C. Lyons, F. Impson, S. Bam, T. Mlokoti, J. Hoffmann
Despite decades of biological control (biocontrol) endeavours against Leptospermum laevigatum (Gaertn.) F.Muell. (Myrtaceae), the weed remains a significant problem in areas within the Western Cape Province and parts of the Eastern Cape Province. Being predominantly invasive within coastal dune fynbos, the species is notoriously difficult to manage. Whilst the past 10-year period has seen limited focus and funding for this specific project, this review addresses possible reasons for the lack of success of the biocontrol programme over the past three decades, which has relied on two agents, a leaf-mining moth, Aristea thalassias (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) and a flower-galling midge, Dasineura strobila (Dorchin) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). Although both agents are widespread and occur across the range of L. laevigatum, the plant continues to grow aggressively despite their presence. Findings to date suggest that mortality resulting from parasitism or predation of the agents' immature stages is not the underlying problem for the limited control of the plant and that other factors must be at play. However, further investigation to better understand the dynamics of the insect populations and ecology of this weed, is needed to help to clarify the questions that, to date, remain unanswered. Other potential agents are also currently under consideration, notably a scale insect, Callococcus leptospermi (Maskell) (Homoptera: Coccoidea). In its native range (Australia) C. leptospermi, has a patchy distribution and variable levels of abundance, reasons for which are still under investigation. With no foreseeable biocontrol breakthrough in the near future, an integrated approach to managing L. laevigatum is probably the only short to medium-term solution for this species.
{"title":"Investigations into the Efficacy of the Biocontrol Programme of Australian Myrtle, Leptospermum laevigatum, in South Africa: Lessons Learnt and Where to Now?","authors":"C. Lyons, F. Impson, S. Bam, T. Mlokoti, J. Hoffmann","doi":"10.4001/003.029.0784","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4001/003.029.0784","url":null,"abstract":"Despite decades of biological control (biocontrol) endeavours against Leptospermum laevigatum (Gaertn.) F.Muell. (Myrtaceae), the weed remains a significant problem in areas within the Western Cape Province and parts of the Eastern Cape Province. Being predominantly invasive within coastal dune fynbos, the species is notoriously difficult to manage. Whilst the past 10-year period has seen limited focus and funding for this specific project, this review addresses possible reasons for the lack of success of the biocontrol programme over the past three decades, which has relied on two agents, a leaf-mining moth, Aristea thalassias (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) and a flower-galling midge, Dasineura strobila (Dorchin) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). Although both agents are widespread and occur across the range of L. laevigatum, the plant continues to grow aggressively despite their presence. Findings to date suggest that mortality resulting from parasitism or predation of the agents' immature stages is not the underlying problem for the limited control of the plant and that other factors must be at play. However, further investigation to better understand the dynamics of the insect populations and ecology of this weed, is needed to help to clarify the questions that, to date, remain unanswered. Other potential agents are also currently under consideration, notably a scale insect, Callococcus leptospermi (Maskell) (Homoptera: Coccoidea). In its native range (Australia) C. leptospermi, has a patchy distribution and variable levels of abundance, reasons for which are still under investigation. With no foreseeable biocontrol breakthrough in the near future, an integrated approach to managing L. laevigatum is probably the only short to medium-term solution for this species.","PeriodicalId":7566,"journal":{"name":"African Entomology","volume":"29 1","pages":"784 - 790"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2021-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49546672","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tecoma stans (L.) Juss ex Kunth var. stans (Bignoniaceae) is an invasive shrub or small tree from Central America that continues to extend its range in all nine provinces of South Africa and in neighbouring countries. The weed has been a target for biological control (biocontrol) in South Africa since 2003. The gall-forming rust fungus Prospodium transformans (Ellis & Everh.) Cummins (Pucciniales: Uropyxidaceae) was released in 2010, but failed to establish. Two leaf-feeding agents, Mada polluta (Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Pseudonapomyza sp. Hendel (Diptera: Agromyzidae), were subsequently released in South Africa in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Mada polluta has become established at seven sites in the low elevation coastal regions of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, but not in high elevation inland areas. The leaf-mining Pseudonapomyza sp. has established at seven sites in four provinces, namely the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga, but at low population densities. The deliberate destruction of release sites by landowners and inadvertent veld fires have confounded the establishment and proliferation of both agents, as well as progress on their post-release evaluation. A root-feeding flea beetle Heikertingerella sp. Csiki (Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae), initially collected in Mexico in 2007, was determined to be host specific and potentially effective as a new biocontrol agent of T. stans. An application for the release of Heikertingerella sp. in South Africa will shortly be submitted to the regulatory authorities. Additional mass-rearing and releases of the two established agents will be undertaken to improve their establishment and impact.
{"title":"Recent Advances in the Biological Control of Tecoma stans L. (Bignoniaceae) in South Africa","authors":"L. Madire, M. Netshiluvhi","doi":"10.4001/003.029.0889","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4001/003.029.0889","url":null,"abstract":"Tecoma stans (L.) Juss ex Kunth var. stans (Bignoniaceae) is an invasive shrub or small tree from Central America that continues to extend its range in all nine provinces of South Africa and in neighbouring countries. The weed has been a target for biological control (biocontrol) in South Africa since 2003. The gall-forming rust fungus Prospodium transformans (Ellis & Everh.) Cummins (Pucciniales: Uropyxidaceae) was released in 2010, but failed to establish. Two leaf-feeding agents, Mada polluta (Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Pseudonapomyza sp. Hendel (Diptera: Agromyzidae), were subsequently released in South Africa in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Mada polluta has become established at seven sites in the low elevation coastal regions of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, but not in high elevation inland areas. The leaf-mining Pseudonapomyza sp. has established at seven sites in four provinces, namely the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga, but at low population densities. The deliberate destruction of release sites by landowners and inadvertent veld fires have confounded the establishment and proliferation of both agents, as well as progress on their post-release evaluation. A root-feeding flea beetle Heikertingerella sp. Csiki (Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae), initially collected in Mexico in 2007, was determined to be host specific and potentially effective as a new biocontrol agent of T. stans. An application for the release of Heikertingerella sp. in South Africa will shortly be submitted to the regulatory authorities. Additional mass-rearing and releases of the two established agents will be undertaken to improve their establishment and impact.","PeriodicalId":7566,"journal":{"name":"African Entomology","volume":"29 1","pages":"889 - 895"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2021-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45974615","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cestrum (Solanaceae) species have become invasive in conservation and agricultural areas in South Africa, resulting in the initiation of a biological control (biocontrol) programme against these species in 2007. Of the four Cestrum species recorded in South Africa, Cestrum laevigatum Schltdl. and C. parqui L'Herit., which are both commonly referred to as inkberries, have become invasive while C. aurantiacum Lindl. and C. elegans (Brongn.) Schltdl. are still isolated at a few sites in the country. The biocontrol programme against Cestrum species (commonly called cestrum) was initially focussed on pathogens associated with these plants. Although the fungus Uromyces cestri Bertero ex Mont. (Pucciniales: Pucciniaceae) was found to be a promising agent for cestrum, the pathogen project was shelved due to lack of capacity. Field surveys conducted in Argentina from 2012 to 2020 revealed a total of eight phytophagous insects that could be candidate agents. Among these is a leaf-feeding flea beetle Epitrix sp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) that has been tested for host specificity. Out of 47 plant species tested to date, Epitrix sp. has only fed and developed on three Cestrum species, suggesting that it is suitable for release against cestrum in South Africa. Permission to release Epitrix sp. will be sought once it has been identified to the species level or it has been described as a new species. Two chrysomelid beetle species, a root-feeding flea beetle (Diphaulaca sp.) and an unidentified leaf-feeding flea beetle, were also collected on C. parqui, but attempts to rear the former were unsuccessful. Three other leaf-miners collected from C. parqui include: Acrocercops leucographa Clark (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), an unidentified moth (Lepidoptera: Argyresthiidae) and Liriomyza sp. nr. schlingerii (Diptera: Agromyzidae). A glass-winged butterfly (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) was the only herbivore that may be of biocontrol value on C. laevigatum. Whilst it is essential to extend the surveys to other regions of the native range, it is also important to prioritize the most promising potential biocontrol agents for further testing in South Africa. Given the suite of potential biocontrol agents in the native range, there are good prospects for the biocontrol of cestrum species in South Africa.
龙葵属(茄科)物种已成为南非自然保护区和农业区的入侵物种，因此在2007年启动了针对这些物种的生物防治计划。在南非记录到的四种鹿角中，有一种是鹿角。C. parqui L'Herit。这两种通常被称为墨汁浆果，已经成为侵入性的，而C. aurantiacum Lindl。秀丽隐杆线虫Schltdl。在国内的一些地方仍然被隔离。针对赤霉属植物(通常称为赤霉)的生物防治计划最初侧重于与这些植物相关的病原体。尽管真菌尿霉菌(uroomyces cestri Bertero ex Mont)。(puccininiales: puccininiaceae)被发现是一种很有前途的乳臭菌制剂，但由于容量不足，该病原体项目被搁置。2012年至2020年在阿根廷进行的实地调查显示，共有8种食植物昆虫可能是候选药剂。其中有一种以叶为食的蚤甲虫Epitrix sp.(鞘翅目:金蛉科)，已被测试具有寄主特异性。在迄今为止测试的47种植物中，Epitrix sp只以三种天牛为食并发育，这表明它适合在南非释放用于对付天牛。一旦它被鉴定为物种或被描述为新物种，将寻求释放许可。在parqui上也发现了两种金体甲虫，一种为根食跳蚤甲虫(Diphaulaca sp.)，一种为叶食跳蚤甲虫，但试图饲养前者没有成功。另外3种采叶蛾包括:鳞翅目:细叶蛾科(Acrocercops leucographa Clark)、一种身份不明的鳞翅目:银蛾科(argyresiidae)和schlingerii Liriomyza sp. nr. schlingerii双翅目:细叶蛾科(Agromyzidae)。玻璃翅蝶(鳞翅目:蛱蝶科)是唯一具有生物防制价值的草食动物。虽然有必要将调查扩展到本地范围的其他区域，但同样重要的是要优先考虑最有希望的潜在生物防治剂，以便在南非进行进一步测试。考虑到在南非本土范围内有一套潜在的生物防治剂，在南非有良好的生物防治前景。
{"title":"Progress and Prospects for Biological Control of Cestrum Species (Solanaceae) in South Africa","authors":"D. Simelane, K. V. Mawela, M. T. Defagó, A. Salvo","doi":"10.4001/003.029.0735","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4001/003.029.0735","url":null,"abstract":"Cestrum (Solanaceae) species have become invasive in conservation and agricultural areas in South Africa, resulting in the initiation of a biological control (biocontrol) programme against these species in 2007. Of the four Cestrum species recorded in South Africa, Cestrum laevigatum Schltdl. and C. parqui L'Herit., which are both commonly referred to as inkberries, have become invasive while C. aurantiacum Lindl. and C. elegans (Brongn.) Schltdl. are still isolated at a few sites in the country. The biocontrol programme against Cestrum species (commonly called cestrum) was initially focussed on pathogens associated with these plants. Although the fungus Uromyces cestri Bertero ex Mont. (Pucciniales: Pucciniaceae) was found to be a promising agent for cestrum, the pathogen project was shelved due to lack of capacity. Field surveys conducted in Argentina from 2012 to 2020 revealed a total of eight phytophagous insects that could be candidate agents. Among these is a leaf-feeding flea beetle Epitrix sp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) that has been tested for host specificity. Out of 47 plant species tested to date, Epitrix sp. has only fed and developed on three Cestrum species, suggesting that it is suitable for release against cestrum in South Africa. Permission to release Epitrix sp. will be sought once it has been identified to the species level or it has been described as a new species. Two chrysomelid beetle species, a root-feeding flea beetle (Diphaulaca sp.) and an unidentified leaf-feeding flea beetle, were also collected on C. parqui, but attempts to rear the former were unsuccessful. Three other leaf-miners collected from C. parqui include: Acrocercops leucographa Clark (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), an unidentified moth (Lepidoptera: Argyresthiidae) and Liriomyza sp. nr. schlingerii (Diptera: Agromyzidae). A glass-winged butterfly (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) was the only herbivore that may be of biocontrol value on C. laevigatum. Whilst it is essential to extend the surveys to other regions of the native range, it is also important to prioritize the most promising potential biocontrol agents for further testing in South Africa. Given the suite of potential biocontrol agents in the native range, there are good prospects for the biocontrol of cestrum species in South Africa.","PeriodicalId":7566,"journal":{"name":"African Entomology","volume":"29 1","pages":"735 - 741"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2021-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45236947","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lantana camara L. ‘lantana’ continues to pose economic and ecological challenges in South Africa. The present review provides a brief overview of biological control (biocontrol) agents established in South Africa, including their combined impact and individual performance of four agents released during the recent past. In total, 16 biocontrol agents are fully established on lantana in South Africa, and three of these are either indigenous or inadvertently introduced into the country. Despite the establishment of these agents, biocontrol of lantana is not effectively reducing the density of the weed, particularly in the inland regions of the country. However, recent studies showed that biocontrol is causing a significant reduction in plant growth, biomass and seed production at various sites in the coastal region of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and the continental area of Mpumalanga province. The sap-sucking mirid Falconia intermedia has been observed to resurge at a number of sites following its crashing countrywide after its release in 1999. Falconia intermedia is, however, still confined to the warm low-lying regions of the country. The flower-galling mite Aceria lantanae has dispersed widely throughout South Africa and some neighbouring countries. The mite reduced flower production of susceptible varieties by up to 97% in the humid coast of KZN. Eleven years after its release, the root-feeding flea beetle Longitarsus bethae is still largely confined to the vicinity of its release sites, where it is severely damaging lantana. Although populations of the petiole weevil Coelocephalapion camarae collapsed at many sites following its release, the weevil has persisted for over 15 years at two isolated sites in KZN province. Efforts are being made to mass rear and redistribute L. bethae and C. camarae in order to improve their establishment and dispersal rate. To cope with varietal resistance and climatic extremes, attempts to find new strains of the existing and promising biocontrol agents are continuing. To justify the continued development of additional agents, the ecological and economic benefits of biocontrol should be assessed, particularly in the coastal region where biocontrol is more effective.
{"title":"Current Status of Biological Control of Lantana camara L. (sensu lato) in South Africa","authors":"D. Simelane, N. Katembo, K. V. Mawela","doi":"10.4001/003.029.0775","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4001/003.029.0775","url":null,"abstract":"Lantana camara L. ‘lantana’ continues to pose economic and ecological challenges in South Africa. The present review provides a brief overview of biological control (biocontrol) agents established in South Africa, including their combined impact and individual performance of four agents released during the recent past. In total, 16 biocontrol agents are fully established on lantana in South Africa, and three of these are either indigenous or inadvertently introduced into the country. Despite the establishment of these agents, biocontrol of lantana is not effectively reducing the density of the weed, particularly in the inland regions of the country. However, recent studies showed that biocontrol is causing a significant reduction in plant growth, biomass and seed production at various sites in the coastal region of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and the continental area of Mpumalanga province. The sap-sucking mirid Falconia intermedia has been observed to resurge at a number of sites following its crashing countrywide after its release in 1999. Falconia intermedia is, however, still confined to the warm low-lying regions of the country. The flower-galling mite Aceria lantanae has dispersed widely throughout South Africa and some neighbouring countries. The mite reduced flower production of susceptible varieties by up to 97% in the humid coast of KZN. Eleven years after its release, the root-feeding flea beetle Longitarsus bethae is still largely confined to the vicinity of its release sites, where it is severely damaging lantana. Although populations of the petiole weevil Coelocephalapion camarae collapsed at many sites following its release, the weevil has persisted for over 15 years at two isolated sites in KZN province. Efforts are being made to mass rear and redistribute L. bethae and C. camarae in order to improve their establishment and dispersal rate. To cope with varietal resistance and climatic extremes, attempts to find new strains of the existing and promising biocontrol agents are continuing. To justify the continued development of additional agents, the ecological and economic benefits of biocontrol should be assessed, particularly in the coastal region where biocontrol is more effective.","PeriodicalId":7566,"journal":{"name":"African Entomology","volume":"29 1","pages":"775 - 783"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2021-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45283367","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
In the last decade, biological control in South Africa has evolved from a classical applied science, allied to an extension service, to a more community engagement-based activity. Therefore, capacity building is important for the sustainability of biological control research and its implementation. In South Africa, a broad approach has been taken to build capacity in weed biological control, starting at grass-roots level with primary and secondary school learner programmes, through to developing research capacity at the tertiary level and enhancing technical capacity through adult education. Non-specialists are empowered through access to knowledge. The dissemination of accurate information through the most appropriate outlets has become increasingly important, including non-traditional science communication through the internet and, more importantly, social media, which has the potential to reach a far wider audience. Public understanding of biological control has the potential to contribute significantly to the green and knowledge economies of South Africa, but relies on government support for the sustainability of this discipline.
{"title":"Efforts Towards Engaging Communities to Promote the Benefits of Biological Control Research and Implementation in South Africa","authors":"K. N. Weaver, M. Hill, M. Byrne, P. Ivey","doi":"10.4001/003.029.1045","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4001/003.029.1045","url":null,"abstract":"In the last decade, biological control in South Africa has evolved from a classical applied science, allied to an extension service, to a more community engagement-based activity. Therefore, capacity building is important for the sustainability of biological control research and its implementation. In South Africa, a broad approach has been taken to build capacity in weed biological control, starting at grass-roots level with primary and secondary school learner programmes, through to developing research capacity at the tertiary level and enhancing technical capacity through adult education. Non-specialists are empowered through access to knowledge. The dissemination of accurate information through the most appropriate outlets has become increasingly important, including non-traditional science communication through the internet and, more importantly, social media, which has the potential to reach a far wider audience. Public understanding of biological control has the potential to contribute significantly to the green and knowledge economies of South Africa, but relies on government support for the sustainability of this discipline.","PeriodicalId":7566,"journal":{"name":"African Entomology","volume":"29 1","pages":"1045 - 1059"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2021-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46534514","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Biological control programmes against the asteraceous weeds Tithonia rotundifolia (Mill.) S.F. Blake and Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray were initiated in South Africa in 2007, and that against Tithonia tubaeformis (Jacq.) Cass in 2017, following its discovery in Mpumalanga Province (MP). Permission to release two leaf-feeding beetles, Zygogramma signatipennis Stål and Zygogramma piceicollis Stål (Chrysomelidae) against T. rotundifolia was granted in 2014, while permission to release a defoliating tortoise beetle, Physonota maculiventris Stål, against T. diversifolia was granted in 2018. The two Zygogramma spp. were released in Gauteng (GP), KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Limpopo (LP), and MP provinces from 2014 to 2019. Zygogramma signatipennis established at only a few sites in MP, where it persisted for up to four years and later collapsed. Zygogramma piceicollis initially established in GP and perished a year later. Physonota maculiventris was released in KZN, LP and MP, and has overwintered at 50% of the release sites. Investigations to explain the demise of both Zygogramma spp. and determine ways to improve their release and establishment are underway. Host-specificity testing of a stem-boring weevil, Lixus fimbriolatus Boheman (Curculionidae), a candidate agent for T. rotundifolia, was successfully completed. An application for permission to release the weevil will be submitted to the regulatory authorities in due course. Additional host-specificity testing of agents for T. diversifolia has prioritised a leaf-mining moth, Melanocinclis sp. (Cosmopterigidae) for further assessment, while a leaf-feeding plume moth, Hellinsia sp. (Pterophoridae), and a stem-boring moth, Suleima skinnerana (Heinrich) (Tortricidae), were rejected. Investigations to determine the full identity, origin and host range of a leaf-sucking lace bug (Hemiptera: Tingidae), discovered on T. diversifolia in KZN, LP and MP, are underway. Surveys in climate-matched regions of the Central American native range of the target Tithonia spp. are imperative to identify natural enemies that may be more adaptable to persist across the plants' distribution in South Africa.
{"title":"Biological Control of Tithonia spp. (Asteraceae) in South Africa: Challenges and Possibilities","authors":"K. V. Mawela, D. Simelane","doi":"10.4001/003.029.0896","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4001/003.029.0896","url":null,"abstract":"Biological control programmes against the asteraceous weeds Tithonia rotundifolia (Mill.) S.F. Blake and Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray were initiated in South Africa in 2007, and that against Tithonia tubaeformis (Jacq.) Cass in 2017, following its discovery in Mpumalanga Province (MP). Permission to release two leaf-feeding beetles, Zygogramma signatipennis Stål and Zygogramma piceicollis Stål (Chrysomelidae) against T. rotundifolia was granted in 2014, while permission to release a defoliating tortoise beetle, Physonota maculiventris Stål, against T. diversifolia was granted in 2018. The two Zygogramma spp. were released in Gauteng (GP), KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Limpopo (LP), and MP provinces from 2014 to 2019. Zygogramma signatipennis established at only a few sites in MP, where it persisted for up to four years and later collapsed. Zygogramma piceicollis initially established in GP and perished a year later. Physonota maculiventris was released in KZN, LP and MP, and has overwintered at 50% of the release sites. Investigations to explain the demise of both Zygogramma spp. and determine ways to improve their release and establishment are underway. Host-specificity testing of a stem-boring weevil, Lixus fimbriolatus Boheman (Curculionidae), a candidate agent for T. rotundifolia, was successfully completed. An application for permission to release the weevil will be submitted to the regulatory authorities in due course. Additional host-specificity testing of agents for T. diversifolia has prioritised a leaf-mining moth, Melanocinclis sp. (Cosmopterigidae) for further assessment, while a leaf-feeding plume moth, Hellinsia sp. (Pterophoridae), and a stem-boring moth, Suleima skinnerana (Heinrich) (Tortricidae), were rejected. Investigations to determine the full identity, origin and host range of a leaf-sucking lace bug (Hemiptera: Tingidae), discovered on T. diversifolia in KZN, LP and MP, are underway. Surveys in climate-matched regions of the Central American native range of the target Tithonia spp. are imperative to identify natural enemies that may be more adaptable to persist across the plants' distribution in South Africa.","PeriodicalId":7566,"journal":{"name":"African Entomology","volume":"29 1","pages":"896 - 904"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2021-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45102467","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Regulation of biological control (biocontrol) is essential to ensure its continued safety and to enhance its acceptability as a key contributor to the management of damaging invasive alien plants in South Africa. Local researchers were concerned that regulators may become risk averse and over-cautious, thus preventing introductions of safe biocontrol agents, as bureaucratic impediments have contributed to the decline in the number of biocontrol releases in several other countries. In South Africa, the introduction of a transparent and inclusive review process has averted these concerns. Legislation in South Africa enables departments concerned with protecting environmental and agricultural resources, to work together to regulate potential risks. An interdepartmental committee, advised by independent specialists, facilitate the review of research into the safety of potential biocontrol agents. Regulators have reviewed and timeously assessed 26 potential biocontrol agents between 2013 and 2020. This has ensured that the considerable benefits from safe biocontrol agents are available for management of some of South Africa's worst invasive alien plants. We review the system in South Africa and suggest possible improvements to the regulatory framework.
{"title":"Advances in the Regulation of Weed Biological Control in South Africa","authors":"P. Ivey, M. Hill, C. Zachariades","doi":"10.4001/003.029.1060","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4001/003.029.1060","url":null,"abstract":"Regulation of biological control (biocontrol) is essential to ensure its continued safety and to enhance its acceptability as a key contributor to the management of damaging invasive alien plants in South Africa. Local researchers were concerned that regulators may become risk averse and over-cautious, thus preventing introductions of safe biocontrol agents, as bureaucratic impediments have contributed to the decline in the number of biocontrol releases in several other countries. In South Africa, the introduction of a transparent and inclusive review process has averted these concerns. Legislation in South Africa enables departments concerned with protecting environmental and agricultural resources, to work together to regulate potential risks. An interdepartmental committee, advised by independent specialists, facilitate the review of research into the safety of potential biocontrol agents. Regulators have reviewed and timeously assessed 26 potential biocontrol agents between 2013 and 2020. This has ensured that the considerable benefits from safe biocontrol agents are available for management of some of South Africa's worst invasive alien plants. We review the system in South Africa and suggest possible improvements to the regulatory framework.","PeriodicalId":7566,"journal":{"name":"African Entomology","volume":"29 1","pages":"1060 - 1076"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2021-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44703994","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C. Kleinjan, J. Hoffmann, Fritz Heystek, P. Ivey, Y. Kistensamy
South Africa was the first country to deploy biological control (biocontrol) against invasive Prosopis populations. Developments in this regard have been ongoing, and have been reviewed, at approximately 10-year intervals, since 1991. This review spans the period 2011-2020, a timespan globally characterised by increased awareness of the impacts of invasive Prosopis populations, and recognition of the need for improved management. Concerted international collaboration has resulted in enhanced clarity on phylogenetic relationships within the Leguminosae and the phylogenetic placement of Prosopis. These advances have improved the framework for interpreting the host range of potential agents and for evaluating risk. At the outset of the biocontrol programme, in the 1980s, only agents that consumed mature seeds were considered. The intention was to reduce the invasiveness of Prosopis while simultaneously retaining it as a usable resource. The programme was subsequently expanded to investigate agents that prevent pod set or maturation of seed. More recently, potential agents that damage the vegetative growth of the plants have been included in response to recognition in South Africa, that there is no other route to successful management of Prosopis. There is a wealth of largely unexplored potential in this regard.
{"title":"Developments and Prospects for Biological Control of Prosopis (Leguminosae) in South Africa","authors":"C. Kleinjan, J. Hoffmann, Fritz Heystek, P. Ivey, Y. Kistensamy","doi":"10.4001/003.029.0859","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4001/003.029.0859","url":null,"abstract":"South Africa was the first country to deploy biological control (biocontrol) against invasive Prosopis populations. Developments in this regard have been ongoing, and have been reviewed, at approximately 10-year intervals, since 1991. This review spans the period 2011-2020, a timespan globally characterised by increased awareness of the impacts of invasive Prosopis populations, and recognition of the need for improved management. Concerted international collaboration has resulted in enhanced clarity on phylogenetic relationships within the Leguminosae and the phylogenetic placement of Prosopis. These advances have improved the framework for interpreting the host range of potential agents and for evaluating risk. At the outset of the biocontrol programme, in the 1980s, only agents that consumed mature seeds were considered. The intention was to reduce the invasiveness of Prosopis while simultaneously retaining it as a usable resource. The programme was subsequently expanded to investigate agents that prevent pod set or maturation of seed. More recently, potential agents that damage the vegetative growth of the plants have been included in response to recognition in South Africa, that there is no other route to successful management of Prosopis. There is a wealth of largely unexplored potential in this regard.","PeriodicalId":7566,"journal":{"name":"African Entomology","volume":"29 1","pages":"859 - 874"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2021-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46364359","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Calycemorda kamerunensis Ermisch, 1969 is redescribed and illustrated based on the only two known specimens since the collection of the holotype; the species is recorded from Gabon for the first time.
{"title":"On the Rediscovery of Calycemorda kamerunensis Ermisch, 1969 (Mordellidae: Mordellistenini)","authors":"E. Ruzzier","doi":"10.4001/003.029.0658","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4001/003.029.0658","url":null,"abstract":"Calycemorda kamerunensis Ermisch, 1969 is redescribed and illustrated based on the only two known specimens since the collection of the holotype; the species is recorded from Gabon for the first time.","PeriodicalId":7566,"journal":{"name":"African Entomology","volume":"29 1","pages":"658 - 662"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2021-09-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43597811","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The harshest period for honey bee colonies in most countries is the winter season. During this period high percentages of colonies are lost due to low air temperature. Searching for the suitable areas to place bee colonies during winter (wintering) is very essential to reduce colony losses. In this study, several datasets (temperature, precipitation, solar radiation, wind speed, slope, distance from roads, and distance from plants) were analysed to identify suitable areas for wintering of bee colonies in Egypt with a focus on deserts. Indeed, deserts represent the highest percentage of the Egyptian land. The study classified Egypt into three suitability degrees: more suitable, suitable and less suitable. The south and some western areas contained the more suitable areas while some governorates had only either suitable or less suitable areas. The more suitable areas for bee wintering in deserts concentrated mainly at Matrouh and Red Sea governorates, and some areas in South Sinai and Al Wadi Al Gadid governorates. The equal contribution of datasets in the suitability map was tested and confirmed by creating a modified suitability map. It is better for beekeepers to keep their colonies in dry and warm areas during winter. The method presented in this study can be employed by other researchers to boost survival of bee colonies during winter in their countries.
对大多数国家的蜜蜂来说，最严酷的时期是冬季。在此期间，由于气温过低，蜂群损失的比例很高。在冬季(越冬)寻找合适的地方安置蜂群对减少蜂群损失是非常重要的。在这项研究中，分析了几个数据集(温度、降水、太阳辐射、风速、坡度、与道路的距离和与植物的距离)，以确定埃及蜂群越冬的合适区域，重点是沙漠。事实上，沙漠占埃及土地的比例最高。该研究将埃及分为三个适宜度:更适宜、适宜和不适宜。南部和一些西部地区有较适宜的地区，而有些省份只有适宜或较不适宜的地区。最适合蜜蜂在沙漠中越冬的地区主要集中在Matrouh省和红海省，以及南西奈省和Al Wadi Al Gadid省的部分地区。通过创建修改后的适宜性图，验证了数据集在适宜性图中的平均贡献。养蜂人在冬天最好把蜂群放在干燥温暖的地方。本研究中提出的方法可以被其他研究人员采用，以提高其国家冬季蜂群的存活率。
{"title":"GIS Analysis to Locate More Suitable Wintering Areas for Honey Bee Colonies in Agricultural and Desert Lands","authors":"H. Abou-Shaara","doi":"10.4001/003.029.0405","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4001/003.029.0405","url":null,"abstract":"The harshest period for honey bee colonies in most countries is the winter season. During this period high percentages of colonies are lost due to low air temperature. Searching for the suitable areas to place bee colonies during winter (wintering) is very essential to reduce colony losses. In this study, several datasets (temperature, precipitation, solar radiation, wind speed, slope, distance from roads, and distance from plants) were analysed to identify suitable areas for wintering of bee colonies in Egypt with a focus on deserts. Indeed, deserts represent the highest percentage of the Egyptian land. The study classified Egypt into three suitability degrees: more suitable, suitable and less suitable. The south and some western areas contained the more suitable areas while some governorates had only either suitable or less suitable areas. The more suitable areas for bee wintering in deserts concentrated mainly at Matrouh and Red Sea governorates, and some areas in South Sinai and Al Wadi Al Gadid governorates. The equal contribution of datasets in the suitability map was tested and confirmed by creating a modified suitability map. It is better for beekeepers to keep their colonies in dry and warm areas during winter. The method presented in this study can be employed by other researchers to boost survival of bee colonies during winter in their countries.","PeriodicalId":7566,"journal":{"name":"African Entomology","volume":"29 1","pages":"405 - 413"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2021-09-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41975433","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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