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SUSFOR PROGRAM: SUSTAINABLE FORESTS AND PRODUCTS
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Enhancing biological control against Eucalyptus pests
Publication . Garcia, André Filipe Fidalgo Casquilho; Simões, Manuela Rodrigues Branco; Silva, José Carlos Franco Santos
We investigated different biological control tactics against eucalypts pests, in four case
studies: a) fortuitous introduction of a biocontrol agent; b) survey of new potential
biocontrol agents for classical biological control; c) possible use of a parasitoid in the
biological control of a new insect pest, which was previously introduced to cope with a
congener pest species; and d) use of a native predator in conservation biological control.
In the first study we report the presence of the gall wasp Epichrysocharis burwelli in
Portugal (first record in Europe and Palearctic region), infesting leaves of Corymbia
citriodora, in four out of seven sampled locations, along Tagus river, between Lisbon and
Castelo Branco. A new parasitoid species for Europe, Closterocerus sp. was found
parasitizing E. burwelli.
Classical biological control of Gonipterus platensis with Anaphes nitens proved to be
insufficient in Portugal. A study on trophic interactions was carried out in Tasmania for
the first time, for the selection of new potential biocontrol agents against G. platensis. Six
Gonipterus species were identified. Five parasitoid species were collected from
Gonipterus egg pods. No significant host specialization was observed between
Gonipterus and egg parasitoids. Gonipterus platensis was mainly found on Eucalyptus
ovata.
In a third study, we demonstrated that Closterocerus chamaeleon, parasitoid of
Ophelimus maskelli is able to complete development in Ophelimus sp., a gall wasp newly
found in Southern Europe attacking E. globulus. We suggest that the lack of parasitism
of Ophelimus sp. in field conditions is possibly due to life cycle asynchrony between the
parasitoid and the gall wasp.
The native predator Anthocoris nemoralis was observed feeding on nymphs of Glycaspis
brimblecombei, an exotic psyllid pest of E. camaldulensis. We showed that A. nemoralis
is able to lay eggs on the leaves of E. camaldulensis and to complete its development
preying on G. brimblecombei nymphs. The predator significantly reduced psyllid
population in mesocosm experiments.
Altogether, our work shows constraints and opportunities on different aspects of the
biological control of Eucalyptus pests in its invaded range
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Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
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PD/BD/52693/2014