Bernard Slippers | University of Pretoria (original) (raw)

Papers by Bernard Slippers

South African Journal of Science, 2012

ABSTRACT The Deodar Weevil, Pissodes nemorensis is native to North America and has been introduce... more ABSTRACT The Deodar Weevil, Pissodes nemorensis is native to North America and has been introduced to Russia, Japan and South Africa. It causes significant damage to pines, cedars and spruce and has also been associated with various fungal pathogens of pines. In South Africa P. nemorensis was first detected in 1942 on pine trees in the Port Elizabeth area. It has subsequently spread throughout the major pine-growing regions of the country and occurs on all commercially grown pine species, most likely due to the extensive timber movement in the country and the weevil’s capacity to fly long distances. In this study we ask whether the current populations of P. nemorensis in South Africa are the results of a single or multiple introduction(s). These scenarios are expected to lead to different patterns of population genetic diversity, and might even have resulted in the introduction of cryptic species. To address these questions, cytochrome oxidase I (CO-I) gene sequence data and microsatellite markers are being used to characterize the genetic diversity of Pissodes nemorensis samples collected across the major pine-growing regions in South Africa. The data collected during this study is important to consider when attempting to improve the management of the pest. Key words: genetic diversity, Pissodes nemorensis, cytochrome oxidase I gene, microsatellites

Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology, 2010

South African Journal of Science, 2012

ABSTRACT The Deodar Weevil, Pissodes nemorensis is native to North America and has been introduce... more ABSTRACT The Deodar Weevil, Pissodes nemorensis is native to North America and has been introduced to Russia, Japan and South Africa. It causes significant damage to pines, cedars and spruce and has also been associated with various fungal pathogens of pines. In South Africa P. nemorensis was first detected in 1942 on pine trees in the Port Elizabeth area. It has subsequently spread throughout the major pine-growing regions of the country and occurs on all commercially grown pine species, most likely due to the extensive timber movement in the country and the weevil’s capacity to fly long distances. In this study we ask whether the current populations of P. nemorensis in South Africa are the results of a single or multiple introduction(s). These scenarios are expected to lead to different patterns of population genetic diversity, and might even have resulted in the introduction of cryptic species. To address these questions, cytochrome oxidase I (CO-I) gene sequence data and microsatellite markers are being used to characterize the genetic diversity of Pissodes nemorensis samples collected across the major pine-growing regions in South Africa. The data collected during this study is important to consider when attempting to improve the management of the pest. Key words: genetic diversity, Pissodes nemorensis, cytochrome oxidase I gene, microsatellites

Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology, 2010