Asset adaptation and urban food security in a changing climate: a case study of Kalingalinga and Linda Compounds in Lusaka, Zambia: Danny Simatele (original) (raw)
Biological Invasions, 2018
Austropuccinia psidii is a plant fungus native to South and Central America which causes myrtle rust disease, affecting the growth and reproduction of species in the Myrtaceae family. Austropuccinia psidii was first detected in Australia 8 years ago in New South Wales. Since then it has spread rapidly along the east coast, and to date is known to infect more than 375 native Myrtaceae species in Australia. Despite this, its rapid spread is not well documented and the potential threat to additional Myrtaceae species remains unknown, with no systematic surveillance or monitoring program in Australia. In order to better understand the extent of A. psidii geographic distribution and impacts on Australian landscapes, a survey was sent to national park, botanical garden, local council, nursery and forestry agency employees in all states and territories where the disease is known to be present. More than 500 surveys were sent, and 254 responses were received. The survey confirms that A. psidii is widespread in New South Wales and Queensland urban environments as well as in native vegetation communities. Four new host species were confirmed, as well as four new local government areas in two different states Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article () contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Seymour & Veldtman 2010 Austral Ecology.pdf
Biological control agents used to manage alien vegetation are generally viewed as providing an ecosystem service, owing to reduced ecological and economic costs of invasion following their release. In particular, gall-formers are popular as biological control agents because they are host-specific and therefore considered low risk. However, galls can also be considered to be ecological engineers, because they provide nutritional resources for native invertebrates. We tested whether native invertebrates had formed associations with the gall-forming fungus Uromycladium tepperianum, introduced into South Africa to control the Australian invasive alien tree Acacia saligna, by collecting U. tepperianum galls and monitoring emergence. We found that a number of invertebrates had formed associations with the biological control agent, among which was the important citrus pest, Thaumatotibia leucotreta (false codling moth). We used pheromone-baited traps to ascertain if this supplementary source of T. leucotreta increased their abundance in orchards close to patches of gall host, but did not find this to be the case. We did find, however, that control measures used by farmers explained T. leucotreta abundances in traps, which may have obscured detection of any effects of a nearby host for the pest. Nevertheless, this study illustrates the first case of a host-specific classical biological control agent providing resources for an economically significant crop pest.We conclude that although biological control agents are strictly vetted to ensure host-specificity, introduced biological control agents that become abundant and can act as ecological engineers pose risks when native biota form associations with them, resulting in a number of possible cascading ecosystem effects. In addition, there could be economic consequences when these associated species include agricultural pests. We conclude that not just host specificity, but potential ecological effects of biological control agents, should be considered in their selection.
A preliminary treatment of the Central American species of Octoblepharum (Musci: Calymperaceae)
Bryophyte Diversity and Evolution, 1991
The species of Octoblepharum occurring in Central America have been critically examined. Six are recognized as valid species: O. albidum, O. cocuiense, O. cylindricum, O. erectifolium, O. pulvinatum and O. stramineum. Synonyms are given for these species: O. longifolium = O. albidum; O. mittenii, O. fragillimum, O. pellucidum and =O. pulvinatum var. angustifolium are synonyms of O. cocuiense; O. juruense and O. densum = O. pulvinatum and O. purpureo-brunneum = O. stramineum. All species are widely distributed in the area except for O. cylindricum and O. stramineum that are known only from Belize and Panama respectively.
Octoblepharum peristomiruptum (Octoblepharaceae) a new species from the Neotropics
2020
Octoblepharum peristomiruptum, a new species of moss in the family Octoblepharaceae from Panama and Brazil, is described and illustrated. The new species is characterised by plants with a reddish-purple colour particularly at the leaf bases, peristomes of eight teeth, each tooth composed of two rows of cells, fenestrate and usually completely separated at the base, strongly vertically striate-reticulate, some striations forked-like in shape. At the base of the teeth, some striations are horizontally orientated, poorly developed or absent, particularly on the cell wall that is rupturing in the separation of the vertical rows of the cells that form each tooth.
Parasitic plants in southwestern Australia
The southwestern Australian flora is unique in the world, not only for its biodiversity and endemism, but also for its functional biodiversity. It also contains the world's most nutrient-impoverished soils, has a prolonged-summer period and the vegetation is extremely fire-prone. These conditions have engendered an array of survival adaptations that have evolved in these harsh conditions across a diverse range of species. It is well recognised that the southwest flora has the toughest and most spiny vegetation of the world, the greatest number of species that store their seeds in woody fruits, and the most specialised means of obtaining limited soil nutrients and water. This book focuses on the survival mechanisms, adaptations and ecology of the unique Southwest Australian flora (restricted here to flowering plants). The book begins with an examination of how the flora has evolved into the present forms. It describes further in detail the adaptive responses of the flora to the m...
Quambalaria species associated with plantation and native eucalypts in Australia
Plant Pathology, 2008
This study aimed to determine which species of Quambalaria are associated with shoot blight symptoms on Corymbia spp. An additional aim was to determine the presence and impact of quambalaria shoot blight on Eucalyptus species used in plantation development in subtropical and tropical regions of eastern Australia. Surveys identified three Quambalaria spp. -Q. pitereka , Q. eucalypti and Q. cyanescens -from native and plantation eucalypts, as well as amenity plantings, including the first confirmed report of Q. eucalypti from Eucalyptus plantations in Australia. Symptom descriptions and morphological studies were coupled with phylogenetic studies using ITS rDNA sequence data. Quambalaria pitereka was the causal agent of blight symptoms on species and hybrids in the Corymbia complex. Quambalaria eucalypti was identified from Eucalyptus species and a single Corymbia hybrid. Quambalaria cyanescens was detected from native and plantation Corymbia spp.
Australasian Plant Pathology
Neofusicoccum australe is a class III endophyte characterised by a quiescent passive life phase and an active pathogenic life phase as a latent pathogen. The latter life stage has been observed worldwide for numerous woody horticultural hosts. In this study, we have re-evaluated GenBank ITSrDNA sequence data to establish the current host and geographical range of N. australe. Additionally, we have interrogated the diversity of N. australe in Australia using microsatellite markers to ascertain if there are any host or site preference for different genotypes. N. australe has a widespread distribution across ten countries and colonises 46 hosts from 18 plant families; mainly angiosperms, some coniferous species and one monocot. Phylogenetic analysis of the ITSrDNA sequence indicates there is a single dominant ITS genotype present in most locations and there are another 12 rare or moderately rare genotypes. Populations of N. australe in Australia appear to be highly diverse, and there is no discernable host or habitat restriction. The dominance of N. australe in native forest throughout the southwest of Western Australia, and its rarity elsewhere in native vegetation, while being common as a pathogen of horticultural hosts, suggests that this species is endemic to Western Australia.
Quambalariaspecies: increasing threat to eucalypt plantations in Australia
Southern Forests: a Journal of Forest Science, 2009
There are a number of factors that make the establishment and successful management of eucalypt plantations in Australia more difficult than elsewhere. The most important of these factors are: (1) generally poor soil fertility, (2) low and irregular rainfall, and (3) the presence of endemic pests and diseases. Although many pests and diseases have been described from native eucalypts in Australia, their significance and impact on the development and long-term success of eucalypt plantations has yet to be fully appreciated. Within Australia, particularly in the tropical and subtropical regions, there is limited knowledge regarding the complexities of matching species to sites or the management strategies required to reduce the impact of diseases (e.g. see Carnegie 2007b). Many of the species grown in plantations in these regions also occur in natural stands, including spotted gum (includes Corymbia citriodora subsp. citriodora [hereafter referred to as C. citriodora], C. citriodora subsp. variegata [hereafter referred to as C. variegata], C. henryi and C. maculata), Eucalyptus dunnii, E. pilularis and E. grandis. These native stands are likely to harbour diseases that act as sources of inoculum for plantations in close proximity. The expansion of eucalypt plantations has resulted in the rapid emergence of such pathogens. Thus identification and management of pathogens that threaten
Polyphagy in an uncertain environment: Helicoverpa punctigera in inland Australia
Austral Ecology, 2016
We investigated potential primary hosts for Helicoverpa punctigera, a polyphagous lepidopteran pest which affects many crops, but also has many native hosts in non-cropping regions of inland Australia. The most common hosts are Asteraceae and Fabaceae, but there is little information on the relative importance of different species in these families for the population dynamics of H. punctigera in the inland. We tested three common hosts, one legume (Cullen cinereum) and two daisies, Rhodanthe floribunda and Polycalymma stuartii, for their suitability for survival and growth of early instar larvae. Survival was high on the flowers of all three species, and on the leaves of C. cinereum and R. floribunda, but low on leaves of P. stuartii. There were significant differences in growth rates, measured by head widths, in the order of C. cinereum > R. floribunda > P. stuartii, and flowers > leaves. They were strongly correlated with nitrogen content, measured by fresh weight. Field surveys of larval populations in western Queensland indicated that two legume species, C. cinereum and Cullen pallidum, were widely utilized and supported many larvae. Daisies were generally less widely used and/or had lower numbers of larvae. When C. cinereum or C. pallidum was found near daisies, the legume had more larvae if both the daisy and the legume were flowering, but this was reversed if only the daisy was flowering. The seasonality and habitats of the daisies and legumes are different. C. cinereum and C. pallidum (a new host record for H. punctigera) may be primary hosts of H. punctigera in inland Australia and key hosts for maintaining populations in flood plains. However the areas occupied by daisies can be more extensive depending on rainfall, and some species may be critical in generating outbreaks that affect cropping areas in southeast Australia.
Lifecycle of the invasive omnivore, Forficula auricularia , in Australian grain growing environments
Pest Management Science, 2020
BACKGROUND: The European earwig, Forficula auricularia (L.) (Dermaptera: Forficulidae), is regarded as an important beneficial in many orchard environments but has the potential to be a plant pest in other systems, including to grain crops. Due to its agricultural importance, the lifecycle of F. auricularia has been widely studied in North America and Europe. However, much less is known in the southern hemisphere, including Australia where F. auricularia has been present for over 170 years. RESULTS: To elucidate the lifecycle of F. auricularia, we monitored five sites in grain-growing areas of southern Australia using two different trap types. Adults were found year-round, but most prevalent from late-spring to mid-winter. First instars were typically found from mid to late winter. Second, third and fourth instars occurred from winter through to late spring. The seasonal development of F. auricularia in Australia may be much earlier than observed in comparable North American studies. Degree day modelling highlights variation in development times across the active season for F. auricularia across our sites. CONCLUSION: Forficula auricularia is well adapted to the Australian grain growing environments. The timing of egg hatching aligns closely with crop emergence, juveniles then develop alongside the crop, and adult development occurs by harvest time in late spring. These findings are important given that many of these crops (canola, lucerne, pulses) are vulnerable to attack by F. auricularia during emergence and development. They also suggest a phenotypic capacity of this species to adapt different phenology after introduction into a novel environment.
Shackleton et al 2016 C. odorata paper, Biological Invasions.pdf
Invasive alien plant species such as Chromolaena odorata have negative impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem services and human well-being. Ecological impacts of this shrub are relatively well understood, but its impacts on local livelihoods and perceptions are poorly documented. We mapped C. odorata distribution in eastern Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda) and compared perceptions and quantified the impacts of this species across Tanzanian villages with varying degrees of invasion density. Data were collected through 240 household questionnaires. Results indicate that C. odorata is a relatively new invader that already has severe negative impacts and is threatening livelihoods and the environment. Impacts include reductions in native biodiversity and the amount of available forage for livestock, reduced crop and water yields, and impaired mobility. Continued spread will cause additional negative impacts on poor rural communities. Implementation of a biological control programme targeting C. odorata is needed as a cost effective management approach along with other control and restoration measures.
Annals of Applied Biology, 2019
Funding information Meat and Livestock Australia Plant relationships have implications for many fields including weed biological control. The use of DNA sequencing and new tree building algorithms since the late 1980s and early 1990s have revolutionised plant classification and has resulted in many changes to previously accepted taxonomic relationships. It is critical that biological control researchers stay abreast of changes to plant phylogenies. One of the largest plant genera, Acacia, has undergone great change over the past 20 years and these changes have ramifications for weed biological control projects in a number of countries. Vachellia nilotica (prickly acacia) is a major weed in Australia, originating from the Indian subcontinent and Asia, and it has been a target for biological control since 1980. Once a member of Acacia, a large (>1,000 spp.) and iconic group in Australia, prickly acacia is now part of the genus Vachellia. Current knowledge suggests that Vachellia is more closely related to mimosoid genera than it is to Acacia s.s. There has also been a recent reclassification of legume subfamilies with subfamily Mimosoideae now part of subfamily Caesalpinioideae, and four new subfamilies. In this paper we review the changes that have occurred to this group since the prickly acacia biological control project began and discuss the implications for the project. A new host test list for quarantine testing is proposed. Developed following the modernisation of the centrifugal-phylogenetic method, it is shorter than past lists, containing 46 species, although still lengthy because of the expectations of regulatory bodies, which are slower to accept advances in scientific knowledge. The list includes five Vachellia species, six "Mimoseae" species and 26 Acacia species. The number species from legume subfamilies other than the new Caesalpinioideae is greatly reduced.
Quambalaria species associated with eucalypt plantation development
Plant Pathology
This study aimed to determine which species of Quambalaria are associated with shoot blight symptoms on Corymbia spp. An additional aim was to determine the presence and impact of quambalaria shoot blight on Eucalyptus species used in plantation development in subtropical and tropical regions of eastern Australia. Surveys identified three Quambalaria spp. -Q. pitereka , Q. eucalypti and Q. cyanescens -from native and plantation eucalypts, as well as amenity plantings, including the first confirmed report of Q. eucalypti from Eucalyptus plantations in Australia. Symptom descriptions and morphological studies were coupled with phylogenetic studies using ITS rDNA sequence data. Quambalaria pitereka was the causal agent of blight symptoms on species and hybrids in the Corymbia complex. Quambalaria eucalypti was identified from Eucalyptus species and a single Corymbia hybrid. Quambalaria cyanescens was detected from native and plantation Corymbia spp.
Botany, 2010
A new species, Octoblepharum arthrocormoides Salazar Allen & B.C. Tan, is described from tropical Asia. In its erect, stiff and fragile leaves, the new species resembles Arthrocormus in physical appearance but differs from all other Asiatic Octoblepharum species. The new species shares features with the neotropical species, O. ampullaceum, having similar fragile leaves, but the later species has slightly thinner leaves (3–4 layers of hyalocysts above and below the chlorocysts layer) and pores of laminar hyalocists are bigger (4.88–7.32 µm), unlike the new species.
Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History, 2018
Six new genera of Australian Phylinae are described on the basis of existing collections. The tribe Exaeretini-represented by the two new genera Eucalyptophylus (two new species) and Melaleu caphylus (18 new species)-is recognized for the first time as occurring in Australia. Nine new taxa of Semiini, subtribe Exocarpocorina, are proposed: Four new genera, Calytriphylus, Melaleucacoris, Teddus (each monotypic), and Leptospermia (two new species), and four new species placed in Ancoraphylus Weirauch, 2007 (one species), Xiphoidellus Weirauch and Schuh, 2011 (one species), and Xiphoides Eyles and Schuh, 2003 (two species). Based on specimen data almost all the new taxa are associated with Myrtaceae plant hosts in the tribes Chamelaucieae, Eucalypteae, Leptospermeae, and Melaleuceae. A new species of Restiophylus Leon and Weirauch, 2016, taken in coastal New South Wales and perhaps associated with Leptocarpus tenax (Restionaceae), represents the first record for this genus beyond the southwest coast of Western Australia. Documentation is provided in the form of diagnoses and descriptions of all genera and species, color habitus images of males (and females when available) of all species, distributional maps, color images of male genitalic structures of all species, female genitalic structures in most species, and scanning electron micrographs of representative morphology of some taxa. Host-plant information is provided for most species, along with representative images of hosts and habitats. New distribution records for Xiphoidellus dumosus Weirauch and Schuh, 2011, and scanning micrographs of the pretarsus for Scholtzicoris linnavuorii Schuh, 2016 are provided.
Shackleton et al 2016 C. odorata. Biolgical Invasions.pdf
Invasive alien plant species such as Chromolaena odorata have negative impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem services and human well-being. Ecological impacts of this shrub are relatively well understood, but its impacts on local livelihoods and perceptions are poorly documented. We mapped C. odorata distribution in eastern Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda) and compared perceptions and quantified the impacts of this species across Tanzanian villages with varying degrees of invasion density. Data were collected through 240 household questionnaires. Results indicate that C. odorata is a relatively new invader that already has severe negative impacts and is threatening livelihoods and the environment. Impacts include reductions in native biodiversity and the amount of available forage for livestock, reduced crop and water yields, and impaired mobility. Continued spread will cause additional negative impacts on poor rural communities. Implementation of a biological control programme targeting C. odorata is needed as a cost effective management approach along with other control and restoration measures.
American Journal of Botany, 2001
Gastrolobium (Fabaceae: Mirbelieae) is an endemic Australian genus that produces toxic sodium monofluoroacetate. A phylogenetic reconstruction of Gastrolobium and the related genera Brachysema, Callistachys, Jansonia, Nemcia, Oxylobium, and Podolobium is presented, using sequence data from three regions-the psbA-trnH intergenic spacer and the trnK 5Ј intron from chloroplast DNA and the 3Ј end of the external transcribed spacer (ETS) from nuclear ribosomal DNA. Gastrolobium is shown to be paraphyletic, with Brachysema, Jansonia, Nemcia, and Oxylobium lineare nesting within it, and Nemcia is shown to be polyphyletic within Gastrolobium.