bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understorey influence on leafroller populations in Hawkes Bay organic apple orchards
Authors: Rogers D.J. , Walker J.T.S. , Moen I.C. , Weibel F. , Lo P.L. , Cole L.M.
Published: October 2019

Leafrollers (Tortricidae) were collected from apple foliage and understorey vegetation in six commercial organic apple orchards in Hawkes Bay over one season Assessments were made of plant species present in the understorey at the time of collection All leafroller larvae were reared to adults on artificial diet to identify leafroller species and parasitoids Nearly half (47) of all leafrollers collected in these orchards were located in the understorey highlighting the importance of understorey and its management for the control of leafroller Dock clover and dandeliontype plants contributed 25 to the overall understorey yet hosted 75 of the leafrollers collected from the understorey Dolichogenidea sp was the most abundant parasitoid (79) attacking leafrollers found amongst the apple foliage whereas Glyptapanteles demeter was dominant in the understorey (61) Generally the number of leafrollers in an orchard was proportional to the abundance of broadleaf weeds and inversely proportional to parasitism
Mortality of various lepidopteran larvae infected by New Zealand Zoophthora radicans isolates from different hosts
Authors: Walter M. , Stavely F.J.L. , Chapman R.B. , Pell J.K. , Glare T.R. , Alspach P.A. , Zydenbos S.M.
Published: October 2019

Zoophthora radicans an entomophthoralean fungus is a potential biocontrol agent for a wide range of insect pests The mortality of six insect species inoculated with twelve Z radicans isolates from different hosts found in New Zealand was evaluated using a bioassay Zoophthora radicans isolates originating from the host being tested were generally but not always more effective than isolates originating from other species For example lightbrown apple moth (LBAM) was highly susceptible to isolates Z2 and Z6 from leafrollers (96 and 89 mortality respectively) but was not susceptible to any isolates from diamondback moth (DBM) (mortality lt;5 Plt;0001) DBM was highly susceptible to all isolates from DBM (gt;96 mortality) but only moderately susceptible to leafroller isolates (lt;66 Plt;0001) Although resting spore production was low overall some isolates produced more resting spores in certain hosts such as Z2 and Z6 in LBAM (Plt;0001) and Z8 and Z5 in DBM (Plt;005)
Effect of parasitism by Aphidius eadyi (Hymenoptera Aphidiidae) on reproduction of pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum (Hemiptera Aphididae)
Authors: He X.Z. , Wang Q. , Teulon D.A.J.
Published: October 2019

The effect of parasitism by Aphidius eadyi Stary González and Hall on reproduction of pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) was studied in the laboratory Aphids attacked as 1st and 2nd instars became mummies in the 4th instar; parasitised 3rd instar nymphs became mummies in the adult stage without producing any progeny Parasitised 4th instar nymphs and adults produced progeny but had a shorter reproductive period and produced fewer (Plt;00001) progeny than unparasitised aphids Parasitised 4th instar nymphs and adults had significantly lower intrinsic rates of increase (rm) net reproductive rates (R0) shorter generation time (T) and longer doubling time (DT) than unparasitised aphids The potential impact of the parasitoid on host population growth is discussed
Preliminary assessment of COI and ITS1 sequence variation in Fullers rose weevil
Authors: Mander C.V. , Phillips C.B. , Glare T.R. , Chapman R.B.
Published: October 2019

Fullers rose weevil (FRW) Naupactus cervinus has recently become a pest of kiwifruit in New Zealand because export fruit infested with FRW eggs do not meet Japanese quarantine standards Studies of FRW population genetics could be useful for (i) deducing the number and geographic sources of FRW introductions to New Zealand (ii) matching New Zealand FRW populations with appropriate strains of biological control agents and (iii) differentiating FRW from other closely related species which may be difficult to separate morphologically (especially as larvae) This paper describes preliminary results from sequencing of two gene regions the ITS1 (internal transcribed spacer) region and the COI (cytochrome oxidase one) gene These sequences were used to compare FRW from New Zealand Australia Hawaii and Chile The results showed that the COI region would be more useful than ITS1 for future studies of FRW population genetics
Avidin expression does not increase speed of kill of Spodoptera litura by baculovirus
Authors: Gatehouse L.N. , Markwick N.P. , Poulton J. , Christeller J.T.
Published: October 2019

A disarmed (polhminus) Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virusbased baculovirus expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) on the strong late promotor p10 was constructed A second virus was made which also expressed the biotinbinding protein avidin from the strong late promotor polh Both viruses caused strong fluorescence in Spodoptera frugiperda cells in insect cell culture Sevendayold larvae of Spodoptera litura were inoculated by microinjection with GFP virus GFPavidin virus or tissue culture medium (control) Mortality growth rate and the development of green fluorescence were followed and after death the larvae were analysed for GFP and avidin content All virusinjected larvae developed strong fluorescence However no significant differences in growth or mortality were seen between the larvae injected with virus expressing and not expressing avidin Both GFP and avidin accumulated to high levels in the larvae The expression of avidin did not change the level of expression of GFP
In vitro evaluation of fungal isolates and nutrient amendments for enhancing apple leaf decay
Authors: Tshomo K. , Walter M. , Stewart A. , Jaspers M.V.
Published: October 2019

Primary spread of apple black spot is by ascospores produced from overwintering apple leaf litter To find effective degraders of litter an in vitro trial screened 59 fungal isolates for the ability to colonise sterilised senesced apple leaf discs The isolates of Aureobasidium Alternaria Chaetomium Coniothyrium Epicoccum Fusarium Phoma Trichoderma and Ulocladium spp had originated from the phylloplane or leaf litter of fruit crops The whiterot basidiomycete isolates were from fruiting bodies on native beech poplar and fruit trees The 18 isolates that colonised leaf discs most rapidly were further tested with five nutrient leaf amendments for their biodegradation activity on leaf discs After incubation at 10C for 9 weeks the most effective isolates of Trametes versicolor Phoma Epicoccum and Chaetomium spp caused 54 39 37 and 23 weight reduction respectively while the leaf amendments urea and the mixture of Mycorrcintrade; and Digestertrade; caused 29 and 20 reduction respectively These treatments were selected for evaluation in a field trial
Treatment of overwintering apple leaves to reduce primary inoculum of apple black spot
Authors: Tshomo K. , Horner I.J. , Walter M. , Stewart A. , Jaspers M.V.
Published: October 2019

Field trials were conducted in Hawkes Bay and Lincoln into methods of treating overwintering apple leaves to reduce ascospore production by the apple black spot pathogen Venturia inaequalis The leaf treatments comprised three levels of nutrient amendments (including a water control) and five levels of saprophytic fungal isolates (including a nofungus control) in a factorial design Leaves were left to overwinter on the orchard floor and in spring the V inaequalis ascospores released were trapped on glass slides and counted Ascospore numbers were reduced (Plt;005) by the leaf amendment urea which alone caused 73 reduction but not by the BioStarttrade; product The effect of fungal isolates was not significant (P012) although when combined with the water treatment the isolates Chaetomium Phoma and Epicoccum spp and Trametes versicolor reduced numbers of ascospores by 33 27 15 and 28 respectively compared to the nofungus control When combined with urea the Chaetomium isolate reduced ascospore numbers by 92 and 82 compared to the nil fungus/water control treatments in Hawkes Bay and Lincoln respectively indicating that this treatment has potential for reducing primary inoculum of apple black spot
A multiaccess LUCIDtrade; key to common plant pathogenic fungi causing diseases of temperate crops
Authors: Neilson H.F. , Stewart T.M.
Published: October 2019

A LUCIDtrade; multiaccess computerbased key for identifying 175 genera of plant pathogenic fungi of temperate crops is described The key takes a pragmatic rather than a taxonomic approach to identification enabling a nonspecialist to key out many suspected plant pathogens based on microscopic examination of the fungal structures and plant disease symptoms Taxonomic jargon is kept to a minimum and images of morphological characteristics are used frequently Fact sheets on the diseases caused by common pathogens are also included in the programme The key is available in the public domain and should be useful to anyone with a microscope wishing to identify a common fungal disease
Field survey to assess spread of new asparagus diseases in Queensland
Authors: Cheah L-H , Horlock C.M. , Davis R.D.
Published: October 2019

Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) crops on eight Queensland properties were surveyed for the presence of asparagus rust (caused by Puccinia asparagi) phomopsis stem blight (caused by Phomopsis asparagi) and asparagus anthracnose (caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) in November 2002 All properties surveyed had a low incidence of rust disease Most rust developed on plants two weeks after spear emergence No symptoms of phomopsis stem blight or anthracnose were found in the Mundubbera and Beerburrum regions Anthracnose was found only in Mareeba (northern Queensland) The incidence of phomopsis stem blight was found to be high on one property in the Warwick region Examination of diseased plants showed that the respective pathogens were associated with the symptoms Drought was a major problem for growers and we observed that crops with an appropriate fertiliser and irrigation regime showed increased plant growth and less disease Crops with irrigation alone also showed better growth and less disease than those without irrigation Our observations suggest that an appropriate irrigation and fertiliser regime that promotes plant growth and health will lessen the likelihood of infection by these diseases However more research is required to confirm this
Genetic basis of copper resistance in New Zealand strains of Pseudomonas syringae
Authors: Vanneste J.L. , Voyle M.D.
Published: October 2019

Strains of Pseudomonas syringae able to grow on minimal medium containing 500 mg/litre of copper sulphate were selected from a collection of streptomycinresistant strains isolated in New Zealand From one of these copperresistant strains a 13 kb fragment of DNA was isolated by PCR using primers designed on genes reported to be associated with copper resistance Sequencing of this fragment revealed that a 572 bp and a 275 bp portion had 98 and 95 similarity with ORF A of P syringae pv actinidiae a gene that codes for copper resistance Smaller portions of this 13 kb fragment were highly similar (89 to 100) to portions of another gene involved in copper resistance (copA) from Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato Using this 13 kb fragment as a probe homologous DNA was detected in eight other strains of P syringae which were all subsequently found to be resistant to copper
Survival of Scotch thistle seed buried at three depths in four New Zealand soils
Authors: James T.K. , Rahman A.
Published: October 2019

Scotch thistle (Cirsium vulgare) is a stout biennial thistle growing to 15 m tall Introduced more than a century ago and now abundant throughout New Zealand it is mostly a problem in pastures The viability of seed buried for 116 years at three depths was evaluated in four different soils Seed samples buried in nylon mesh bags were removed after 1 2 3 5 11 and 16 years burial and their viability determined by germination in the glasshouse In the 020 mm layer it took from 14 years depending on soil type for the viable seed numbers to fall to 1 of the original amount At the 4060 and 190210 mm depths the amount of viable seed recovered after 16 years burial was considerably greater than at 020 mm Predicted intervals for the remaining viable seed to fall below 1 ranged up to 50 years depending on soil type
Compatibility of microbial control agents Serratia entomophila and Beauveria bassiana with selected fertilisers
Authors: Townsend R.J. , O'Callaghan M. , Johnson V.W. , Jackson T.A.
Published: October 2019

Microbial control agents targeting soildwelling organisms need to be compatible with commonly used fertilisers The bacterium Serratia entomophila is used as a microbial control agent for control of the New Zealand grass grub Costelytra zealandica and Beauveria bassiana is an entomopathogenic fungus used to control a range of insect pests These biocontrol agents were formulated into granules and applied to pots together with five fertilisers commonly used on pastures throughout New Zealand Compatibility with S entomophila was also assessed in a field trial where treatments were applied by direct drilling and surface application There appeared to be no deleterious effect from the application of the fertiliser treatments on the establishment and survival of either S entomophila or B bassiana On the contrary there was a suggestion that some nitrogenous fertilisers may lead to an increase in numbers of the bacterial biocontrol agent
The effect of endophyte (Neotyphodium uncinatum) in meadow fescue on grass grub larvae
Authors: Popay A.J. , Townsend R.J. , Fletcher L.R.
Published: October 2019

Grass grub (Costelytra zealandica) population density mean larval weight and visible damage were lower in meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis) infected with the endophyte Neotyphodium uncinatum (E) than in uninfected meadow fescue (E) in an unreplicated field trial In two bioassays third instar grass grubs ate all meadow fescue E roots but significantly less of the E roots Larvae fed E roots lost weight at the same rate as unfed control larvae Larvae given a choice between maize and either E or E meadow fescue in a pot trial consumed 33 more of the maize in the E treatment than in the E treatment Weight gain of larvae in E treatments was significantly less than in E in both the choice and nochoice pot trials but survival was the same It was concluded that meadow fescue infected with N uncinatum deters grass grub larval feeding but has no major toxic effects
Feeding habituation to red clover by clover root weevil adults
Authors: Gerard P.J. , Crush J.R.
Published: October 2019

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) has been observed to persist longer than white clover (T repens) during field screening of legumes for tolerance of clover root weevil (Sitona lepidus) It has been suggested that this is linked to adult feeding preferences A laboratory trial was undertaken to confirm the feeding preference for white clover over red and to determine whether adults became habituated to red clover over time Groups of clover root weevil adults were caged on either white clover cv Grasslands Huia or 3 lines of Grasslands Pawera red clover At weeks 2 4 6 and 8 subsamples of adults were removed from the cages and were subjected to a 24 h choice test It was found that although adults showed a strong preference for white clover those that had been continuously fed red clover were more likely to feed on red clover in the choice test than those that had previously been fed white clover
Negative effects of strain hybridisation on the biocontrol agent Microctonus aethiopoides
Authors: Goldson S.L. , McNeill M.R. , Proffitt J.R.
Published: October 2019

Clover root weevil Sitona lepidus remains a threat to New Zealands whiteclover based pastoral production system Unfortunately the New Zealandestablished strain of M aethiopoides (originally from Morocco) active against Sitona discoideus has been found to have no potential as a control agent against S lepidus It was therefore unexpected that a European strain of M aethiopoides was found to be highly active against the weevil This contribution examined the effect of Moroccan x European strain crosses on the value of M aethiopoides as a control agent of S discoideus and S lepidus It was found that such strain hybridisation led to significant reductions in the impact of this parasitoid species as a control agent against either S lepidus or S discoideus The widespread implications of this finding for biological control are discussed
Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis a tool for plant protection research
Authors: O'Callaghan M. , Gerard E.M. , Heilig G.H.J. , Zhang H. , Jackson T.A. , Glare T.R.
Published: October 2019

Analysis of microbial communities associated with plants insects and soil has been a significant challenge for plant protection researchers because of the lack of techniques with which to access these populations A new molecular community profiling technique 16S rRNA genebased PCR followed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) has been used to analyse microbial communities in a number of environments and has many potential uses in plant protection research The technique is currently being used for the analysis of insect gut microflora characterisation of phylloplane and rhizosphere microbial populations and in environmental assessment of the effects of biopesticides and new technologies on indigenous soil microbes
Optimising possum control using encapsulated cyanide (Feratoxreg;)
Authors: Thomas M.D. , Maddigan F.W. , Brown J.A. , Trotter M.
Published: October 2019

Feratoxreg; is an encapsulated cyanide product used extensively throughout New Zealand for possum control It has advantages of being lightweight and is not legally required to be checked daily as are leghold traps This study evaluated delivery methods for Feratoxreg; by comparing the number of possums killed by Feratoxreg; treatments with the number of possums killed by an industry accepted standard ie possum captures in leghold traps When Feratoxreg; was used in plastic bags coated with a rat repellent and fixed to wires located at 5 m spacings significantly less possums were killed than in traps However when applied in bait stations at 50 m intervals Feratoxreg; killed as many possums as traps especially when possums were prefed nontoxic bait Feratox was also as effective as traps when used in paper bags located on trees 20 m apart and used with a flour and icing sugar blaze This study suggests that Feratoxreg; can provide a more costeffective alternative to trapping in areas with low to medium possum densities
Attractiveness of possum apple baits to native birds and honey bees
Authors: Thomas M.D. , Maddigan F.W. , Sessions L.A.
Published: October 2019

This study investigated the potential risks of using 1080 apple bait for possum control on nontarget species Trials were conducted using captive native birds at Orana Park and honeybees (Apis mellifera) at Halswell to determine whether these species would feed on nonpoisonous apple baits Bird species were kaka (Nestor meridionalis) kea (Nestor notabilis) kakariki (Cyanoramphus sp) silvereye (Zosterops lateralis) weka (Gallirallus australis) and kereru (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae) Kaka kea kakariki and silvereye preferred to feed on apple bait over carrot bait spending 74100 of their feeding time on the apple bait Honeybees were not attracted to the apple bait It is concluded that there could be a greater risk to native birds when apple baits are used for possum control compared to the risk associated with using carrot bait Consequently it is recommended that aerial application of apple should not be undertaken and that apple baits should be used in bait stations only
The effect of temperature and scarification method on gorse (Ulex europaeus L) seed germination
Authors: Sixtus C.R. , Hill G.D. , Scott R.R.
Published: October 2019

As part of a study of gorse (Ulex europaeus L) biocontrol the scarification requirements to maximise germination of freshly harvested seed were investigated Both time of immersion in concentrated sulphuric acid (36N) and incubation temperature were critical Optimum incubation temperature was 15C (mean germination 65) The sulphuric acid treatments that gave the highest percentage of germinated seeds were 180 and 210 min immersion with incubation at 15C giving a mean germination of 81 The mean control germination over all incubation temperatures was 10 Hot water immersion did not significantly increase germination when compared with the unscarified control treatment Mechanical scarification gave a mean germination over all temperatures of 35; the highest germination was again at 15C (48)
Impact of Exapion ulicis (Frster) (Coleoptera Apionidae) on gorse seed viability
Authors: Sixtus C.R. , Hill G.D. , Scott R.R.
Published: October 2019

As part of a study of gorse (Ulex europaeus L) biocontrol the effectiveness of the gorse seed weevil (Exapion ulicis (Frster)) in controlling the amount of viable seed was investigated Some seed attacked by gorse seed weevil still germinated with mean germination for lightly damaged seed being 18 and mean germination for heavily damaged seed being 4 Undamaged seed from damaged pods had high germination (mean 71) while undamaged seed from undamaged pods had a mean germination of 77 Many damaged seeds as well as undamaged seeds from damaged pods were infested by fungi (Fusarium spp and Cladosporium cladosporiodes) which affected the ability of the seeds to germinate There were no differences (P084) in the number of viable undamaged and damaged gorse seeds between the three sites sampled even though there were climatic differences and different soil types
Trends in weed management in New Zealand orchards
Authors: Pearson A.
Published: October 2019

A weed management survey was distributed to New Zealand pipfruit growers in 2001 seeking information on their approaches to weed control Results were compared with an earlier survey conducted in 1989/1990 Since 1989 orchardists have changed their approach to weed control The width of orchard herbicide strips has not changed but the intensity of weed control has decreased with more growers prepared to accept weeds on their orchards The use and application frequency of residual herbicides has decreased dramatically and there has been a large increase in the number of growers using glyphosate as their only herbicide A large number of growers are supplementing their herbicide programme with nonchemical means of weed control Winter grazing with sheep and partial mowing of the tree line are the most popular nonchemical methods employed
Relationship between soil seedbank and field populations of grass weeds in maize
Authors: Rahman A. , James T.K. , Mellsop J.M. , Grbavac N.
Published: October 2019

The relationship between laboratory enumerations of the weed seedbank and field populations of major grass weeds was studied in several maize fields over a three year period After planting the crop 1 m2 areas were protected from the preemergence herbicide application Soil samples were collected soon after spraying from each area to a depth of 100 mm and the seeds of the major grass weeds enumerated at a seed testing laboratory Emerged weed seedlings were counted in each sampling area over the following 8 weeks Grasses present at these sites included summer grass (Digitaria sanguinalis) smooth witchgrass (Panicum dichotomiflorum) barnyard grass (Echinochloa crusgalli) and rough bristle grass (Setaria verticillata) On average 612 of the seed in the soil seedbank emerged in any one year depending on species Significant linear relationships were established between seed numbers in the soil and the seedlings that emerged in the field
Grass weed control and herbicide tolerance in cereals
Authors: Rolston M.P. , Archie W.J. , Reddy K. , Dastgheib F.
Published: October 2019

Field trials were undertaken over three years to determine herbicide options for grass weed control in cereal crops (wheat and barley) The susceptibility of phalaris perennial ryegrass Italian ryegrass prairie grass and soft brome to a range of herbicides were evaluated at fixed rates and with a logarithmic sprayer Wheat and barley damage and grain yield were also assessed and in general good tolerance was found in the 11 cultivars evaluated The trials identified a number of control options for grass weeds in wheat and barley in particular preemergence mixtures of cyanazine terbuthylazine; chlorsulfuron terbuthylazine; or metribuzin alone Brome species were the most difficult to control and further research is required
Chemical control of brome grasses (Bromus spp) in cereals
Authors: Dastgheib F. , Rolston M.P. , Archie W.J.
Published: October 2019

Ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus) prairie grass (B willdenowii) and soft brome (B hordeaceus) are becoming serious weed problems in arable farms of New Zealand This paper reports results from three years of field experiments evaluating chemical treatments for brome control in cereal crops Ripgut brome was shown to be very competitive with moderate infestations reducing grain yields by 2530 A strong relationship (R2096) was found between seedling numbers of ripgut brome and final grain yield The study found several promising chemical treatments that offer a good degree of control These include preemergence applications of cyanazine terbuthylazine chlorsulfuron terbuthylazine and metribuzin The same herbicides applied postemergence were not as effective for brome grass control
Hypovirulent Rhizoctonia spp isolates from New Zealand soils protect radish seedlings against dampingoff caused by R solani
Authors: Sneh B. , Yamoah E. , Stewart A.
Published: October 2019

Of the 206 Rhizoctonia spp isolates obtained from 135 soil samples collected from different fields in the North and South Islands of New Zealand 55 were pathogenic on radish (Raphanus sativus cv Rex) seedlings Only 27 of the isolates that were strongly pathogenic on radish were also pathogenic on ryegrass (Lolium perenne) While 13 of the 92 hypovirulent isolates provided gt;50 protection to radish seedlings against dampingoff caused by Rhizoctonia solani in a screening experiment only three provided gt;50 protection in the final more detailed experiment The best protective isolates R8510 and R308 consistently protected approximately 70 of radish seedlings in at least two separate experiments There was no correlation between the growth rates of the hypovirulent Rhizoctonia spp isolates and their percentage protection of radish seedlings against dampingoff
Mycoflora of rhizomes and roots of Elytrigia repens a potential inoculum source for takeall in wheat
Authors: Chng S.F. , Cromey M.G. , Butler R.C.
Published: October 2019

Elytrigia repens is a host of the wheat takeall pathogen Gaeumannomyces graminis var tritici (Ggt) While E repens does not suffer substantial damage from infection by Ggt rhizomes and roots of this plant are potential carriers of Ggt and the infested residues are likely to provide sources of inoculum for wheat The mycoflora of rhizomes and roots of E repens collected from three arable cropping sites over six sampling occasions were examined The possible causes of root and rhizome lesions and fungi that might provide a level of biological control of Ggt in E repens were identified Ggt was not always associated with lesions and other fungi may also cause lesions on E repens Most Ggt was isolated from E repens collected from an area where severe takeall infection had previously been observed in wheat Microdochium bolleyi cooccurred most frequently with Ggt and the potential of M bolleyi as a biocontrol agent for takeall is discussed
The effect of Coniothyrium minitans on sclerotial viability of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Ciborinia camelliae
Authors: McLean K.L. , Madsen M. , Stewart A.
Published: October 2019

The effect of Coniothyrium minitans on Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Ciborinia camelliae sclerotial viability was determined on three different substrates sand soil and sawdust using fully factorial repeat experiments (Trials 1 and 2) In Trial 1 C minitans significantly reduced the number of viable S sclerotiorum sclerotia in sand (48) and sawdust (0) but not in soil (60) compared with the untreated sclerotia (92 64 and 88 respectively) after 8 weeks Although C minitans had no effect on C camelliae sclerotial viability the sawdust only treatment reduced viability to 0 after 4 weeks In the repeat experiment (Trial 2) C minitans had no effect on S sclerotiorum or C camelliae sclerotial viability although C camelliae sclerotial viability was again significantly reduced in the sawdust control treatment (812) compared with the sand and soil control treatments (>84) Coniothyrium minitans has some potential for biocontrol of S sclerotiorum but not of C camelliae Sawdust may be an option for use as an under plant mulch for control of C camelliae
Comparison of the behaviour of a transformed hygromycin resistant strain of Trichoderma atroviride (M1057hygR) with the wildtype strain (M1057)
Authors: McLean K.L. , Dodd S.L. , Sleight B.E. , Hill R.A. , Stewart A.
Published: October 2019

The biocontrol isolate Trichoderma atroviride M1057 and a transformed hygromycin resistant biotype (M1057hygR) were compared using biological control rhizosphere competence and antibiosis studies to determine whether the transformed biotype performed in a similar manner to the wildtype strain In an onion growth chamber trial using soil naturally infested with the onion white rot pathogen Sclerotium cepivorum there was no significant difference (P>005) in the level of disease control given by the two T atroviride strains Similarly populations of T atroviride M1057 and M1057hygR were equivalent (P>005) in the rhizosphere of onion seedlings There was no significant difference (P>005) between the mycelial growth rates of S cepivorum when grown on agar amended with culture filtrate of T atroviride M1057 and M1057hygR Thus T atroviride M1057hygR has similar biological attributes to the wildtype isolate and can be used in future field studies looking at the population ecology of the biological control agent
DNAbased detection of western gall rust
Authors: Ramsfield T.D. , Vogler D.R.
Published: October 2019

The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA of the western gall rust fungus (Peridermium harknessii) was amplified using the basidiomycetespecific PCR primers ITS1F and ITS4B The PCR product was then sequenced and aligned with other pine stem rust ITS sequences and a conserved region within P harknessii was targeted with the novel PCR primer Phar1 Our PCR protocol was able to differentiate P harknessii from Cronartium comandrae and C coleosporioides and detected P harknessii within infected host tissue However P harknessii was not distinguishable from C quercuum fsp fusiforme The method provides a rapid and sensitive detection protocol for P harknessii and C quercuum fsp fusiforme within infected host tissue
Internal biosecurity a realistic objective for plant nematodes
Authors: Watson R.N.
Published: October 2019

Nematodes and insects share common features of taxonomic and ecological biodiversity with different species exploiting a wide range of environmental niches However plantfeeding nematodes are usually very small and require a moisture phase for activity This allows very limited active dispersal in soil but survival mechanisms allow the ability for passive dispersal in transported soil plant material flowing water and sometimes windblown soil The range of plant hosts differs widely among nematode species The indigenous New Zealand fauna has not adapted to exotic agricultural plants Agricultural crops are exposed to a limited biodiversity of introduced pest nematodes with many of the nematodes having only a limited distribution within New Zealand This reduced nematode diversity compared with comparable habitats in the northern hemisphere contributes to competitive advantages for plantbased industries As many crops are strongly regionalised deliberate grower application of biosecurity practices could sustain unique advantages The possibilities in New Zealand are illustrated using a variety of crop examples
Principles of response to detections of new plant pest species and the effectiveness of surveillance
Authors: Wilson J.A. , Stephenson B.P. , Gill G.S.C. , Randall J.L. , Vieglais C.M.C.
Published: October 2019

Surveillance for new plant pests and organisms is an ongoing challenge for the biosecurity of New Zealand The biggest challenge arises when prioritising which pests to target as it is not feasible to run active surveillance programmes for the large numbers of pests associated with productive and indigenous ecosystems Most plant pest detections are through general surveillance which relies on the public and scientific community to notice and report incursions to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) MAF recognises the limitations of such an ad hoc process and the resulting implications for responding to incursions of new pests especially for prospects of containment and eradication This paper presents three incursion scenarios recognised by MAF and outlines how the level of pest surveillance affects the outcome for incursion management
Pupal age affects efficacy of irradiation on painted apple moth Teia anartoides
Authors: Suckling D.M. , Pedley R. , We S.L.
Published: October 2019

The sterile insect technique has been deployed in Auckland New Zealand as part of the eradication programme of the Australian painted apple moth (Teia anartoides) Pupal age at irradiation was assessed as a factor potentially affecting both physical fitness (ie wing deformity) and sterility of emerging males Males irradiated by the National Radiation Laboratory at 100 Gy at pupal ages of 2 4 6 and 8 days were emerged and mated with untreated females and their egg production and hatch were assessed Irradiation of pupae of different ages at 100 Gy did not affect the egg production at F1 level but younger pupae were significantly more susceptible to irradiation than older pupae Sterility of F1 increased with decreasing age The optimal age for male irradiation and release was determined to be 6dayold pupae and this recommendation has been followed in the release programme in 2003/04
Assessing competitive fitness of irradiated painted apple moth Teia anartoides (Lepidoptera Lymantriidae)
Authors: Suckling D.M. , Wee S.L. , Pedley R.
Published: October 2019

The Australian painted apple moth (Teia anartoides) has been the target of an eradication programme in Auckland For the first time in New Zealand the sterile insect technique has been deployed using males moths irradiated as pupae at 100 Gy Sterilisation of males has a fitness cost which was assessed in terms of longevity and competitive fitness Irradiation at 100 Gy had no effect on longevity of male painted apple moths However when released in separate groups in the flight tunnel irradiated males were less likely to reach calling females than untreated males (Plt;0001) When single irradiated (100 Gy) males and untreated males were released together as a pair irradiated males also showed lower arrival to females (Plt;0005) However once the males successfully located the females there were no significant differences between the controls and the irradiated males in the total time spent for mate location mounting attempts and mating duration
Field evaluation of spinosad for control of the willow sawfly (Nematus oligospilus) in Hawkes Bay
Authors: Disbury M. , Cane R.P. , Haw J.M. , Gilmer S.E. , Garner S.J.
Published: October 2019

Willow sawfly (Nematus oligospilus (Hymenoptera Tenthredinidae)) a species recently discovered in New Zealand has spread throughout the country In Hawkes Bay it is a threat to willow trees many of which are an important part of river flood control systems A trial was conducted in Napier to test the efficacy of the insecticide Spinosad against sawflies infesting golden willows (Salix alba var vitellina) Insecticide was applied once at each of two sites while a third site was used as an untreated control Larval densities were measured on two trees from each site immediately before the experiment began and for 28 days afterwards At both treated sites 100 mortality occurred within seven days of insecticide application The results showed that Spinosad can provide effective control of willow sawfly
Phosphine as a fumigant to control Hylastes ater and Arhopalus ferus pests of export logs
Authors: Zhang Z. , Van_Epenhuijsen C.W. , Brash D.W. , Hosking G.P.
Published: October 2019

The black pine bark beetle (Hylastes ater) and the burnt pine longhorn beetle (Arhopalus ferus) are major insect pests of Pinus radiata in New Zealand and are currently listed as undesirable on imported P radiata logs from New Zealand by AQISQ the Chinese quarantine authorities Any discoveries of these pests could endanger one of the most important export markets for New Zealand logs Experiments were carried out to examine the efficacy of the non ozonedepleting fumigant phosphine for eliminating these two pests from P radiata logs at egg larva and adult life stages Direct exposure to phosphine at levels as low as 200 ppm for up to 10 days has disinfested the three life stages of both pests Phosphine has the potential to control both pests in export logs before they arrive in the other countries and may be a replacement fumigant for the ozonedepleting methyl bromide
Use of a superspreader adjuvant to reduce spray application volumes on avocados
Authors: Gaskin R.E. , Manktelow D.W. , Skinner S.J. , Elliott G.S.
Published: October 2019

This study was undertaken to determine whether pesticide spray volumes on avocados could be substantially lowered with the use of a superspreader adjuvant and to identify an optimum spray volume and adjuvant rate to maximise spray retention Groundbased airblast applications of copper fungicide were made to 45 year old fruitbearing trees Spray retention was quantified on foliage and fruit at a range of canopy heights and positions Spray deposits on foliage were maintained or improved using reduced volume sprays (500700 litres/ha) incorporating the superspreader DuWett compared to the standard high volume treatment (2500 litres/ ha) The adjuvant maintained total spray deposits on fruit using 35 times less spray volume than is current standard practice There was no evidence of phytotoxicity on any fruit or foliage due to adjuvant sprays The study highlighted deficiencies in current spray application technology used on avocados
Comparison of host plant preferences fecundity and longevity for dietreared and fieldcollected Fullers rose weevil
Authors: Maher B.J. , Logan D.P.
Published: October 2019

The New Zealand kiwifruit industry continues to face high fumigation costs when exporting fruit to Japan mainly due to the presence of egg masses of Fullers rose weevil Naupactus cervinus (Crotch) (Coleoptera Curculionidae) on fruit Experiments were carried out to ascertain whether adult FRW have feeding preferences for plants commonly found in the kiwifruit orchard ecosystem and whether the behaviour of adults reared on artificial diet is different to that of fieldreared FRW In nochoice and choice tests adults consumed more foliage of broadleaf dock (Rumex obtusifolius) and white clover (Trifolium repens) than other host plants Dietreared adults consumed less overall than fieldcollected adults Fecundity and longevity of adult FRW caged in a shade house was determined Adults laid more eggs when provided with broadleaf dock or white clover than with creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens) or kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) Maximum longevity of caged adults was 12 months
Monitoring and controlling mould mites in tissue culture facilities
Authors: Van_Epenhuijsen C.W. , Koolaard J.P.
Published: October 2019

Mould mite numbers were successfully monitored in tissue culture laboratories using black tape where numbers of mites were high Natural diamite and Parafilm M were the best barriers for preventing mould mite contamination Treating surfaces with a miticidecontaining paint (Artilin 3A) or bendiocarp prevented mites from entering containers holding food suitable for mould mites Mites were not killed when sprayed with aerosols and 70 ethanol
Effective aerosol treatment of mould mites and onion thrips in tissue culture
Authors: Van_Epenhuijsen C.W. , Koolaard J.P.
Published: October 2019

Ethyl formate applied as an aerosol killed almost 100 of the mould mites (Tyrophagus putrescentiae) present in tissue culture tubs Mite mortality showed dose responses to the chemical and mortality increased with duration of exposure Other aerosol formulations and vacuum and controlled atmosphere treatments were also tested but were not effective in controlling mites Onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) in open and closed tissue culture tubs were killed by ethyl formate 65 and 85 CO2 atmospheres or dichlorvos plus CO2 propellant Further work is needed to define effective dose rates and exposure times and to determine the possible phytotoxicity of the aerosols to various plant species
Local variation in cereal aphid flight activity in Canterbury
Authors: Teulon D.A.J. , Lankin G.O. , Stufkens M.A.W. , Lee J. , Travis G.R.
Published: October 2019

Autumnwinter flight activity of aphids vectors of barley and cereal YDV measured in 75 m high suction traps was compared from four sites in Canterbury between 19972003 For weekly trap catches the relationship between traps was usually poor (R2lt;064) except for Rokeby and Courtenay (R2089) These relationships improved (R2gt;075) when combining weekly into monthly seasonal (AprilJuly) and winter (JuneJuly only) values except for the monthly comparisons with Hilton (R2lt;054) In general suction trap catches at Hilton were most dissimilar from other traps Courtenay and Rokeby were the most similar Internet usage in 2003 indicated that users were least interested in the Courtenay trap data This analysis suggests that not all suction traps are needed to provide useful information to cereal farmers However the utility of a particular trap is also influenced by its use for other aphid pest/crop combinations
Effectiveness and persistence of six insecticides for control of lettuce aphid on field lettuce in Canterbury New Zealand
Authors: Stufkens M.A.W. , Wallace A.R.
Published: October 2019

Since its arrival in March 2002 lettuce growers in New Zealand have been struggling to control the lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri) using topically applied insecticides Potter tower tests have shown there is some level of resistance in New Zealand to two insecticides (acephate and methomyl) at the recommended field rate A field trial was set up to examine the effectiveness and persistence of six insecticides on autumn sown seedling lettuces for control of the lettuce aphid Acephate and methomyl failed to give complete kill of lettuce aphids unlike the other four insecticides tested The synthetic pyrethroid lambdacyhalothrin gave a higher level of protection having both a longer persistence period than the other insecticides tested and a significantly lower rate of increase in aphid numbers
Testing for pesticide resistance in lettuce aphid
Authors: Workman P.J. , Stufkens M.A.W. , Martin N.A. , Butler R.C.
Published: October 2019

Lettuce aphid Nasonovia ribisnigri Mosely (Hemiptera Aphidoidae) was first detected in New Zealand on lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in Christchurch in March 2002 Lettuce growers immediately found the new pest difficult to control using insecticides Failure of insecticides to provide adequate control could have been due to inadequate spray coverage because lettuce aphid prefers to feed in the interior of the lettuce or to insecticide resistance which has been recorded in lettuce aphid in Europe To determine the efficacy of topically applied insecticides on lettuce aphid in New Zealand 12 pesticides were applied at recommended field rates with a Potter tower to apterous lettuce aphids on lettuce discs imbedded in agar Only acephate (806) and methomyl (907) failed to give complete mortality after 48 hours at 18C The concentrationmortality relationships for acephate methomyl and pirimicarb were estimated and compared with data from Europe
Examining the latent period of Septoria tritici blotch in a field trial of winter wheat
Authors: Armour T. , Viljanen-Rollinson S.L.H. , Chng S.F. , Butler R.C. , Jamieson P.D. , Zyskowski R.F.
Published: October 2019

The wheat cultivar Consort was artificially inoculated with Septoria tritici in an experiment to determine the latent period of the pathogen in New Zealand Three individual leaf layers (leaf three leaf two or the flag leaf) were inoculated over three sowing dates to provide a range of different environmental conditions following inoculation The mean latent period was 21 to 27 days (291372C days) The length of the latent period increased slightly with delays in sowing date The implications for producing a simple forecasting system to assist farmers with timing of fungicide applications are discussed
Effects of Fusarium species on defence mechanisms in sorghum seedlings
Authors: Huang L. , Backhouse D.
Published: October 2019

Sorghum seedlings were inoculated with Fusarium proliferatum and F thapsinum 3 days after germination Seven days later infected seedlings were dissected into the coleoptile mesocotyl seed scutellum and root and defence responses measured Infection significantly increased the levels of soluble phenolics and anthocyanins the phytoalexins apigeninidin and luteolinidin and the enzymes peroxidase beta;13glucanase and chitinase in some tissues Constitutive levels of chitinase were high The strongest defence responses and highest levels of preformed defences were seen in the scutellum Responses to F thapsinum tended to be stronger than those to F proliferatum The findings supported the hypothesis that the plant is able to suppress the activity of these fungi during the endophytic stage of infection
Optimisation of PTAELISA detection and quantification of Botrytis cinerea infections in grapes
Authors: Obanor F.O. , Williamson K. , Mundy D.C. , Wood P.N. , Walter M.
Published: October 2019

Botrytis cinerea can be detected in juice pre and postharvest using the monoclonal antibody BC12CA4 in plate trapped antigenenzyme linked immunosorbent assays (PTAELISA) The amount of antigen predicted by PTAELISA was found to increase as grape juice samples were progressively diluted This effect was also observed in B cinerea contaminated boysenberry and blackcurrant juice samples Detection of B cinerea infections by PTAELISA was improved by incubation of grapes at 20C for 48 h and was similar to visual assessments of infected grapes PTAELISA is faster (13 days) than visual B cinerea assessments (1014 days) PTAELISA measurements can be standardised removing human bias in determining B cinerea infection levels
Bicarbonate salts and calcium cyanamide suppress apothecial production by Ciborinia camelliae
Authors: Van_Toor R.F. , Jaspers M.V. , Stewart A.
Published: October 2019

Apothecia of Ciborinia camelliae arise from soilborne sclerotia that are often located at the base of camellia bushes and release ascospores that infect camellia flowers To suppress the production of apothecia as a strategy to control camellia flower blight granule formulations of potassium bicarbonate (Armicarb 100SR) at 300 kg/ha ammonium bicarbonate (Armicarb 300) at 300 kg/ha and calcium cyanamide at 500 and 1000 kg/ha were applied to soil beneath camellia bushes After 16 days potassium bicarbonate ammonium bicarbonate and calcium cyanamide at both rates reduced the numbers of apothecia from 321/m2 in untreated plots to 46 30 08 and 03/m2 respectively This level of control continued for the duration of apothecial production Calcium cyanamide at 5001000 kg/ha and the bicarbonate salts at 300 kg/ha offer potential for cultural control of camellia flower blight The optimum rate for bicarbonate salts to achieve complete suppression of apothecia still needs to be determined