Robert Spooner-hart - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Robert Spooner-hart
Australasian Plant Disease Notes, 2008
We report the occurrence of Colletotrichum acutatum and C. gloeosporioides on leaves of olives (O... more We report the occurrence of Colletotrichum acutatum and C. gloeosporioides on leaves of olives (Olea europaea) for the first time in Australia. Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum acutatum and C. gloeosporioides is a common and widespread fruit rot disease of olives (Olea europaea L.) in most olive growing regions in the world. The first record of C. gloeosporioides on olive fruit in Australia was from Wagga Wagga, NSW, in 1969 (DAR 17788) and that of C. acutatum on fruit at both Roseberry, NSW (DAR 64937) and Parramatta, NSW (DAR 65049) in 1989. We report the occurrence of anthracnose caused by C. acutatum and C. gloeosporioides on leaves of olives (Olea europaea) for the first time in Australia. Anthracnose has been previously recorded on olive leaves in Mediterranean countries such as Portugal, Spain and Italy (Tjamos et al. 1993; Talhinhas et al. 2005). Olive anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum spp. is becoming an important disease of fruits causing major losses in yield of olives and the quality of olive oil (Iannota et al. 1999; Talhinhas et al. 2005). Leaf spot disease caused by C. acutatum J.H. Simmonds and C. gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz. & Sacc. was observed in Australia in July 2007 on 8-10 years old olive trees of var. Barnea and var. Manzanillo with a case history of anthracnose
Australasian Plant Disease Notes, 2008
Berry rot caused by Pseudocercospora cladosporioides is reported for the first time on Olea europ... more Berry rot caused by Pseudocercospora cladosporioides is reported for the first time on Olea europaea in Australia.
Social Science Research Network, 2022
After a brief workshop summary by Spooner Hart, discussion leading to the assignment of activitie... more After a brief workshop summary by Spooner Hart, discussion leading to the assignment of activities followed, coordinated by Spooner-Hart and Huda
Journal of Apicultural Research, 2011
FEMS Microbiology Ecology, Nov 21, 2020
ABSTRACT Maintaining beneficial interactions with microbial symbionts is vital for animal health.... more ABSTRACT Maintaining beneficial interactions with microbial symbionts is vital for animal health. Yet, for social insects, the stability of microbial associations within and between cohorts is largely unknown. We investigated temporal changes in the microbiomes of nine stingless bee (Tetragonula carbonaria) colonies at seven timepoints across a 10-month period when moved between two climatically and florally different sites. Bacterial 16S rRNA gene and fungal ITS amplicon sequencing confirmed that microbiomes varied considerably between colonies initially at site one. However, following relocation, considerable changes occurred in bacterial community composition within each colony, and the microbiome composition became more similar across colonies. Notably, Snodgrassella disappeared and Zymobacter appeared as relatively abundant taxa. Remarkably, bacterial communities within colonies continued to shift over time but remained similar across colonies, becoming dominated by Acinetobacter six months after returning to the original site. Our results indicate that the stingless bee microbiome can undergo major changes in response to the environment, and that these changes can be long-lasting. Such legacy effects have not been reported for corbiculate bees. Further understanding the microbial ecology of stingless bees will aid future management of colonies used in agricultural production.
Bulletin of Entomological Research, Mar 23, 2009
Bulletin of Entomological Research, Jan 15, 2010
Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, Jun 1, 2023
Australasian Plant Disease Notes, 2008
New evidence is provided for early asymptomatic infection of flowers of olive varieties Barnea an... more New evidence is provided for early asymptomatic infection of flowers of olive varieties Barnea and Manzanillo by Colletotrichum acutatum and C. gloeosporioides. Asymptomatic infection of olive flowers by these species of Colletotrichum and the likely quiescent behaviour of the pathogens resulting in symptomatic disease expression of mature fruits has not been recorded anywhere previously.
Journal of Thermal Biology, Jul 1, 2023
Australasian Plant Disease Notes, Dec 1, 2008
We report the occurrence of Colletotrichum acutatum and C. gloeosporioides on leaves of olives (O... more We report the occurrence of Colletotrichum acutatum and C. gloeosporioides on leaves of olives (Olea europaea) for the first time in Australia. Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum acutatum and C. gloeosporioides is a common and widespread fruit rot disease of olives (Olea europaea L.) in most olive growing regions in the world. The first record of C. gloeosporioides on olive fruit in Australia was from Wagga Wagga, NSW, in 1969 (DAR 17788) and that of C. acutatum on fruit at both Roseberry, NSW (DAR 64937) and Parramatta, NSW (DAR 65049) in 1989. We report the occurrence of anthracnose caused by C. acutatum and C. gloeosporioides on leaves of olives (Olea europaea) for the first time in Australia. Anthracnose has been previously recorded on olive leaves in Mediterranean countries such as Portugal, Spain and Italy (Tjamos et al. 1993; Talhinhas et al. 2005). Olive anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum spp. is becoming an important disease of fruits causing major losses in yield of olives and the quality of olive oil (Iannota et al. 1999; Talhinhas et al. 2005). Leaf spot disease caused by C. acutatum J.H. Simmonds and C. gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz. & Sacc. was observed in Australia in July 2007 on 8-10 years old olive trees of var. Barnea and var. Manzanillo with a case history of anthracnose
Proceedings of The Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, Jun 14, 2023
Native bees augment pollination services in the Northern Hemisphere, especially cultivated apple ... more Native bees augment pollination services in the Northern Hemisphere, especially cultivated apple crops, yet Southern Hemisphere contexts are poorly known. We observed the foraging behaviour of 69 354 invertebrate flower visitors in Australian orchards (two regions, 3 years) to assess the efficacy of pollination service ( P eff ). Native stingless bees and introduced honey bees were the most abundant visitors and most efficacious pollinators ( Tetragonula P eff = 6.16; Apis P eff = 13.02), with Tetragonula becoming important service providers above 22°C. However, visits by tree-nesting stingless bees decreased with distance from native forest (less than 200 m) and their tropical/subtropical distribution precludes pollination service in other major Australian apple-producing regions. More broadly distributed native allodapine and halictine bees transferred the most pollen per-visit, but their low abundances reduce efficacies ( Exoneura P eff = 0.03; Lasioglossum P eff = 0.06), resulting in a general dependence on honey bees. This reliance is a burden of biogeography, since key Northern Hemisphere pollinators of apple ( Andrena, Apis , Bombus , Osmia ) do not naturally occur in Australasia—where there is only 15% generic overlap with Central Asian bees sympatric with wild apple distributions (cf. Palaearctic 66% and Nearctic 46% generic overlaps). The historical biogeography of bees therefore drives an extreme dependence on one introduced species for apple pollination in Australia.
Acta horticulturae, Oct 1, 2016
Centipeda is a genus in the family Asteraceae comprising 12 taxa in 10 species. All but one speci... more Centipeda is a genus in the family Asteraceae comprising 12 taxa in 10 species. All but one species occur in Australia. There are documented traditional medicinal uses of five species across Australia, India and China. Investigations of the aqueous ethanolic extract of C. cunninghamii (DC) A. Braun & Asch. have confirmed its antiinflammatory and antioxidant (ORAC) activity. Detailed investigations suggest that the extract acts against a range of inflammatory markers including; PGE 2 COX, NO and TNF-α, but not through the lipoxygenase pathway. Seventeen compounds were isolated and subsequent bioassays indicated that the anti-inflammatory activity was linked to flavonoids and terpenoids, whilst the antioxidant activity was attributed to both flavonoids and a group of novel heptenedioic acid caffeoyl esters. Quality control for medicinal plant production of this species has utilised the levels of phenolics, flavonoids and sequiterpenes to optimise growing and extraction parameters.
The paper outlines some approaches for coping with the agrometeorological risks and uncertainties... more The paper outlines some approaches for coping with the agrometeorological risks and uncertainties associated with integrated pest management, based on the Australian experience with canola. The need to understand the linkage between climate and pest cycles is discussed, as is the need to include factors relating to local farming practice and farm economy in the risk assessment process. Areas for further study, such as the relationship between macro- and microclimate, and the timing of pesticide application, are outlined. A major focus of Australian research is the optimisation of natural controls relating to informed planting strategies, and the minimisation of pesticide application through the prediction of climatic influences, in the interests of sustainable and cost effective control of disease agents. Some epidemiological and risk management perspectives for building capacity to support this concept are outlined
Acta horticulturae, Apr 1, 2018
The olive lace bug, Froggattia olivinia Froggatt, is an Australian sap-sucking insect initially r... more The olive lace bug, Froggattia olivinia Froggatt, is an Australian sap-sucking insect initially reported feeding on the underside of leaves of its native host, Notelaea longifolia Vent, in eastern Australia. While most tingids are typically host specific, F. olivinia has moved from its native host to cultivated olive, Olea europaea L., which poses a significant pest threat to the Australian olive industry. In both hosts, F. olivinia is responsible for chlorotic spotting and yellowing of leaves and, in extreme cases, leaf drop and twig and branch dieback. While both plant species belong to the family Oleaceae, movement from the indigenous to the introduced host is poorly understood. An outcome of the movement of olive plants and the expanding olive industry throughout Australia has led to the introduction and establishment of F. olivinia populations in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania, and increased pest status in eastern Australia. Determining the original source of these introduced populations is important to prevent the further spread of F. olivinia as well as to assist in the management of this species, which is difficult to control. Our preliminary study, using cytochrome oxidase I (COI) sequences and involving bugs collected from 25 locations in eight regions, suggests that populations introduced to South Australia originated from the Sydney Basin and/or South Eastern Highlands (specifically Goulburn and Canberra), whereas Western Australian and isolated Victorian populations point towards a likely origin of south-east Queensland. Outliers from the Sydney Basin and South Eastern Highlands populations, however, confound the precise source. For future management of F. olivinia, further research is paramount in understanding how infestations in olive groves, particularly in its natural range in New South Wales and south-east Queensland, transfer between sites, as well as movement into groves from native host plants in adjoining vegetation
General and Applied Entomology: The Journal of the Entomological Society of New South Wales, 2002
Laboratory bioassays compared the pathogenicity of six isolates of 'Metarhizium anisopliae... more Laboratory bioassays compared the pathogenicity of six isolates of 'Metarhizium anisopliae' and 'Beauveria bassiana' against second instar citrus mealybugs, 'Planococcus citri' under conditions of 26 +/- 1 degreesC, and 85 +/- 1% RH in 24 hour darkness. All isolates exhibited pathogenicity. 'M. anisopliae' isolate FI-1248 was the most virulent isolate in both water and oil suspensions with LC50 values of 6.4 x 105 conidia/mL and 3.4 x 104 conidia/mL respectively. 'M. anisopliae' isolate FI-0985 was found to be the least virulent.
General and Applied Entomology: The Journal of the Entomological Society of New South Wales, 2004
Overseas 'Forficula auricularia' L. is recorded as a pest of apple. In Australia however ... more Overseas 'Forficula auricularia' L. is recorded as a pest of apple. In Australia however it has been shown capable of providing biological control of 'Erisoma lanigerum' Hausmann in apple orchards. Laboratory, field cage and crop assessments at harvest were used to identify and determine the extent of damage caused by 'F. auricularia' to varieties of apple grown commercially in Australia. In the laboratory, in the absence of alternative food sources, the varieties Golden Delicious and Sundowner were susceptible to 'F. auricularia' damage and most damage occurred on or close to the calyx. No damage was recorded on Granny Smith, Jonathan, Red Delicious, Red Fuji and Smoothe. In field cages Red Delicious and Granny Smith were not damaged, and the variety Jonathan was damaged in December but not in January or February. At harvest, 'F. auricularia' damage was difficult to distinguish from that caused by the Light Brown Apple moth 'Epiphyas postyittana' (Walker). Damage attributed to 'F. auricularia' in Jonathan was 2.48%. Red Delicious 1.77% and Granny Smith 0.39%.
Acta Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae, 2017
Influence of temperature on the development of the predatory ladybird, Stethorus vagans Blackburn... more Influence of temperature on the development of the predatory ladybird, Stethorus vagans Blackburn, fed on Tetranychus urticae Koch was assessed at seven constant (10, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 °C) and fluctuating (12.7-32.1 °C) temperatures. There was a strong positive correlation (r = 0.99) between rate of development and temperature. The development times from egg to adult emergence were 65.2±2.3 and 9.2±0.3 days at 12 and 30 °C constant, respectively and 15.4±0.3 days at fluctuating temperature. Average egg incubation period decreased from 16.5±0.8 to 2.18±0.2 days with increasing temperatures from 12 to 30 °C, respectively and was 4.1±0.3 days at the fluctuating temperature. Eggs did not develop at 10 °C; however, they could survive a long period of exposure to this temperature. None of two hundred eggs that were placed at a constant temperature of 10 °C for 60 days hatched; but when they were subsequently exposed to ≥ 15 °C, more than 120 of them hatched. Eggs appeared to develop normally at 35 °C, however, larvae died before or immediately after emergence. The lower development threshold temperature for egg, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th larval instars, pupal and all these stages combined was 10.1, 9.5, 9.5, 9.1, 8.2, 8.0, and 9.1 °C, respectively. Degree-day (DD) accumulation was also calculated for each stage as well as for all stages combined. It was estimated to be 189.2±4.8 DD at 12 °C and 207.8±6.9 DD at 30 °C constant, respectively, and 189.1±5.0 DD at fluctuating temperatures.
Heredity, Feb 3, 2022
Maternally inherited bacterial endosymbionts that affect host fitness are common in nature. Some ... more Maternally inherited bacterial endosymbionts that affect host fitness are common in nature. Some endosymbionts colonise host populations by reproductive manipulations (such as cytoplasmic incompatibility; CI) that increase the reproductive fitness of infected over uninfected females. Theory predicts that CI-inducing endosymbionts in haplodiploid hosts may also influence sex allocation, including in compatible crosses, however, empirical evidence for this is scarce. We examined the role of two common CIinducing endosymbionts, Cardinium and Wolbachia, in the sex allocation of Pezothrips kellyanus, a haplodiploid thrips species with a split sex ratio. In this species, irrespective of infection status, some mated females are constrained to produce extremely malebiased broods, whereas other females produce extremely female-biased broods. We analysed brood sex ratio of females mated with males of the same infection status at two temperatures. We found that at 20°C the frequency of constrained sex allocation in coinfected pairs was reduced by 27% when compared to uninfected pairs. However, at 25°C the constrained sex allocation frequency increased and became similar between coinfected and uninfected pairs, resulting in more male-biased population sex ratios at the higher temperature. This temperature-dependent pattern occurred without changes in endosymbiont densities and compatibility. Our findings indicate that endosymbionts affect sex ratios of haplodiploid hosts beyond the commonly recognised reproductive manipulations by causing female-biased sex allocation in a temperature-dependent fashion. This may contribute to a higher transmission efficiency of CI-inducing endosymbionts and is consistent with previous models that predict that CI by itself is less efficient in driving endosymbiont invasions in haplodiploid hosts.
Australasian Plant Disease Notes, 2008
We report the occurrence of Colletotrichum acutatum and C. gloeosporioides on leaves of olives (O... more We report the occurrence of Colletotrichum acutatum and C. gloeosporioides on leaves of olives (Olea europaea) for the first time in Australia. Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum acutatum and C. gloeosporioides is a common and widespread fruit rot disease of olives (Olea europaea L.) in most olive growing regions in the world. The first record of C. gloeosporioides on olive fruit in Australia was from Wagga Wagga, NSW, in 1969 (DAR 17788) and that of C. acutatum on fruit at both Roseberry, NSW (DAR 64937) and Parramatta, NSW (DAR 65049) in 1989. We report the occurrence of anthracnose caused by C. acutatum and C. gloeosporioides on leaves of olives (Olea europaea) for the first time in Australia. Anthracnose has been previously recorded on olive leaves in Mediterranean countries such as Portugal, Spain and Italy (Tjamos et al. 1993; Talhinhas et al. 2005). Olive anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum spp. is becoming an important disease of fruits causing major losses in yield of olives and the quality of olive oil (Iannota et al. 1999; Talhinhas et al. 2005). Leaf spot disease caused by C. acutatum J.H. Simmonds and C. gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz. & Sacc. was observed in Australia in July 2007 on 8-10 years old olive trees of var. Barnea and var. Manzanillo with a case history of anthracnose
Australasian Plant Disease Notes, 2008
Berry rot caused by Pseudocercospora cladosporioides is reported for the first time on Olea europ... more Berry rot caused by Pseudocercospora cladosporioides is reported for the first time on Olea europaea in Australia.
Social Science Research Network, 2022
After a brief workshop summary by Spooner Hart, discussion leading to the assignment of activitie... more After a brief workshop summary by Spooner Hart, discussion leading to the assignment of activities followed, coordinated by Spooner-Hart and Huda
Journal of Apicultural Research, 2011
FEMS Microbiology Ecology, Nov 21, 2020
ABSTRACT Maintaining beneficial interactions with microbial symbionts is vital for animal health.... more ABSTRACT Maintaining beneficial interactions with microbial symbionts is vital for animal health. Yet, for social insects, the stability of microbial associations within and between cohorts is largely unknown. We investigated temporal changes in the microbiomes of nine stingless bee (Tetragonula carbonaria) colonies at seven timepoints across a 10-month period when moved between two climatically and florally different sites. Bacterial 16S rRNA gene and fungal ITS amplicon sequencing confirmed that microbiomes varied considerably between colonies initially at site one. However, following relocation, considerable changes occurred in bacterial community composition within each colony, and the microbiome composition became more similar across colonies. Notably, Snodgrassella disappeared and Zymobacter appeared as relatively abundant taxa. Remarkably, bacterial communities within colonies continued to shift over time but remained similar across colonies, becoming dominated by Acinetobacter six months after returning to the original site. Our results indicate that the stingless bee microbiome can undergo major changes in response to the environment, and that these changes can be long-lasting. Such legacy effects have not been reported for corbiculate bees. Further understanding the microbial ecology of stingless bees will aid future management of colonies used in agricultural production.
Bulletin of Entomological Research, Mar 23, 2009
Bulletin of Entomological Research, Jan 15, 2010
Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, Jun 1, 2023
Australasian Plant Disease Notes, 2008
New evidence is provided for early asymptomatic infection of flowers of olive varieties Barnea an... more New evidence is provided for early asymptomatic infection of flowers of olive varieties Barnea and Manzanillo by Colletotrichum acutatum and C. gloeosporioides. Asymptomatic infection of olive flowers by these species of Colletotrichum and the likely quiescent behaviour of the pathogens resulting in symptomatic disease expression of mature fruits has not been recorded anywhere previously.
Journal of Thermal Biology, Jul 1, 2023
Australasian Plant Disease Notes, Dec 1, 2008
We report the occurrence of Colletotrichum acutatum and C. gloeosporioides on leaves of olives (O... more We report the occurrence of Colletotrichum acutatum and C. gloeosporioides on leaves of olives (Olea europaea) for the first time in Australia. Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum acutatum and C. gloeosporioides is a common and widespread fruit rot disease of olives (Olea europaea L.) in most olive growing regions in the world. The first record of C. gloeosporioides on olive fruit in Australia was from Wagga Wagga, NSW, in 1969 (DAR 17788) and that of C. acutatum on fruit at both Roseberry, NSW (DAR 64937) and Parramatta, NSW (DAR 65049) in 1989. We report the occurrence of anthracnose caused by C. acutatum and C. gloeosporioides on leaves of olives (Olea europaea) for the first time in Australia. Anthracnose has been previously recorded on olive leaves in Mediterranean countries such as Portugal, Spain and Italy (Tjamos et al. 1993; Talhinhas et al. 2005). Olive anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum spp. is becoming an important disease of fruits causing major losses in yield of olives and the quality of olive oil (Iannota et al. 1999; Talhinhas et al. 2005). Leaf spot disease caused by C. acutatum J.H. Simmonds and C. gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz. & Sacc. was observed in Australia in July 2007 on 8-10 years old olive trees of var. Barnea and var. Manzanillo with a case history of anthracnose
Proceedings of The Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, Jun 14, 2023
Native bees augment pollination services in the Northern Hemisphere, especially cultivated apple ... more Native bees augment pollination services in the Northern Hemisphere, especially cultivated apple crops, yet Southern Hemisphere contexts are poorly known. We observed the foraging behaviour of 69 354 invertebrate flower visitors in Australian orchards (two regions, 3 years) to assess the efficacy of pollination service ( P eff ). Native stingless bees and introduced honey bees were the most abundant visitors and most efficacious pollinators ( Tetragonula P eff = 6.16; Apis P eff = 13.02), with Tetragonula becoming important service providers above 22°C. However, visits by tree-nesting stingless bees decreased with distance from native forest (less than 200 m) and their tropical/subtropical distribution precludes pollination service in other major Australian apple-producing regions. More broadly distributed native allodapine and halictine bees transferred the most pollen per-visit, but their low abundances reduce efficacies ( Exoneura P eff = 0.03; Lasioglossum P eff = 0.06), resulting in a general dependence on honey bees. This reliance is a burden of biogeography, since key Northern Hemisphere pollinators of apple ( Andrena, Apis , Bombus , Osmia ) do not naturally occur in Australasia—where there is only 15% generic overlap with Central Asian bees sympatric with wild apple distributions (cf. Palaearctic 66% and Nearctic 46% generic overlaps). The historical biogeography of bees therefore drives an extreme dependence on one introduced species for apple pollination in Australia.
Acta horticulturae, Oct 1, 2016
Centipeda is a genus in the family Asteraceae comprising 12 taxa in 10 species. All but one speci... more Centipeda is a genus in the family Asteraceae comprising 12 taxa in 10 species. All but one species occur in Australia. There are documented traditional medicinal uses of five species across Australia, India and China. Investigations of the aqueous ethanolic extract of C. cunninghamii (DC) A. Braun & Asch. have confirmed its antiinflammatory and antioxidant (ORAC) activity. Detailed investigations suggest that the extract acts against a range of inflammatory markers including; PGE 2 COX, NO and TNF-α, but not through the lipoxygenase pathway. Seventeen compounds were isolated and subsequent bioassays indicated that the anti-inflammatory activity was linked to flavonoids and terpenoids, whilst the antioxidant activity was attributed to both flavonoids and a group of novel heptenedioic acid caffeoyl esters. Quality control for medicinal plant production of this species has utilised the levels of phenolics, flavonoids and sequiterpenes to optimise growing and extraction parameters.
The paper outlines some approaches for coping with the agrometeorological risks and uncertainties... more The paper outlines some approaches for coping with the agrometeorological risks and uncertainties associated with integrated pest management, based on the Australian experience with canola. The need to understand the linkage between climate and pest cycles is discussed, as is the need to include factors relating to local farming practice and farm economy in the risk assessment process. Areas for further study, such as the relationship between macro- and microclimate, and the timing of pesticide application, are outlined. A major focus of Australian research is the optimisation of natural controls relating to informed planting strategies, and the minimisation of pesticide application through the prediction of climatic influences, in the interests of sustainable and cost effective control of disease agents. Some epidemiological and risk management perspectives for building capacity to support this concept are outlined
Acta horticulturae, Apr 1, 2018
The olive lace bug, Froggattia olivinia Froggatt, is an Australian sap-sucking insect initially r... more The olive lace bug, Froggattia olivinia Froggatt, is an Australian sap-sucking insect initially reported feeding on the underside of leaves of its native host, Notelaea longifolia Vent, in eastern Australia. While most tingids are typically host specific, F. olivinia has moved from its native host to cultivated olive, Olea europaea L., which poses a significant pest threat to the Australian olive industry. In both hosts, F. olivinia is responsible for chlorotic spotting and yellowing of leaves and, in extreme cases, leaf drop and twig and branch dieback. While both plant species belong to the family Oleaceae, movement from the indigenous to the introduced host is poorly understood. An outcome of the movement of olive plants and the expanding olive industry throughout Australia has led to the introduction and establishment of F. olivinia populations in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania, and increased pest status in eastern Australia. Determining the original source of these introduced populations is important to prevent the further spread of F. olivinia as well as to assist in the management of this species, which is difficult to control. Our preliminary study, using cytochrome oxidase I (COI) sequences and involving bugs collected from 25 locations in eight regions, suggests that populations introduced to South Australia originated from the Sydney Basin and/or South Eastern Highlands (specifically Goulburn and Canberra), whereas Western Australian and isolated Victorian populations point towards a likely origin of south-east Queensland. Outliers from the Sydney Basin and South Eastern Highlands populations, however, confound the precise source. For future management of F. olivinia, further research is paramount in understanding how infestations in olive groves, particularly in its natural range in New South Wales and south-east Queensland, transfer between sites, as well as movement into groves from native host plants in adjoining vegetation
General and Applied Entomology: The Journal of the Entomological Society of New South Wales, 2002
Laboratory bioassays compared the pathogenicity of six isolates of 'Metarhizium anisopliae... more Laboratory bioassays compared the pathogenicity of six isolates of 'Metarhizium anisopliae' and 'Beauveria bassiana' against second instar citrus mealybugs, 'Planococcus citri' under conditions of 26 +/- 1 degreesC, and 85 +/- 1% RH in 24 hour darkness. All isolates exhibited pathogenicity. 'M. anisopliae' isolate FI-1248 was the most virulent isolate in both water and oil suspensions with LC50 values of 6.4 x 105 conidia/mL and 3.4 x 104 conidia/mL respectively. 'M. anisopliae' isolate FI-0985 was found to be the least virulent.
General and Applied Entomology: The Journal of the Entomological Society of New South Wales, 2004
Overseas 'Forficula auricularia' L. is recorded as a pest of apple. In Australia however ... more Overseas 'Forficula auricularia' L. is recorded as a pest of apple. In Australia however it has been shown capable of providing biological control of 'Erisoma lanigerum' Hausmann in apple orchards. Laboratory, field cage and crop assessments at harvest were used to identify and determine the extent of damage caused by 'F. auricularia' to varieties of apple grown commercially in Australia. In the laboratory, in the absence of alternative food sources, the varieties Golden Delicious and Sundowner were susceptible to 'F. auricularia' damage and most damage occurred on or close to the calyx. No damage was recorded on Granny Smith, Jonathan, Red Delicious, Red Fuji and Smoothe. In field cages Red Delicious and Granny Smith were not damaged, and the variety Jonathan was damaged in December but not in January or February. At harvest, 'F. auricularia' damage was difficult to distinguish from that caused by the Light Brown Apple moth 'Epiphyas postyittana' (Walker). Damage attributed to 'F. auricularia' in Jonathan was 2.48%. Red Delicious 1.77% and Granny Smith 0.39%.
Acta Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae, 2017
Influence of temperature on the development of the predatory ladybird, Stethorus vagans Blackburn... more Influence of temperature on the development of the predatory ladybird, Stethorus vagans Blackburn, fed on Tetranychus urticae Koch was assessed at seven constant (10, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 °C) and fluctuating (12.7-32.1 °C) temperatures. There was a strong positive correlation (r = 0.99) between rate of development and temperature. The development times from egg to adult emergence were 65.2±2.3 and 9.2±0.3 days at 12 and 30 °C constant, respectively and 15.4±0.3 days at fluctuating temperature. Average egg incubation period decreased from 16.5±0.8 to 2.18±0.2 days with increasing temperatures from 12 to 30 °C, respectively and was 4.1±0.3 days at the fluctuating temperature. Eggs did not develop at 10 °C; however, they could survive a long period of exposure to this temperature. None of two hundred eggs that were placed at a constant temperature of 10 °C for 60 days hatched; but when they were subsequently exposed to ≥ 15 °C, more than 120 of them hatched. Eggs appeared to develop normally at 35 °C, however, larvae died before or immediately after emergence. The lower development threshold temperature for egg, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th larval instars, pupal and all these stages combined was 10.1, 9.5, 9.5, 9.1, 8.2, 8.0, and 9.1 °C, respectively. Degree-day (DD) accumulation was also calculated for each stage as well as for all stages combined. It was estimated to be 189.2±4.8 DD at 12 °C and 207.8±6.9 DD at 30 °C constant, respectively, and 189.1±5.0 DD at fluctuating temperatures.
Heredity, Feb 3, 2022
Maternally inherited bacterial endosymbionts that affect host fitness are common in nature. Some ... more Maternally inherited bacterial endosymbionts that affect host fitness are common in nature. Some endosymbionts colonise host populations by reproductive manipulations (such as cytoplasmic incompatibility; CI) that increase the reproductive fitness of infected over uninfected females. Theory predicts that CI-inducing endosymbionts in haplodiploid hosts may also influence sex allocation, including in compatible crosses, however, empirical evidence for this is scarce. We examined the role of two common CIinducing endosymbionts, Cardinium and Wolbachia, in the sex allocation of Pezothrips kellyanus, a haplodiploid thrips species with a split sex ratio. In this species, irrespective of infection status, some mated females are constrained to produce extremely malebiased broods, whereas other females produce extremely female-biased broods. We analysed brood sex ratio of females mated with males of the same infection status at two temperatures. We found that at 20°C the frequency of constrained sex allocation in coinfected pairs was reduced by 27% when compared to uninfected pairs. However, at 25°C the constrained sex allocation frequency increased and became similar between coinfected and uninfected pairs, resulting in more male-biased population sex ratios at the higher temperature. This temperature-dependent pattern occurred without changes in endosymbiont densities and compatibility. Our findings indicate that endosymbionts affect sex ratios of haplodiploid hosts beyond the commonly recognised reproductive manipulations by causing female-biased sex allocation in a temperature-dependent fashion. This may contribute to a higher transmission efficiency of CI-inducing endosymbionts and is consistent with previous models that predict that CI by itself is less efficient in driving endosymbiont invasions in haplodiploid hosts.