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Parkinsonia Biological Control
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Parkinsonia field work
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In 1983 a biological control program was commenced by QNRM
(now QNRME), NT DPIF (now NT DIPE) and Agriculture WA (now
DAWA). The Australian Agricultural Council approved P.
aculeata as a target for biological control in Australia
in 1983. Native range surveys were largely restricted to northern
Mexico and southern USA. A short survey trip was also made
to Costa Rica in December 1984.
Very few potential biological control agents were found during
these surveys, and only the two most promising were released
in Australia, a seed-feeding beetle (Mimosestes ulkei)
and sap-sucking bug (Rhinocloa callicrates). Neither
became widely established in Australia or resulted in impact.
In addition, a second seed-feeding
beetle, Penthobruchus germaini, from Argentina
was tested and subsequently released. It has become widespread
and abundant and its impact across Australia is now being
evaluated.
Existing agents:
Penthobruchus germaini
(Bruchidae): seed-feeder
Mimosestes ulkei (Bruchidae): seed-feeder
Rhinocloa callicrates (Miridae): sap-sucker
Search for new agents
CSIRO initiated surveys for new potential biological control
agents in 2002. Survey effort is being concentrated on Central
America as this is where current knowledge suggests the native
range of parkinsonia is likely to be. Regular surveys are
being conducted in Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua
and Venezuela.
Ecological research is also being conducted in Australia
to help inform decisions regarding the type of insect or pathogen
that is likely to be most effective in managing parkinsonia,
to provide pre-release data to help assess any new agents
that are released, and to help integrate biological control
with other management options.
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Parkinsonia workshop
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