes in orchards where hot, Email: [email protected] broad spectrum organophosphates, carba- More US Apple IPM Fax: +1 208 263 7342 Success mates and pyrethroids are used sparingly if at all. This article is at:
As a follow up to ‘Apple of their eye’ in the www.umass.edu/fruitadvisor/fruitnotes/ last issue [BNI 22(4), 81N-83N (December comparisonofavaunt.pdf West African Recipe for 2001)], which described the achievements Cocoa IPM of the Areawide Program for Suppression The careful research behind these articles of Codling Moth in the Western United lends further support to two general Regional collaboration and a participatory States, there is news of more good apple conclusions that most pest management approach were the key ingredients of a IPM practice from the other side of the experts now embrace, some strongly, meeting of cocoa scientists held in Benin in USA. others begrudgingly: late 2001. It led to the formulation of an overall concept note for a regional cocoa Fruit Notes Vol. 66 (2001) contains two • First, prevention-based, bioIPM sys- IPM initiative in West Africa, which will interesting articles germane to the ongoing tems can and are working. The encompass various sub-projects that can be discussion of pesticides and the ability of technology and knowledge are there submitted to various donors. This apple growers to move away from high-risk for those growers with the indication of regional commitment to organophosphates. Fruit Notes is a determination and support to make it support cocoa growers comes as cocoa publication from the University of work. The reason hard chemical-based prices, following years of decline, took an Massachusetts's Fruit Team, whose systems still dominate agricultural upswing owing to fears over production mission is to assist fruit growers with all production in the USA is that declines. Falling cocoa production is aspects of horticultural and pest manage- pesticides are relatively cheap to blamed on recent bad weather and disease, ment. This is a cooperative programme of farmers and they are easy to use. It is together with the impact of long years of the research and extension efforts of the not that farmers like to handle hot poor returns on cocoa growers. Departments of Plant & Soil Sciences, materials, or are anti-biology, it is Microbiology, and Entomology, and is part basically pragmatic. As long as US TheWestAfricaRegionalCocoaIPM of the University's Extension's Agro- policies remain as they are, pesticide- workshop held on 13-15 November in ecology Program. based systems will remain price- Cotonou was organized jointly by CABI competitive and therefore the common Bioscience and IITA (the International Ron Prokopy's article ‘Twenty Years of choice of most farmers. Almost across Institute of Tropical Agriculture). It was Apple Production under an Ecological the board, high-risk, older pesticides sponsored by STCP (the Sustainable Tree Approach to Pest Management’, describes are the cheapest to use per acre/hectare Crops Program) and BCCCA (the Biscuit, the efforts made on a small commercial – to the farmer – since so much of the Cake, Chocolate and Confectionery farm to produce apples with largely indirect costs of pesticides are borne Alliance, UK), and provided scientists from ecological, prevention-based IPM by people other than farmers. the various West African cocoa-producing methods. The orchard started in 1977. The countries a platform to exchange ideas. article presents time-series data on a • Second, the new generation of reduced-risk pesticides and bio- number of pests in the orchard, comparing The BCCCA has a long tradition of support pesticides that have been coming on levels to a nearby unmanaged orchard. The for cocoa research and currently funds a the market in the last few years are results are encouraging; pest damage was range of innovative projects together with offering farmers viable alternatives, kept at or below levels experienced in key international resources which will which can and are serving as stepping commercial orchards. Pesticide use was benefit the world cocoa community. Its stones along the transition to bioIPM. much less frequent and generally involved research programme aims to achieve softer materials, because of the emphasis Website: www.umass.edu/fruitadvisor/ sustainable production of good quality (requirement, actually) to preserve cocoa through the development of cost- beneficials. This is one of very few articles Contact: Wesley Autio, Department of effective and environmentally responsible that presents a long-run view of ecological Plant & Soil Sciences, Bowditch Hall, ways of controlling the range of pests and adaptation among pests and beneficials in a University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA diseases afflicting cocoa production. biointensive IPM orchard. Access the 01003, USA The STCP, launched in Ghana in May article in pdf at: Email: [email protected] 2000, is a joint public-private partnership www.umass.edu/fruitadvisor/fruitnotes/ Fax: +1 413 545 0260 between European and American chocolate twentyyearsof.pdf Ronald Prokopy, Department of manufacturers, bilateral donors (such as the A second article in the same issue compares Entomology, Fernald Hall, University of US Agency for International Development; the efficacy of insect control when the new Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA USAID), NARES (national agricultural reduced risk insecticide indoxacarb Email: [email protected] research and extension systems) and (Avaunt) replaces the old, high-risk Fax: +1 413 545 2115 IARCs (international agricultural research News 15N centres) in West and Central Africa. Diseases currently devastating South will be better for the health of the farming Coordinated by IITA, STCP uses a systems American production (witches' broom, community. In addition, such an approach approach focused principally on the Crinipellis perniciosa, and frosty pod, will sustain the forest environment, even sustainable supply of cocoa, coffee, and Moniliophthora roreri)werealso providing habitat bridges between forest cashew nuts through diversified multi- recognized as looming threats. Interest- pockets. product agroforestry systems. Activities ingly, swollen shoot virus (transmitted Workshop proceedings will be produced under four programme components largely by mealybugs in the genera and distributed in 2002. (research and technology transfer, grower Planococcus and Stictococcus) was, along and business support services, market and with mistletoes, termites and weeds, Contact: Janny Vos, CABI Bioscience UK information systems, and policy) have been considered a threat, but was not accorded Centre, Bakeham Lane, Egham, Surrey, endorsed by a broad coalition of the priority it has sometimes been given. TW20 9TY, UK stakeholders including farmer organiza- Three regional groups, with one member Email: [email protected] tions, marketing agents, industry, research from each STCP member country, focused Fax: +44 1491 829100 and extension. on one prioritized pest problem. They Peter Neuenschwander, Director, Plant West Africa produces some 60% of the considered its current status, available IPM Health Management Division, IITA, 08 BP world's cocoa, and by far the majority of options and options in development, 0932, Tri Postal, Cotonou, Benin this is produced by smallholders, who grow identified experts in member countries, and Email: [email protected] it with a number of different crops. At the came up with suggestions for regional Fax: +229 350556 collaboration to alleviate the problem. moment, cocoa production in Africa is
falling. Farmers find it increasingly Following this, participants came together difficult to make a living from the crop, in as national groups, and each evaluated the face of pest and disease constraints and cocoa IPM extension in their country, the PAN Full of IPM Resources poor prices, and are abandoning their trees. experts they have and how current Advice on cocoa IPM can be found in one The organizers of this workshop, however, methodology could be improved to reach of the latest briefings prepared by the described this bleak outlook as a window of more farmers or improve impact. Pesticides Action Network UK (PAN UK) opportunity to steer IPM towards a By synthesizing this information, the under the 'Control of pesticides and IPM in biologically based system for high quality workshop was able to come up with an Developing Countries Project', funded by cocoa production, in response also to ever- inventory of on-going and potential the European Commission. One of the louder calls for environmentally friendly regional cocoa IPM research and project's outputs, Pest Management Notes solutions to pest problems in these areas of implementation, and a menu of possible (PMN), is a series of four-page briefings for high biodiversity where cocoa is grown. In solutions to the three key pest problems to governments, development agencies, order to stem abandonment of the crop, it achieve sustainable and cost-effective policy and technical advisers, researchers has become imperative to rehabilitate reduction in cocoa yield losses, while and others on policies and issues related to cocoa groves and to find new ways to start maintaining good cocoa quality. Core pesticides and IPM. new ones in areas where the rainforest has components of the menu are: already been cut down, and to devise new Number 12 in the series, 'Sustainable cocoa IPM systems. • biocontrol using indigenous micro- production systems' summarizes major pest organisms and disease problems facing cocoa The workshop's participants included three producers worldwide, and reviews current cocoa IPM scientists from each STCP • rational pesticide use options for its sustainable management. member country (Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, • host plant resistance Cocoa, it points out, is a crop of Ghana, Guinea-Conakry and Nigeria) • cultural controls including habitat smallholder farmers, but low prices and together with others from the host country management and tree pruning high input costs have had a major impact on Benin, CABI Bioscience, CRIG (Cocoa production and incomes. In the face of Research Institute of Ghana), NRI (Natural Strengthening quarantine was added to this falling prices in this notoriously volatile Resources Institute, UK) and IITA. The list, to address the need to prevent diseases sector, which have reduced farmers' profits workshop programme was developed in from other regions of the world gaining in many cases to minimal at best, many consultation with the participating access to the cocoa-growing areas of West farmers have virtually abandoned their countries, and provided a platform for Africa. cocoa trees. They have invested the bare scientists to exchange ideas on cocoa IPM The next step is to formulate projects and minimum of time and inputs, and such research and implementation. Each country secure funding to develop and evaluate neglect has in turn exacerbated many pest outlined its pest and disease problems, past different methods. The goal is to develop and disease problems. These are legion, but and current control measures, and the status sustainable farming systems in the forest the conclusions of the workshop described of its cocoa IPM research and implement- zone with cocoa as the main cash crop and in the article above mirror some of the ation. Workshop sessions then focused on farmers in the driving seat. The solutions conclusions in this Briefing. It identifies the finding solutions to common key pest have to be based on what is acceptable to most important pests in West Africa as: problems, and options for regional col- farmers, and what is needed is a basket of black pod disease (caused by Phytophthora laborative research and implementation by options that alleviate cocoa farmers’ major spp.), which causes losses of a staggering piloting new methods for cocoa extension. pest problems. These should then be 44% of global production each year; cocoa evaluated and implemented in 'best-bet' The three key constraints to cocoa swollen shoot virus, transmitted largely by trials using farmer participatory methods. production in the region were agreed to be mealybugs (Planococcus and Stictococcus black pod disease caused by Phytophthora This will make real the dream of farmers spp.) and leading to losses of some 25% spp., the mirids Distantiella theobroma and benefiting from more profitable production and eventual death of the tree; capsids Sahlbergella singularis, and the cossid of cocoa using largely biologically-based (Distantiella theobroma and Sahlbergella moth stem borer Eulophonotus myrmeleon. IPM. Besides the economic benefits, this singularis), which cause up to 75% loss; 16N BiocontrolNews and Information 2002 Vol. 23 No. 1 and parasitic mistletoes. The Briefing also awareness of essential steps in the sound made available on pesticide hazards and warns that pests and diseases currently management of pesticides. The project is IPM. Profiles provide a snapshot of how devastating cocoa in other parts of the implemented by PAN UK, part of PAN some countries in Africa are progressing in world loom as threats on the horizon. Europe, which is one of five regional the transition to safer, more sustainable centres coordinating a global network Conventional pesticide-based control has agriculture, and there is a database of comprising over 600 participating non- become uneconomic and increasingly projects containing a strong element of governmental organizations, institutions ineffective. In addition lindane, which has participatory IPM. PMN briefings advise and individuals in over 60 countries been used to control capsids, is a highly on sustainable management of other major working to replace the use of hazardous persistent and toxic insecticide now banned crops besides cocoa (coffee, cotton and pesticides with ecologically sound alter- by many countries. PMN No. 12 outlines fruit) and pests (locusts), introduce the natives. current options for sustainable cocoa concept of IPM, and give practical and production, including maintaining crop Pesticides continue to be used in regulatory guidance on pesticide issues. hygiene, using resistant varieties, managing developing countries, in spite of often Also forthcoming is a report from field shade, biological control, rational pesticide inappropriate conditions facing women and studies on 'Progressive pest management use and maintaining fertile soils. men farmers and workers applying the for food security and the environment' The briefing concludes: products. Policy makers in governments conducted in four countries (Senegal, and developing countries require accessible Benin, Ghana and Ethiopia) in a variety of • all stakeholders need to be involved in information on strategies for improving crops (cotton, vegetables, pineapple, and a partnership to develop effective capacity to regulate pesticides, implement cereal grains and legumes). The findings sustainable systems for cocoa best practice, and develop IPM. PAN UK from these case studies on the problems and production aims to meet this knowledge gap by making costs associated with pesticide dependence • apparent farmer reluctance to take up information and resources that promote will be shared with stakeholders and policy research results generally reflects ‘progressive pest management’ widely makers in Africa and Europe in order to inappropriate recommendations owing available. They are drawing on PAN's develop recommendations for policy and to the failure of research and extension wide-ranging research of best practice, and field-level actions. services to appreciate farmers' on their own and others’ experience of constraints pesticide regulation and farmer partici- Information: www.pan-uk.org/Internat/ • participatory approaches build the patory IPM strategies. The resources IPMinDC/ipmindex.htm knowledge and confidence for farmers produced are the result of consultations and to make their own crop management studies of needs at both policy and field Contact: Barbara Dinham, Director, decisions, and such approaches have level, and will be made available in Pesticide Action Network-UK already notched up successes in cocoa English, French and Spanish. Eurolink Centre, 49 Effra Road, London in Central and South America In its first phase, the project has produced a SW2 1BZ, UK PMN is just one output of the first phase of guide to reducing pesticide use and Email: [email protected] this project, which was designed to increase developing and implementing IPM Fax: +44 20 7274 9084 the speed of implementation of farmer policies. Comprehensive information and participatoryIPMandtoimprove resources have also been gathered and
Training News

In this section we welcome all your However, above-ground parts form only a WA is also the site where thousands of experiences in working directly with the fraction of the plant: the vast majority is schoolchildren have embraced this end-users of arthropod and microbial hidden underground in the form of tubers. biological process, rearing and distributing biocontrol agents or in educational Its marked impact is being felt severely as many insects as possible under the activities on natural enemies aimed at throughout numerous national parks and in guidance of Technical Officer Ms Kathryn students, farmers, extension staff or some cases it is threatening the existence of Batchelor and project leader Mr Tim policymakers. Australian native species. Woodburn. The results have been overwhelming. By the end of 2000 over 40 Community Involvement Bridal creeper is now a target of two schools and community groups had Underpins Biocontrol in biological control agents that have been become involved in the campaign in WA Australia introduced, by the Cooperative Research and by the end of 2001 the numbers had Centre (CRC) for Australian Weed climbed to more than one hundred. The South African plant bridal creeper, Management and CSIRO Entomology, in The attack from the leafhoppers prevents Asparagus asparagoides, has made an an attempt to bring it under control. The the plant from photosynthesizing and impact in Australia and is listed as one of first, a leafhopper, Zygina sp, was released causes it to gradually use its stored energy the twenty Weeds of National Significance. in July 1999. [See also BNI 20(4) 108N- from the tubers, making them shrink. The It was deliberately introduced in the mid 109N (December 1999) ‘Green giant’.] Its continued shrinking of the tubers will give 1800s owing to its popularity in bridal most dramatic impact has been seen in native plant seeds a greater opportunity for bouquets, and with the help of birds eating Western Australia (WA) where large areas germination and establishment than is its berries and spreading its seeds, it is now of bridal creeper have turned white through currently the case. slowly smothering its way across southern the insect’s sucking activity. Similar results Australia. In severe infestations the foliage are also being found in South Australia There are numerous generations of the smothers all vegetation to a height of 2-3m. (SA) and New South Wales (NSW). leafhopper every year and this gives the News 17N insect the ability to build up numbers coordinated manner. The funding will some target weeds is looking bleak. This is rapidly. However, more than one biological allow these groups to be trained by CSIRO a situation that could not have been control agent is required and in July 2000 staff to develop the basic skills and achieved without the efforts of the the rust fungus, Puccinia myrsiphylli, was understanding they will require. It will also community and the state departments that released. The rust completes its life cycle allow for the development of release have been involved. on bridal creeper, infecting the leaves and information kits outlining the processes, stems. It obtains nutrients and water from maintenance of a national database on There remains one more agent to be the plant thus limiting resources available release sites and further enhancement of the released against bridal creeper, the leaf- for the production of stems, fruit and tubers. bridal creeper website (see below). beetle Crioceris sp., and an application for The fungus also destroys leaf tissue by its release is now being assessed by As well as the work being undertaken by regulatory authorities. Both adults and reducing the photosynthetic surface of the Kathryn Batchelor, the Weed CRC’s Mr larvae of this beetle feed on the young plant, causing severely diseased plants to Anthony Swirepik has been the National shoots and leaves of bridal creeper. It has shed infected leaves prematurely. In the Redistribution Coordinator for biological one generation a year and is active during winter rainfall regions of South Africa, the control agents for the last 6 years and has a the autumn and early winter months when rust is usually observed within 12 weeks of major role to play in this project. bridal creeper is commencing its rapid appearance of new shoots in autumn. From Swirepik’s job will involve making further growth stage. All three biocontrol agents then on, the incidence of the rust steadily contact with appropriate groups, organizing co-exist on the plant in its native South increases during winter to reach its peak in biological agents for them to release, Africa, hence researchers anticipate that the spring when the plants are flowering and liaising with them to ensure all is going action of these three agents will combine to fruiting. well, and determining the level of bring around the future demise of bridal monitoring that is required. The monitoring Weed CRC/CSIRO pathologist Dr Louise creeper. Morin is in charge of the pathology work will allow researchers to determine how quickly the agents are spreading and what and has praised the efforts of community Groups interested in the bridal creeper other areas need to have releases made to groups so far, all of which have had a big research programme are encouraged to ensure rapid coverage of bridal creeper role to play with the distribution of both the check out the web site at: infestations. leafhopper and the fungus. The importance www.ento.csiro.au/bridalcreeper of this role is only going to increase in the Control of massive environmental weeds future. such as bridal creeper can only be achieved Contact: Kate Smith, CSIRO Entomology, CSIRO has recently received funding from with community support. Since the late GPO Box 1700, Canberra, ACT 2601, the Natural Heritage Trust which will allow 1980s CSIRO has been developing close Australia more community groups to get on board the relationships with groups that have an Email: [email protected] redistribution process and help release and active interest in biological control. From Fax+61262464177 spread these agents across bridal creeper humble beginnings, national programmes infested sites in a much more rapid and have now been developed and the future of
Announcements

Are you producing a newsletter, holding a Website: www.bcpc.org/ address the scientific basis for biosafety meeting, running an organization or issues associated with GMOs (including Contact: Brighton Conference Secretariat, rearing a natural enemy that you want environmental, as well as human and 5 Maidstone Buildings Mews, Bankside, other biocontrol workers to know about? animal health concerns). The Symposium London SE1 1GN, UK Send us the details and we will announce it series is designed for senior scientists, Email: [email protected] in BNI. policy makers, regulators, environ- Fax:+442079405577 mentalists and industry representatives BCPC Conference
involved in the commercial release of GMOs. The 7th Symposium will be held on This annual, international conference Reason to Consider GMOs 10-14 October 2002 in Beijing, China, organized by the British Crop Protection under the responsibility of the newly- Council (BCPC) for the global crop Partisan arguments over GMOs (genetic- founded International Society for Biosafety protection industry will be held in ally modified organisms) and their Research. Brighton, UK on 18-21 November 2002, environmental effects continue to be and this year focuses on pests and diseases. highlighted in the world’s media. Rational Sessions will focus on diverse issues, including Always a feature of this Conference is the debate is going on, however, although that presentation of new compounds and rarely makes headlines. Following on from • New science for enhanced biosafety strategies for pest and disease management our announcement of the IOBC Conference (chaired by Dr Joachim Schiemann) in temperate and tropical crops. Specialist in Montpellier in November [see BNI sessions will examine key strategic topics December 2001], here are two more • Consequences of gene flow (Dr Allison that will influence the management of pests meetings this autumn on related themes. Snow) and diseases in the future with an emphasis GMO Biosafety Symposium • Why regulate and how (Prof. Julian on meeting expected challenges, including Kinderlerer) those faced in ICM (Integrated Crop The International Symposia on the Management) and organic farming and by Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organ- • Pest control and biosafety (Dr Marjorie use of biological control agents. isms (GMOs) have been held biennially, to Hoy) 18N BiocontrolNews and Information 2002 Vol. 23 No. 1

Contact: Professor Hongya Gu, College of IPPC in China The theme of the 15th Biennial Meeting Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing will be ‘Integrated Pest (IPM) and Vectors 100871, China The 15th International Plant Protection Management (IVM) on African Rural and Email: [email protected] Congress (IPPC) will be held in Beijing, Urban Livelihoods: Perspective and Future Fax: +86 10 62751841 / 62751194 China on 6-11 July, 2003, sponsored by the Strategies’. Subthemes will be: International Association for the Plant Ecological Dimensions of GMOs Protection Sciences and organized by: • Impact of IPM on food and horti- An international conference is being China Society of Plant Protection. cultural crops production/productivity organized jointly by the UK Association of The 15th IPPC will focus on current • Impact of IVM on human, animal and Applied Biologists and the Royal progress in plant protection sciences and plant health Entomological Society to discuss the technology, and its foreseeable develop- • Capacity building, collaboration and ecological dimensions of GMOs. This will ment in the 21st century. To meet the new networking be held in Reading University, UK on 9-11 challenge facing plant protection in the new • Environment, biodiversity and natural September 2002. millennium, the tentative theme of the resource management Sessions will be organized on the themes: Congress is ‘The First Great Gathering for Plant Protection in 21st Century’. Topics • Advances in biotechnology and bio- • Gene flow and its consequences covered will include: safety • Impact of GMOs at the crop ecosystem • Conducive policy environment for level • Extension of IPM strategy in the 21st century IPM: modalities and content • Soil and soil processes • Resistance of crops to pests Contact: The Hon. Secretary, AAIS, Dr Website: Francis E. Nwilene, West Africa Rice •Biocontrol www.aab.org.uk/meetings/mtgs2002/ Development Association, 01 BP 2551, gmos.htm • Chemical pesticides (new products, Bouaké 01, Côte d’Ivoire application techniques, resistance, Contact: Carol Millman Email: pesticide management, etc.) Email: [email protected] [email protected] / [email protected] Fax:+441789470234 • Biotechnology for plant protection Local Organizing Committee (LOC):
• Plant protection and the environment Entomological Society of Kenya (ESK), PO Box 76662, Nairobi, Kenya • Information technology in plant Biocontrol in California protection and pest prediction
The 3rd California Conference on Bio- • Ecological regulation and control of logical Control (CCBC) will be held on 15- farmland pests IOBC Made Easy 16 August 2002 at the University of • Plant quarantine IOBC (the International Organization for California (UC), Davis, providing an • Relationships and coevolution of Biological Control of Noxious Animals and opportunity to review the latest information crops, pests and natural enemies Plants) has a revamped website at: on biological control and its application for www.oilb.agropolis.fr/ pest management in California. Sessions • Non-chemical pest control techniques will cover: Pest management will also be considered IOBC was established in 1956 as a global organization and promotes environ- • Transgenic crops and their compati- by system, i.e.: grain crops, commercial mentally safe methods of pest and disease bility with biological control agents crops, orchards, forests, vegetable crops, control. As a voluntary organization of and other non-target organisms (Mod- grassland, flowers and lawns, farmland, erator: Brian Federici, UC Riverside) pre-planting and postharvest, and for biological control workers, it gives farmland rodents. individuals and organizations the oppor- • Invasion biology and lessons for tunity to participate in biological control biological control (Les Ehler, UC Conference information: activities beyond their specific jobs and Davis & Michael Pitcairn, California www.ipmchina.net/ workplaces, to step outside their Department of Food and Agriculture) Or contact: Ms Wen Liping, Secretariat, bureaucracies, and to contribute to the • Biological control of invasive species 15th IPPC, C/O Institute of Plant Pro- promotion of biological control worldwide. in California (Mark Hoddle UC River- tection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural IOBC has developed a structure based side & Ray Carruthers US Department Sciences, Beijing 100094 China primarily on a regional basis, but with of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Email: [email protected] another (working group) layer defined by Service, Albany) Fax: +86 10 62815913 topic, to meet these challenges. Currently there are six Regional Sections and ten • Reduced risk pesticides and compati-
bility with biological control agents Global Working Groups. Information (Nick Mills, UC Berkeley) disseminationisnoteasyinsucha African Insect Science devolved structure – yet good com- Conference information: munication is key to IOBC achieving its The 15th Biennial Meeting and Scientific www.biocontrol.ucr.edu/ aims. Conference of the African Association of Or contact: Mark S. Hoddle, Department of Insect Scientists (AAIS) will be held in The new site overcomes some of the Entomology, University of California, Nairobi, Kenya on 11-14 June 2003, in hurdles. Easily navigable links between Riverside, CA 92521, USA partnership with the Entomological Society regions and working groups, with contact Email: [email protected] of Kenya (ESK). The conference coincides details, websites and newsletters, allow Fax: +1 909 787 3086 with AAIS Silver Jubilee (25th visitors quickly to gain an overview IOBC's
Anniversary) celebration. interests, and for biocontrol workers in one News 19N

(geographical or topical) area to keep up to Good Ideas from the Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK date with other activities and interests of Global IPM Facility Email: [email protected] members. Fax: +44 1603 450045 The legendary efficiency of the African Contact: André Gassmann, CABI Bio- ‘bush telegraph’ as an information
science Switzerland Centre, CH-2800 dissemination system has been brought Delémont, Switzerland bang up to date by the Global IPM Facility. Email: [email protected] Rice IPM CD Fax: +41 32 4214871 eWAZO (from ‘wazo’, Kiswahili for ‘idea’) is a new bi-monthly news service to
provide information from IPM programme RiceIPM is a new interactive information development activities focusing on IPM and identification system released in Linking African IPM policy, education, and research at regional, November 2001 by the Centre for Pest Practitioners country and local levels. Launched in Information Technology and Transfer January 2002 by the Global IPM Facility (CPITT) and IRRI (the International Rice The new Africa Link website is live at: from their office in the UN Food and Research Institute), who have developed it www.ag.vt.edu/ail Agriculture Organization (FAO) head- jointly, with the help of an international andinFrenchat: quarters in Rome, it will be edited by Kevin team of IPM specialists from Southeast Gallagher: www.ag.vt.edu/ail/french/index.htm Asia. CPITT, part of the University of Email: [email protected]. The website has been developed by the Queensland, Australia, develops innovative Africa Integrated Pest Management (IPM) To subscribe to this free service, contact tools for training and decision support, Link, a project of the IPM Collaborative M.E. Tagliati whicharecurrentlybeingusedinmorethan Research Support Program (IPM CRSP), Email: [email protected] 25 countries. managed by the Office of International Also keep an eye on the revamped Global Research and Development (OIRD) of IPM Facility website, available in English, The new CD is structured according to the Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, French and Spanish at: competency standards required for USA with funding from two US Agency www.fao.org/globalipmfacility/ proficient IPM and thus aims to provide for International Development (USAID) extension officers, researchers, students Although still under development, this units (the Bureau for Africa, and the Office and farmers with a user-friendly and of Sustainable Development). looks set to provide a wide range of information about the Facility, its co- comprehensive source of information and The website is the latest venture of the sponsors and donors and other international training materials for improving manage- project, which is fostering the development IPM-related information. Already available ment of pests in tropical rice. of a network of IPM practitioners in sub- is useful information on its operations, Saharan Africa by facilitating access to the which includes pages describing field The new CD uses a range of techniques, latest electronic communication and infor- activities throughout the world. including video, images, hypertext links mation exchange tools, in collaboration and interactive keys, to cover pest ecology; Text-only and full versions of the complete with AfricaLink (a USAID initiative), and site, to cater for all needs, set a good crop checking; major insect pests, rats, with the Consortium for International Crop example that others could follow! diseases, weeds, nutrient deficiency and Protection (CICP). toxicity; crop growth and pest damage; pest
The AFRIK-IPM listserv has been management options and decision-making operating as an electronic forum for and economics. A separate section provides networking and information sharing New Whitefly Website material for researchers and advisers on between Integrated Pest Management After 3 years of being hosted by the John various aspects of implementing IPM, (IPM) professionals throughout sub- Innes Centre in Norwich, UK, a new including Farmer Field Schools, multi- Saharan Africa since March 1998, when it EWSN (European Whitefly Studies media campaigns, and stakeholder was set up for participants of the IPM Network) website is now live at: workshops. Communications Workshop for Eastern/ www.whitefly.org Southern Africa, held at the International Information: The site is designed to provide rapid access Center for Insect Physiology and Ecology www.cpitt.uq.edu.au/software/riceipm/ (ICIPE) in Nairobi, Kenya. Since then it to a wide range of whitefly-related has continued to serve individuals inside information, including EWSN members' Obtainable from: CPS-Marketing and and outside the African continent with an expertise and publications, EWSN Distribution Unit, IRRI, DAPO Box 7777, interest in promoting IPM research and activities including meetings, sponsors and Metro Manila, Philippines information dissemination for sub-Saharan partners (with links to websites) and the Africa. EWSN newsletters. Coming on-line are Email: links to databases to allow access to [email protected] / [email protected] Contact: Miriam Rich, Office of detailed information on whitefly species, Fax: +63 2 761 2404 / + 63 2 761 2406 International Research, and Development, whitefly-transmitted viruses, natural Webpage: 1060 Litton Reaves Hall (0334), Virginia enemies and control strategies, together www.irri.org/pubcat2000/ Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060-0334, USA with a facility for submitting new newtitles.htm#IPMCD Email: [email protected] information and asking questions. Price: US$5 to developing countries / Fax: +1 540 2316741 Website: www.ord.vt.edu Contact: EWSN Research Facilitator, US$35 to developed countries Department of Disease and Stress Biology,
John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park,
20N BiocontrolNews and Information 2002 Vol. 23 No. 1

Conference Reports

Have you held or attended a meeting that Australia, introduced whitefly parasitoids Netherlands; on 'Alternative Hosts and you want other biocontrol workers to know in the US, and the successful control of a Habitat Refuges for Natural Enemies' about? Send us a report and we will include eucalyptus borer in California. The (same organizers); on 'Effects on Natural it in BNI. afternoon programme continued with a Enemies of Using Bt Crops in IPM session, 'Use of Molecular Methods in Systems' (organized by Brian Federici, Arthropod Biocontrol Classical Biological Control', organized by University of California, Riverside); and Meeting HI-lights Marjorie Hoy of the University of Florida, 'Pesticide Effects on Natural Enemies' which featured case studies on how to use (organized by Livy Williams, USDA). The First International Symposium on molecular methods to do such things as Biological Control of Arthropods (1st separate out cryptic species in natural The final day of the programme (Friday) ISBCA)washeldon14-18January2002in enemy collections, exclude contaminating was given over to recent projects of Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, and attended by pathogens in groups of natural enemies in classical biological control. Tom Bellows, 150 scientists from 25 countries. This quarantine, and obtain field estimates of University of California, Riverside was meeting launched a new series of meetings predation and parasitism. This session was that will be held every four years. The goal followed by 'Modeling and Theory as Tools keynote speaker and speakers addressed of the meeting was to bring together to Clarify Causes of Success or Failure of projects from Benin, Guam, Papua New scientists working on the use of predators BC Projects', organized by Nigel Barlow of Guinea, Australia (Queensland), New or parasitoids for control of insects or mites AgResearch in New Zealand, with Zealand, the USA (Florida and California), to discuss projects and issues. The format presentations by scientists from California, Japan and Switzerland. In addition, there of the meeting is small (about 200 key France, and the Czech Republic. was a session organized by Russell people) with no concurrent sessions and Messing of the University of Hawaii Tuesday was devoted to studies of plenty of time for discussion. 'Monitoring for Effects of Biocontrol biological control through augmentation of Agents on Nontarget Organisms'. Introduction, augmentation and conser- natural enemies. The keynote speaker for vation biological control were each covered the day was Kevin Heinz of Texas A & M The proceedings of the meeting (short by a full day of 16 talks each, with the University (USA). Two sessions focused papers of all 147 presentations – 66 talks opening day devoted to consideration of on crop-specific examples: 'Successes in issues and methodologies affecting Augmentative Biological Control', which and 65 posters) will be published with biological control projects broadly. The covered use in greenhouses and apples and support of the US Forest Service and free meetingseriesisconceivedtobethe 'Survey of Actual and Potential Use in copies will be available by late summer analogue of the long running and highly Outdoor Crops', organized by Bob Luck of 2002 (contact Roy Van Driesche for effective International Symposia on the the University of California, USA, on use copies). Biological Control of Weeds, which have of augmentative biological control in citrus been going since 1960. The new ISBCA is and hops. The other two sessions covered The next meeting in this series will be held intended to bring together people working economics of natural enemy production in late September-early October, 2005 in on control of insects and mites to foster ('Economics of Production and use of Switzerland in the high Alps. Ulli communication and stimulate work on Reared Natural Enemies', organized by Kuhlmann, CABI Bioscience Switzerland, issues of common interest. Ron Valentin, Koppert, Canada, Inc.) from will put together the local organizing The first day of the meeting (Monday) was the producer’s perspective and the ecology committee. An international programme opened by a keynote address from Mark of natural enemy movement ('Post-Release committee to develop the meeting's content Hoddle of the University of California and Dispersal, Distribution, and Impact of will be headed by Mark Hoddle, University a special talk by Jim Cullen of Australia Augmented Natural Enemies in Field of California, Riverside. Anyone interested (CSIRO) honoring Doug Waterhouse, Settings', organized by Livy Williams, US in helping on the committee should get in Department of Agriculture; USDA). recently deceased. The first session, 'Issues touch with Mark. in Future Expanded Use of Classical The middle day of the programme was Email: [email protected] Biological Control', was opened by devoted to a tour of the Island of Oahu, with Matthew Cock of CABI Bioscience, stops to see natural enemy research on The long term importance of this series of followed by Lloyd Loope of the US mites on papaya and mealybugs on meetings will be in fostering closer contact National Park Service, Frank Howarth of pineapple, and also stops at the State among insect biological control workers the Bishop Museum, Barbara Barratt of Department of Agriculture and the USDA and providing a forum for discussion of AgResearch in New Zealand, and Don fruit fly research laboratory. critical issues and organizing ad hoc groups Sands of CSIRO in Australia. Issues discussed included perspectives on the Thursday was devoted to studies of to address them. We hope to have rising tide of invasions in an age of global biological control by means of natural approximately 200 of the world’s top trade, legal issues in the regulation of enemy conservation. The keynote speaker people in attendance in Switzerland. biological control, and technology for wasH.F.vanEmdenofReading estimating host ranges of new parasitoid University, UK. Sessions were presented By Roy Van Driesche, Department of species being studied for introduction. The on 'Nectar Feeding by Parasitoids' Entomology, University of Massachusetts, second session of the day, 'Methods to (organized by George Heimpel of USA Colonize, Evaluate, and Monitor Natural Minnesota, USA and Robert Pfannensteil, Email: [email protected] Enemies', presented material on studies of Texas, USA), featuring speakers from native whitefly host relationships in Australia, New Zealand, and the
News 21N

Hot Topics in Australasian the message out, dealt with relaying sessions), breeding for disease resistance, Plant Pathology information to farmers about plant diseases disease and weed management, and host and the importance of two-way com- pathogen interactions. The Australasian Plant Pathology Society munication when dealing with complex Following the conference, two busloads of was founded in 1969 and every 2 years an issues such as plant diseases (Dr Joe Noling delegatesweregivenachancetoseefirst organizing committee from an Australian & Dr Joe Kochman). An account of what hand, Australian tropical agriculture and State or Territory or New Zealand has farmers are faced with was given by Mr horticulture in action. As always, this convened the APPS conference and held it Alan Zappala who manages a mixed meeting facilitated ample social interaction at a local venue. The 13th Biennial farming enterprise which includes and informal networking. A welcome Australasian Plant Pathology Society sugarcane, tropical fruit and flower mixer and the formal dinner took place at Conference was held in Cairns in north production. The final symposium dealt the Cairns Convention Centre. A farewell Queensland, Australia on 24-27 September with plant pathology in the tropics. The pest function was held poolside at a nearby 2001. This was the first time the conference and disease situation of sugarcane hotel. had been held in a regional location and the production in Papua New Guinea, the home first time it had been held in a tropical of sugarcane, was highlighted by Dr Lastus The 14th Australasian Plant Pathology location. Around 325 delegates from 20 Kuniata. The need for quality biodiversity SocietyConferenceistobeheldin nations attended the conference and through resistance breeding and use of wild conjunction with the 8th International preceding workshops. Delegates came types was presented by Dr Jill Lenne. The Congress of Plant Pathology in Christ- from all states of Australia, New Zealand, diagnostic and advisory support needed in church, New Zealand on 2-7 February 2003 South Africa, Japan, Papua New Guinea, developing countries to deal with plant at the Christchurch Convention Centre. Fiji, Samoa, Indonesia, Vietnam and diseases was highlighted by Dr Mark Information on the conference can be Thailand. Some delegates travelled from Holderness. accessed at their website: Europe and the USA to participate in the www.lincoln.ac.nz/icpp2003 conference. Two additional keynote addresses were By: Tony Pattison, Queensland Depart- The workshops that preceded the given by prominent international delegates ment of Primary Industries, Centre for Wet conference dealt with a wide range of on fungal population genetics (Dr Bruce Tropics Agriculture, PO Box 20, South topics including: McDonald) and on virus vector relation- ships (Dr Tom Pirone). The presidential Johnstone, Qld 4859, Australia • Identification and classification of lecture (Dr David Guest) and the McAlpine Email: [email protected] Ascomycetes Memorial Lecture (Dr Alan Dubé) both Fax: +61 7 4064 2249 • Identification and classification of highlighted the difficulty in funding plant
Ustilaginomycetes pathology research, an analysis of external factors influencing research and employ- • Uncultivable plant pathogens ment of plant pathologists as well as the Weed Biocontrol in Europe • Introduction to Bionavigator need for succession planning to ensure high The latest weed biological control • Soil nematode ecology quality plant pathology research continues workshop of the European Weed Research in Australasia. • Plant defence mechanisms Society (EWRS) was held in the School of Plant Sciences, the University of Reading, • Dieback in tropical rainforests There were 141 oral presentations and 159 Reading, UK on 6-7 January 2002 and was poster presentation at the conference. The • Diagnosis of plant diseases caused by attended by 28 delegates from eight concurrent oral and poster sessions were bacteria countries. These workshops are run by the categorized into extremely diverse subject Biological Control Working Group of the • Plant pathology diagnostics groups. Oral session topics were soil borne EWRS and are held roughly every 2 years diseases, exotic pathogens and quarantine, The workshop on plant defence (recent ones have been held in Switzerland, disease surveys and new pathogens (two mechanisms proved to be the most popular Germany and France). They aim to provide sessions), biological control of weeds, at this year’s conference. The nematode an informal forum for the discussion of virology (two sessions), bacteriology, plant ecology workshop run by Dr Gregor Yeates current research and weed biological pathogen interactions (two sessions), popu- was able to use the diversity of nematodes control issues in Europe. assemblages to demonstrate the impact that lation genetics of pathogens, epidemiology, differences in agricultural practices have on diagnosis and detection (two sessions), Dick Shaw (UK) started proceedings by the soil ecology. A report on the results of phytoplasmology, disease management discussing the challenges facing classical this workshop is to be published in the (three sessions), nematology, breeding for biological control of weeds in the UK. Australasian Nematology Newsletter disease resistance, biocontrol of pathogens, Despite much experience with natural pest December publication. diseases in natural ecosystems, induced control there has never been a full release of resistance, and tropical plant pathology a weed biological control agent in Europe: The conference was divided into three (two sessions). Contributed posters were a successful example would greatly help symposium sessions, 25 concurrent divided into suitable topic groupings and facilitate the further development of this sessions and eight poster sessions. each poster presenter was given a short field. Heinz Müller-Schärer (Switzerland) The first symposium on Pathogen period of time, in designated poster then described the genetic population Dynamics in the Plant Environment dealt discussion sessions, to informally present a structure of Senecio vulgaris in relation to with genetics and genomics of fungal brief overview of their work to interested its pathogen Puccinia lagenophorae. pathogenicity (Dr Richard Oliver), cellular listeners. Poster discussion session topics Despite significant within and between interactions of biotrophic fungal pathogens were detection and diagnosis, disease population genetic variation in sus- (Dr Michelle Heath) and microbial ecology management, nematology/bacteriology/ ceptibility to the rust fungus, sustainability in the rhizosphere (Dr Dan Kluepfel). The phytoplasmology/virology/diseases of un- of biological control was estimated as high second symposium, focussing on getting certain etiology, fungal diseases (two as no incompatible reactions were 22N BiocontrolNews and Information 2002 Vol. 23 No. 1 observed. Blair Grace (Switzerland) the mountain grassland weed Veratrum the UK (Dick Shaw, UK), and the insect followed and reported that placing inocula album. natural enemies of Cuscuta and Orobanche of P. lagenophorae in the field early in the in Slovakia (Peter Toth, Slovakia). The second day of the workshop started growing season can make S. vulgaris less with a paper by Alan Gange (UK) competitive against carrots, thus increasing The workshop finished with a guided visit describing the results of some novel their marketable yield. This could be a to CABI Bioscience's Ascot weed experiments investigating the potential for promising example of the systems biological control laboratories. The papers biological control of Poa annua in sports management approach. presented at the workshop demonstrated turf using mycorrhiza which appear to be that research into the biological control of antagonistic to this weed. This was Jonathan Gressel (Israel) described recent weeds in Europe is still strong, with a great followed by three papers reporting work in obtaining hypovirulence against diversity of target systems and biocontrol experiments into biocontrol of Orobanche Abutilon in Colletotrichum coccodes after approaches being investigated. It is using fungi. Dorette Müller-Stöver introducing the nep 1 gene. He then talked especially healthy that new approaches are (Germany) described successful green- about a proposed system for 'bio- also being actively investigated. However, house trials of a granular formulation of barcodingTM' mycoherbicides to mark and bearing in mind the opening presentation, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. orthoceras protect transgenic and/or patented lines, or there was a discussion session during the against O. cumana.However,thelevelof to trace mycoherbicides in the workshop on ideas for improving the the disease and its influence against environment. This was followed by four visibility of weed biological control and the Orobanche emergence was far lower in the papers exploring different aspects of working group in Europe. It was decided field compared to the pot experiments. herbivore interactions with weeds. Alois that as a first step a web-site would be set up Joseph Hershenhorn (Israel) detailed Honek (Czech Republic) described the to provide a forum for exchange of ideas several new pathogens against Orobanche development of two Coleoptera seed and information. that were being tested in the greenhouse predators of Taraxacum officinale in and Jonathan Gressel (Israel) gave a talk on relation to their temperature requirements, The next working group meeting will be work in his lab on engineering Esther Gerber (Switzerland) reported on held in conjunction with the EWRS hypervirulence in F. oxysporum and F. experiments into the effect of the root symposium in 2004. arthrosporioides pathogenic on O. herbivore Ceutorhynchus scrobicollis on aegyptiaca using genes that cause the invasive weed Alliaria petiolata,an For an email copy of the abstracts from this overproduction of IAA. environmental weed in North America, Ian workshop, or to be placed on the (e)mailing Keary (UK) reported on experiments In addition, posters were displayed on list, please contact the working group determining the effects of insects and fungi, allelopathic compounds from Inula viscosa chairman (Email: [email protected]). applied alone and in combination, on the (Joseph Hershenhorn, Israel), the potential establishment of Rumex obtusifolius in of biological control as a management tool By Paul Hatcher, University of Reading, Lolium perenne, and Urs Treier (Switzer- for Rhododendron in the UK (Marion UK land) explained the effect of cattle and Seier, UK), progress on the Japanese mollusc grazing on seedling recruitment of knotweed biological control programme in
New Books

Beautifully Moth-Eaten This book describes the biologies and host and rearing, releasing and monitoring ranges of the moths, gives a history of their techniques for biological control of This book* is a welcome second volume in introductions and a comprehensive Eichhornia crassipes. ACIAR Monograph an ACIAR (Australian Centre for summary of host specificity testing. The Series No. 60, 87 pp. ISBN 1 86320 267 6 International Agricultural Research) series outstanding feature once again, however, is Obtainable from: ACIAR, GPO Box 1571, on using arthropod agents for biological the clearly written, highly illustrated Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia. control of water hyacinth (Eichhornia sections on rearing, releasing and crassipes). Happily, like its predecessor, it monitoring techniques for those who want
is as useful and authoritative as it is good to to use the moths for biological or integrated look at, and provides a complete 'do-it- control of water hyacinth. yourself' guide to the use of two South African Weed lepidopteran biological control agents *Julien, M.H.; Griffiths, M.W.; Stanley, Handbooks using the CSIRO methods that have been J.N (2001) Biological control of water Two useful handbooks in relation to ‘New successfully employed in many hyacinth 2. The moths Niphograpta Legislation Benefits Weed Biocontrol in programmes. albiguttalis and Xubida infusellus: South Africa’ (see General News, this biologies, host ranges, and rearing, The first volume** in the series dealt with issue) are described here. releasing and monitoring techniques for Neochetina weevils; this second volume biological control of Eichhornia crassipes. Declared Weeds and Invasive Plants in deals with the moths Niphograpta ACIAR Monograph Series No. 79, 91 pp. South Africa albiguttalis and Xubida infusellus.Both ISBN 1 86320 295 1 books include introductory sections on the The main objective in producing this biology and impact of water hyacinth, **Julien, M.H.; Griffiths, M.W.; Wright, handbook* was to enable members of the together with options for its management, A.D. (1999) Biological control of water public and the relevant authorities to andthengoontodealwiththeagentsand hyacinth. The weevils Neochetina bruchi identify the declared weeds and invaders their use in biological or integrated control. and N. eichhorniae: biologies, host ranges, covered by the Conservation of News 23N

Agricultural Resources Act, 1983 (Act 43 characteristics that are always visible dance of the most common alien plants, and of 1983) (CARA), as amended during and easy to understand the available mechanical, biological and March 2001. It is the officially recognized • an indication of whether the plant chemical methods for their control. guide to the plant species banned or species are subjects of herbicide regulated by the amended CARA Part 2 reports back on five workshops that registration and biological control, and were held to collate the known information regulations, sanctioned by a foreword by whether they are poisonous or irritant the Minister for Agriculture and Land on the selection of grass species for Affairs. • other sources of information, a rehabilitation. It introduces suitable grass comprehensive glossary and an index species to cover bare soil after alien plant Even dedicated environmentalists despair to botanical and common names control, and explains how to select the grass at the task of learning to recognize the The major sponsors of this publication were species according to land-use aims and almost 200 plant species on the list, the Department of Water Affairs & environmental constraints. remembering to which category each Forestry and the National Department of A 'GRAB-A-GRASS dial' provided with belongs and learning how to deal with each Agriculture. category. Several over-zealous gardeners the book is an easy-to-use device composed and land managers have acted on rumours, Rehabilitation of Areas Cleared of Alien of three rotating discs. The discs have mistakenly destroying indigenous trees or Plants windows cut into them, which describe in detail the seven steps to follow when using species not mentioned in the CARA This handbook**, which includes region- grass to rehabilitate and manage alien regulations. specific ‘GRAB-A-GRASS dials’, is aimed plants. The new book should put an end to the at people who want to clear alien vegetation uncertainty and rumours amongst from their land without causing soil erosion Part 3 describes harvesting methods for gardeners, horticulturists, foresters and or a resurgence of weed seedlings in the grass species that are not commercially agriculturists about which plants may stay, cleared areas. available, and practical grass planting which ones have to be removed, which It provides guidelines and recom- methods that have been tried and tested ones may no longer be sold and which ones mendations for the selection of suitable over many years. may only grow in demarcated areas. In the grass species, using practical rehabilitation This book also forms part of two alien plant words of the Minister for Agriculture and methods after removal of alien vegetation. control courses approved through Act 36 of Land Affairs “It is a guide that is long Integrated control strategies for alien plants 1947 for the registration of Pest Control overdue, and will provide for a systematic have been categorized for alien trees, Operators. and sustainable assault on invasive alien shrubs, succulent species and herbs. The plants”. book contains colour photographs and *Henderson, L. (2001) Alien weeds and Some of the features of the new book are: easy-to-follow graphics. invasive plants: a complete guide to de- clared weeds and invaders in South Africa. Part 1 of the book deals with the integrated • descriptions, distribution maps and line Pretoria, South Africa; ARC-PPRI, PPRI control of alien plants and covers: drawings of 234 species of alien weeds Handbook No. 12, 300 pp. and invasive plants in South Africa • control of standing trees (including some species that have been **Campbell, P. (2001) Rehabilitation rec- • how to fell trees and control stumps proposed for legislation but have not ommendations after alien plant control yet made it into the CARA list) • burning strategies Pretoria, South Africa; ARC-PPRI, PPRI • how to control alien shrub species Handbook No. 11b, 124 pp. • all 198 species of declared weeds and [This book notice is adapted from Plant invaders, and a complete copy of the • follow-up control methods including Protection News No. 59, Summer 2001.] regulations concerning their control chemical, mechanical and biological • colour photographs of 100 species control Available from: Mrs Hannetjie Combrink, the PPRI Librarian, Private Bag X134, including some of the less familiar • planning for integrated alien plant ones control Pretoria 0001, South Africa Email [email protected] • a quick guide to the identification of Summary tables at the end of part 1 the major groups of plants, based on describe provincial distribution and abun-
Proceedings

Enhancing Biocontrol throughout the book there are annoying, but culture in the Republic of Benin, CAB Agents and Handling unimportant, formatting errors. International Africa Regional Centre and Risks the International Centre of Insect Pathology Then later in the preface came a paragraph and Ecology (both from Kenya), Kawanda This publication* is the proceedings of a that was preposterously arrogant and Agricultural Research Institute in Uganda NATO Advanced Research Workshop held untrue. "A large proportion (but not all) of etc., etc. South America and Asia are not on 9-15 June 2001 in Florence (Italy). the major groups intent on enhancing represented at all. Even from the UK at Initially it annoyed me immensely. I biocontrol agents attended the workshop least three significant groups were not declare a slight prejudice in reviewing this and contributed to this volume.” What present. book, based on the preface. The first nonsense! There is only one representative sentence makes no sense, raising doubts from sub-Saharan Africa, so what of the And then: "Some could not attend, leading about the care taken with the editing, and International Institute of Tropical Agri- to a few gaps in subject matter." Indeed, for 24N BiocontrolNews and Information 2002 Vol. 23 No. 1 example the use of insects – not unknown is a very interesting and informative Institute of Biological Control, Chinese as control agents, viruses for insect control chapter on a very specific matter, improved Academy of Agricultural Sciences perhaps, something more than a passing shelf life of Metarhizium anisopliae (CAAS), and supported by the National mention of mass production. Some may blastospores. Why couldn’t it say that? But Natural Scientific Foundation of China, consider agricultural management relevant, the section also contains fascinating CAAS. the ecology of insects, their pathogens and chapters on natural phytotoxins for weed the environment has recently been shown management, using genes from biocontrol The proceedings contain 22 papers, to be critical and quality control of agents (neither, incidentally, biocontrol including three keynote presentations biological pesticides is pivotal etc., etc. A agents as per the book title) enhancing which review arthropod biological control few gaps in subject matter! bioherbicides by, for example, manipu- of water hyacinth (M. H. Julien); lation of the culturing media, and opportunities, challenges and develop- The volume reads (largely but not enhancing antagonists of postharvest ments in its control by pathogens and exclusively) as one for the academic rather diseases. mycoherbicides (R. Charudattan); and the than the practitioner and there is a strong current status of research on the weed in emphasis on genetic engineering and on The remainder of the book consists of five China (Ding Jianqing, Wang Ren, Fu pathogens. With a more accurate title and chapters in Risks from Enhanced Bio- Weiding & Zhang Guoliang). less pomposity in the preface, the book control Agents and their Mitigation, eight would have been easier to evaluate in Genetics and Molecular Biology of Other papers give a broad coverage of key dispassionately. Within the limits of Enhancing Biocontrol Agents, and six one issues and challenges in water hyacinth speculative and innovative research on page abstracts. These are outside my area of management, and include news of progress enhancing pathogens as biocontrol agents expertise, but a couple could be valuable made and obstacles still to be overcome with an emphasis on genetic engineering reference chapters. “Introducing Trans- from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and handling risks, it is a good book with genic Biocontrol Agents into the Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Egypt and many interesting chapters. However, Environment: Legal, Ethical and Political China; assessments of research pro- despite the comments above about the Problems” is very readable and informative grammes on mycopesticides; weed and limitations of coverage, there is still much and the title describes the content. natural enemy ecology; safety and host to cover and it is difficult to see who the One very good aspect of the book is the specificity and efficacy testing of natural audience would be. A specialist is unlikely attention paid to references, which are enemies; potential new agents – needs and to learn much new and the generalist is usually very comprehensive. But overall, new exploration; and knowledge dissem- faced with very specific examples (often this is a book that could be occasionally ination initiatives. used as generalizations). The chapters vary dipped into: one to borrow and not to buy. in depth and the very diverse topics means The volume includes session summaries, that the book lacks continuity, although this *Vurro, M.; Gressel, J.; Butt, T.; Harman, recommendations for future research and is probably inevitable when dealing with G.E.;Nuss,D.L.;Sands,D.;St.Leger,R. the mission statement developed by the innovation. (2000) Enhancing biocontrol agents and Global Working Group at this meeting. handling risks. Amsterdam, The Nether- There are 24 chapters, in four sections, plus lands; IOS Press. NATO Science Series: *Julien, M.H.; Hill, M.P.; Center, T.D. six one-page abstracts. The first section, on Life and Behavioural Sciences, Vol. 339, (eds) (2001) Biological and integrated Needs for Enhanced Biological Agents and 200 pp. Hbk. ISBN 1 58603 216 X. Price control of water hyacinth, Eichhornia Strategies for Enhancement, contains three US$90/€95/UK£60. crassipes. Proceedings of the Second papers with an eclectic mix of biocontrol Meeting of the Global Working Group for
agents against weeds, a genetically the Biological and Integrated Control of modified virus for fertility control in rabbits Water Hyacinth, Beijing, China 9-12 and the use of microbial toxins. IOBC Water Hyacinth October 2000. Canberra, Australia; Aus- Meeting in Beijing tralian Centre for International Research, Technologies of Enhancing Biocontrol ACIAR Proceedings No. 102, 152 pp. Agents contains eight chapters that the The proceedings of the 2nd Meeting of the ISBN 1 86320 319 2 (print) / 1 863 20 320 session organisers divide into five groups Global Working Group for the Biological 6 (electronic) with brief descriptions (these session and Integrated Control of Water Hyacinth summaries are probably the best way of have now been published*. Held in Beijing, Printed copies from: ACIAR, GPO Box getting the essence of the book). Aspects of China under the auspices of the 1571, Canberra, ACT 2610, Australia production and delivery of pathogens are International Organization for Biological briefly covered. Here again titles can be and Integrated Control of Noxious Animals Electronic version downloadable from: misleading. What does “Enhancing Bio- and Plants (IOBC) in October 2000 [see www.aciar.gov.au/publications/ logical Control Through Superior BNI 22(1), 16N-17N; March 2001], the proceedings/102/index.html Formulations: A Worthy Goal But Still meeting brought together 31 delegates from Work in Progress” mean? As it turns out, it 11 countries. It was organized by the