Natural enemies of the invasive plant Harrisia martinii (Cactaceae): Perspectives for biological control from native and introduced areas

FRANCESCHINI M. CELESTE; DUFEK, M.; CABAÑA FADER, A. ; MEDINA, W. ; DEL VALLE, G. ; DAMBORSKY, M.

2022-06-01/2023-06-01

1-11

Control biológico y manejo de plantas invasoras

Medio terrestre-Conservacion

The general aim of this research is to further the knowledge of the interactions between Harrisiacactus and natural enemies in their native range and to utilize insects from Argentina as biological control agents in Australia. The research focuses on two biocontrol agentcandidates: the fly D. bourquini and N. cereicola. However, additional biocontrol candidates aswell as parasites and parasitoids are being observed in the native range explorations.The specific aim of this research in to provide an understanding of the environmentalrequirements, mating habits and life cycle of D. bourquini and N. cereicola in Argentina. Once themethodology of rearing and mating has been established in Argentina for D. bourquini and N.cereicola, they will be imported to Australia, at the QDAF quarantine laboratory facility at Ecosciences Precinct in Brisbane Australia. A new culture of these insects will be used for host specificity testing on related species in Australia. If the host testing proves that the insect is not damaging to any Australian native or economically important species, an application will be submitted to the Australian Government to remove the insects from quarantine and subsequent field releases. This research report gives a brief summary of previous research conducted for D. bourquini and N. cereicola in each country and reports the localization of D. bourquini as well as the commence taxonomic identification. Information about insect assemblages associated with H. martini is also given.