bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal phenology of Australian citrus whitefly (Orchamoplatus citri) in New Zealand
Authors: Jamieson L.E. , Chhagan A. , Curtis C.
Published: October 2019

Australian citrus whitefly (ACWF) was first detected in Auckland in 2000 It has since spread to Kerikeri Gisborne and Bay of Plenty where it causes sooty mould problems and possibly reduction in fruit colour and tree health issues The seasonal phenology of ACWF life stages and presence of natural enemies were assessed in citrus orchards in Kerikeri Auckland and Gisborne ACWF overwintered as a fourth instar/pupal stage In Kerikeri and Auckland the main adult emergence period was midOctober to January with distinct periods when each immature life stage was present In March a small percentage of the fourth instar/pupal population emerged as adults while the remainder overwintered before emerging the following spring Clear and distinct periods when eggs crawlers and nymphal stages were present were not seen in Gisborne No parasitoids emerged from sampled ACWF and none of the predators collected in this survey appeared have any significant impact on the high ACWF populations observed
Diurnal periodicity of adult eclosion mating and oviposition of the european leafminer Scaptomyza flava (Falln) (Diptera Drosophilidae)
Authors: Shakeel M. , He X.Z. , Martin N.A. , Hanan A. , Wang Q.
Published: October 2019

The European leafminer Scaptomyza flava is an important pest of brassicas peas and gypsophila in New Zealand The patterns of S flava adult eclosion mating and oviposition were determined in the laboratory Most adults (97) emerged in the photophase with maximum adult eclosion occurring between 2 and 3 h into the photophase Mating took place exclusively in the photophase and peaked about 30 min after lights on Both male and female S flava mated more than once Females started oviposition 3 days after emergence and the fecundity (number of eggs laid) and fertility (number of eggs hatched) peaked between 5 and 10 days after emergence The mean lifetime fecundity was 133541 eggs with the fertility rate being 57 during the 40day oviposition period
Identification of paraquatresistant Solanum nigrum and S americanum biotypes
Authors: Lewthwaite S.L. , Triggs C.M.
Published: October 2019

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L) Lam) plants are highly susceptible to weed competition during their early field establishment period For a long time the contact herbicide paraquat has been widely used within the sweetpotato production system often as the only herbicide applied to control weeds that emerge within the crop A low rate of paraquat is applied repeatedly over the crop each season eliminating seedling weeds at a very young stage until the crop canopy provides adequate competition However the application of paraquat to selectively destroy seedling weeds has inadvertently selected for paraquatresistant weed biotypes This study confirms growers field observations that populations of paraquatresistant solanaceous weeds are now common identifying them as Solanum nigrum L and S americanum Mill Paraquat cannot be used selectively when these resistant biotypes are present as the concentrations required to control the weed species would be lethal to the crop itself
Observations on the biology of the pasture mealybug Balanococcus poae from Hawkes Bay pastures
Authors: Charles J.G. , Chhagan A. , Forgie S.A. , Slay M.W.A. , Edwards R.D.
Published: October 2019

The seasonal biology of Balanococcus poae was examined in Hawkes Bay from 2006 to 2008 Adult females were found throughout the year typically in wax cells ca 12 cm below the soil surface with a peak density of ca 1300/m2 during winter and early spring (JuneOctober) Winter eggs were followed by neonate nymphs from spring through summer The timing of lifestages indicates that there was a single generation each year but a partial second generation may also have occurred in late summer No males were found Morphometric data did not reliably separate different immature stages Neonate nymphs on potted plants crawled first to the tips of tillers and then moved down the blade to feed beneath the protective tiller sheath No parasitoids or predators of mealybugs were found In the absence of biological control grasses with endophytic fungi that confer resistance to pasture mealybug would give effective control
Evaluation of different storage methods for rapid and costeffective preservation of Botryosphaeria species
Authors: Baskarathevan J. , Jaspers M.V. , Jones E.E. , Ridgway H.J.
Published: October 2019

Four Botryosphaeria species isolated from grapevine namely Diplodia seriata (teleomorph B obtusa) Diplodia mutila (teleomorph B stevensii) Neofusicoccum parvum (syn B parva) and Neofusicoccum luteum (syn B lutea) were stored using 11 different methods Duplicate isolates were stored for 1 3 and 6 months as myceliumcolonised agar plugs and pycnidia in sterile water mineral oil 20 glycerol or potato dextrose agar (PDA) at room temperature (RT) 4C or 80C The viability of the four Botryosphaeria species was similar (81100) for all storage methods apart from pycnidia on pine needles at RT (68) but their overall growth rates differed between the storage methods (P
The application of polymerase chain reaction for characterising strains of Pseudomonas syringae isolated from New Zealand rivers
Authors: Vanneste J.L. , Cornish D.A. , Yu J. , Morris C.E.
Published: October 2019

Pseudomonas syringae is a complex group of bacteria which comprises nine different genomospecies and over 50 pathovars Strains of P syringae have been isolated from some rivers and lakes in New Zealand To determine whether these waterways act as reservoirs of plant pathogenic bacteria 15 strains of P syringae isolated from the Waikato River and Whakapapanui stream have been further characterised using several polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols Five of those 15 strains belong to genomospecies 1 which comprises P syringae pv syringae but none belongs to genomospecies 2 The protocol for detection of P syringae pv papulans was modified and is now specific for this pathovar The identity of a strain isolated from the Waikato River as being P syringae pv atrofaciens has yet to be confirmed None of the 15 strains studied belongs to the pathovars papulans actinidiae tagetis helianthii or theae
Cold tolerance of entomopathogenic nematodes
Authors: Ali F. , Wharton D.A.
Published: October 2019

Entomopathogenic nematodes in the Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae families are lethal parasites of insects They have great potential as biological control agents since they can be mass produced in vitro However their limited shelf life is the major impediment to their large scale commercial application Attempts to base a storage technology on partial desiccation and anhydrobiosis have met with limited success The natural capacity of entomopathogenic nematodes for freezing tolerance could be an alternative to be exploited as a first step towards developing a method for their longterm storage In the present laboratory experiments the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae has shown to be freezetolerant if frozen at relatively high subzero temperature with survival near the level of controls However slow freezing at high subzero temperature (1C) enhanced the nematodes survival at lower temperatures (down to 12C) Freezing of the nematodes was confirmed under the cold stage microscope although the mechanism of survival in the slow freezing regime was difficult to visualise through cold stage microscopy This mechanism needs to be investigated further via a different technique such as freeze substitution and electron microscopy Neither acclimation nor rapid cold hardening improved the survival of nematodes significantly
Development of biologicallybased products for control of Botrytis in wine grapes
Authors: Elmer P.A.G. , Parry F.J. , Reglinski T.
Published: October 2019

Bunch rot of grapes caused by Botrytis cinerea is responsible for crop losses exceeding 30 under favourable disease conditions The potential for greater losses exists due to a marketdriven industrywide shift towards nil pesticide residues spray programmes Plant Food Research is developing nil residue biological and natural products in partnership with New Zealand Winegrowers Technology New Zealand the Foundation for Research Science and Technology and BotryZen Limited The biological product BOTRYZen based upon Ulocladium oudemansii (Patent PCT/NZ01/00111) is applied early season for control of Botrytis and ARMOURZen a chitosanbased natural product formulation is applied mid and late season and complements BOTRYZen Two developmental products NP2 (PCT/NZ2005/000167) and BCAL1 have provided excellent control of Botrytis during mid to late season NP2 is a plantbased natural product suitable for use mid season while BCAL1 colonises the berry surface thereby preventing Botrytis infection preharvest These field trial results demonstrate that nil residue full season biological control of Botrytis is achievable with crop losses being similar to those under current fungicidebased spray programmes
Using LUREMTR to trap thrips in glasshouse crops in Victoria Australia
Authors: Till C.M. , Butler R.C. , Horne P.A. , Hives N. , Teulon D.A.J.
Published: October 2019

Trials were undertaken in glasshouse crops in Victoria Australia to test the effect of LUREMTR on numbers of thrips trapped LUREMTR is a newly developed commercial thrips lure (especially for Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) Thrips tabaci (Lindeman) and Thrips major (Uzel)) and is used in greenhouses in Northern Europe In 2008 LUREMTR was trialled in a commercial rose glasshouse in Officer Victoria in October and a vegetable nursery glasshouse in Daylesford Victoria in October November and December In the rose greenhouse the numbers of thrips caught on blue sticky boards with LUREMTR increased by 28 over 4 days Additionally a prototype lure in this glasshouse increased thrips capture by up to 68 over 2 days In the vegetable nursery greenhouse the number of thrips on yellow sticky boards with LUREMTR increased by up to 400 over 7 days Differences in the effect of LUREMTR on numbers of thrips trapped in these trials and other trials are discussed
Control of onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) adults and eggs with phosphine
Authors: Van_Epenhuijsen C.W. , Wimalaratne S.K. , Somerfield K.G. , Hedderley D.I. , Page B.B.C. , Brash D.W.
Published: October 2019

Onion thrips are a major pest of New Zealand onion and asparagus exports Onions are generally treated with methyl bromide if export shipments are contaminated with thrips Phosphine is a possible alternative fumigant for disinfestation particularly as it is less likely to have phytotoxic effects on onions than methyl bromide This research aimed to identify a short duration (23 day) phosphine treatment protocol using cylinderised phosphine that gave complete control of onion thrips adults and eggs without causing a decline in onion bulb quality Adults and egg life stages of onion thrips were treated with two concentrations of phosphine (700 and 1100 ppm) for either 48 or 72 h at a mean temperature of 20C Phosphine was applied directly to adult thrips that had been collected and held in jars as well as to infested onions None of the treated adults survived and none of the treated eggs hatched and survived after 48 h exposure to phosphine fumigation at a mean concentration of 706 ppm There were no visible signs of phytotoxicity following phosphine treatment It is recommended that this treatment regime is tested at a larger scale on stored onions infested with onion thrips
Adjuvants for apples effects on russeting
Authors: Gaskin R.E. , Manktelow D.W.L. , Geelen A.
Published: October 2019

Fruit appearance is of critical importance in apples but fruit rejected for russet make up a significant proportion of the crop each year Nonylphenol ethoxylates have been the standard adjuvants in New Zealand for many years but since their classification as endocrine disruptors alternatives are needed for major export markets Two studies in separate years established the russeting potential in either dilute or concentrate sprays of a range of adjuvants alcohol ethoxylates (Actiwett Chemwet 1000) pinolene polymers (NuFilm17 Sprayfast) polyalkoxylate/aliphatic alcohol blends (Regulaid Spray Aid) an organosilicone/latex polymer blend (Bond Xtra) an organosilicone superspreader (Silwet L77) and an organosilicone blend superspreader (DuWett) Both alcohol ethoxylates significantly increased russet while no other adjuvant had any effects on export packout levels of the russetsensitive varieties Sciros (Pacific Rose) and Sciearly (Pacific Beauty) In the following year concentrate sprays containing DuWett were compared with dilute spray programmes in four commercial orchards in different locations Export packouts of 9098 were achieved The concentrate programmes reduced stemend cheek and total russet in two orchards Fruit quality and the level of export grade fruit (cv Tenroy (Royal Gala) and Braeburn) were not compromised by the use of DuWett adjuvant in concentrate spray programmes
Resistance to dicarboximide and benzimidazole fungicides in Botrytis cinerea from greenhouse tomatoes in New Zealand
Authors: Wright P.J. , Chng S. , Beever R.E. , Thompson J.
Published: October 2019

Isolates from Botrytis cinerea collected from greenhouse tomato crops throughout New Zealand were tested for resistance to the dicarboximide fungicide vinclozolin and the benzimidazole fungicide carbendazim by assessing fungal growth on agar media amended with the fungicides (100 ppm active ingredient for both fungicides) Benzimidazole resistant strains of B cinerea were found on 15 of the 18 properties examined and dicarboximideresistant strains were found on 11 properties Dicarboximide resistance was more prevalent in the Auckland region with 71 of isolates resistant compared to 5 of isolates resistant for the other three regions All of the strains that were resistant to dicarboximide were also resistant to benzimidazole The high levels of dicarboximide resistant strains in the Auckland region correspond to reported loss of fungicide efficacy and loss of disease control in some greenhouses in this region
Insect pests of the kumara crop
Authors: Lewthwaite S.L. , Van_Epenhuijsen C.W. , Workman P.J.
Published: October 2019

The kumara (Ipomoea batatas) or sweetpotato crop is propagated by sprouting roots stored from the previous season The warm humid conditions within propagation beds protected by plastic cloches produce densely packed sprouts that can support infestations of aphids such as the potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae) The sprouts are hardened by removal of the plastic covers and transplanted into freshly prepared fields where they are susceptible to the garden symphylid (Scutigerella immaculata) grazing on newly formed roots and greasy cutworm larvae (Agrotis ipsilon) chewing through plant stems at ground level The plants tend to develop a profuse canopy during the season which supports convolvulus hawk moth larvae (Agrius convolvuli) and large populations of soybean looper larvae (Thysanoplusia orichalcea) However foliage damage is generally not considered of economic importance considering the plants vigour Sweetpotato roots swell as the season progresses and are vulnerable to damage by black field crickets (Teleogryllus commodus) and larvae of whitefringed weevil (Graphognathus leucoloma) black beetle (Heteronychus arator) and pasture wireworm (Conoderus exsul) Following harvest larvae of the tropical armyworm (Spodoptera litura) and detritus moth (Opogona omoscopa) may cause considerable loss of root quality over prolonged storage periods
Management of kauri dieback
Authors: Waipara N.W. , Craw J. , Davis A. , Meys J. , Sheeran B. , Peart A. , Hill S. , Campion A. , Osborne B. , Lee P. , Brooks J. , Hill K. , Walters G. , Bellgard S.
Published: October 2019

Kauri illthrift commonly known as Kauri dieback has been identified as an increasing problem affecting kauri (Agathis australis) across the Auckland region A water and soilborne pathogen Phytophthora taxon Agathis (PTA) has been identified as a causal agent of Kauri dieback at some locations particularly within the Waitakeres Ranges Regional Park and Great Barrier Island PTA is associated with a collar rot causing large bleeding basal lesions yellowing foliage and tree death A range of other causal agents including Phytophthora cinnamomi and environmental stress factors were also associated with symptoms at many sites In 2008 Auckland Regional Council implemented a range of standard operational procedures to manage the disease across the region Surveillance surveys are underway to assess overall tree health as well as the potential distribution of PTA in Aucklands kauri forests Survey sites were prioritised in areas with high conservation value iconic trees or high levels of soil disturbance such as tracks intersecting kauri root zones Risk management of the suspected primary vectors of the PTA including people and feral pigs is underway
Effect of pre and postblossom insecticide residues on European earwig Forficula auricularia in kiwifruit
Authors: Maher B.J. , Connolly P.G.
Published: October 2019

In kiwifruit orchards the European earwig Forficula auricularia L can be a useful predator of scale insects However insecticide use may reduce earwig numbers and previous work indicated that diazinon residues caused high mortality of earwigs Diazinon has been replaced by several insecticides in the crop protection programme In this study late instar earwigs which are the stages found in the canopy prior to flowering were exposed to residues of preblossom insecticides thiacloprid (Calypso) thiamethoxam (Actara) and spirotetramat (Movento) following spray applications in spring Adult earwigs were exposed to residues of chlorpyrifos (Lorsban) following an application in March when adults only are present in vines One earwig was placed in each of thirty Petri dishes three vines per treatment with two 5cm cane segments cut from sprayed vines and kept at 20C Relative to controls there was no additional mortality of earwig nymphs following exposure to preblossom insecticide residues from 115 days after spraying All adult earwigs survived one nights exposure to chlorpyrifos residues but after five successive nights mortality ranged from 10 to 90 up to 7 days after spraying suggesting an accumulative response
PestWeb a weed and pest information source for farmers
Authors: Tozer K.N. , Ferguson C.M. , Glennie S.
Published: October 2019

Weed and insect pests severely limit New Zealand pasture production and information on their management is often fragmented and difficult for farmers to access While there are a number of good pest and weed websites available many of these are commercial in focus or do not combine both identification and management options relevant to New Zealand farmers PestWeb (wwwagresearchconz/pestweb) is a website being created to assist farmers and agricultural professionals in decisionmaking regarding weed and pest identification biology impact and management A pilot site has been developed for identification and management of grass grub porina Californian thistle and barley grass and it is aimed to include an additional 2025 key New Zealand pasture weeds and pests which will be chosen in consultation with key farming industry and research personnel This site will provide independent information in an easily accessible and intuitive format to assist farmers in weed and pest management decisionmaking PestWeb development has involved collaboration between farmers of the South and West Otago Monitor Farm group farming consultants scientists and web designers This has ensured that the site is farmer friendly while providing independent peerreviewed information on the biology control and impact of key pests and weeds
Establishment rate of 12 ornamental ground cover species for weed control
Authors: Foo C.L. , Harrington K.C. , Mackay M.B. , Wrigley M.P.
Published: October 2019

To determine how rapidly ornamental ground cover species can establish and thus potentially stop weeds from establishing 12 perennial species with different growth forms and habits were planted into plots covered with 7 cm of sawdust mulch Plants had a mean diameter varying from 10 cm to 41 cm when transplanted in November 2008 with 10 m spacing with three plants per plot and three plots for each species After 5 months Polygonum capitatum had established the most rapidly completely covering the plots in dense growth and seeding prolifically but then it suffered a sudden dieback apparently from frost damage Ajuga reptans Caitlins Giant produced the tallest and densest cover within the first 5 months with an average patch diameter of 83 cm Two other species exhibiting rapid establishment ability were Grevillea lanigera Little Drummer Boy and Acaena inermis Purpurea The remaining species were slower to establish but several were beginning to also produce good weedsmothering ground covers Sedum mexicana Acapulco Gold produced dense patches once established but was the species most prone to being damaged by rabbits Results obtained will facilitate selection of the most useful ground cover species for urban weed management
Methyl bromide fumigation of weed seeds in compressed coco peat
Authors: Bullians M.S. , Allison V. , Sarty M. , Glassey K.
Published: October 2019

In February 2008 weeds were found growing from imported coco peat and a Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Biosecurity New Zealand response initiated A controlled trial was undertaken in 2008 to determine if methyl bromide (MeBr) could be used as an effective treatment to devitalise potential weed seeds in compressed coco peat blocks Five weed species were trialled Digitaria sanguinalis Mollugo nudicaulis Panicum miliaceum Cleome rutidosperma and Amaranthus viridis Four replicates were used in the fumigation trial with each replicate placed inside one of four 128block pallets of coco peat Coco peat blocks near the middle of each pallet were removed and split and weed seeds of all five species placed in the centre of the blocks before the pallets were repacked for fumigation Results showed seed growth for Mollugo nudicaulis Panicum miliaceum and Amaranthus viridis after treatment with an application rate of 240 g/m3 of MeBr for 72 h Temperature was maintained above 16C This result indicated that MeBr fumigation of compressed coco peat is not a sufficient treatment to devitalize all weed seeds in compressed coco peat
Seasonal variation in the lower thermotolerance of adult New Zealand flower thrips Thrips obscuratus (Crawford)
Authors: McLaren G.F. , Colhoun K.M. , Butler R.C
Published: October 2019

The ability of New Zealand flower thrips (NZFT) to tolerate cold temperatures was investigated Thrips were collected from a range of natural sources in Central Otago over 2 years Some adult NZFT (predominantly females) survived for up to 2 months on peach fruit at 01C; LT 50 354 days and LT 99 707 days Plant material containing NZFT was exposed for 24 h to 10 75 5 25 and 0C and NZFT mortality measured Irrespective of the time of year when NZFT were collected mortality was similar after 24 h at 25C to that at 0C (means 46 47) but increased with decreasing temperature (mean mortality 225 at 5C 663 at 75C and 820 at 10C) From 75C downwards responses to changes in temperature varied between seasons (P
Effect of body weight on reproductive performance of Micromus tasmaniae (Walker) (Neuroptera Hemerobiidae)
Authors: Yadav A. , Wang Q. , He X.Z.
Published: October 2019

Micromus tasmaniae Walker is an important predator of a number of economically important pests such as aphids The largerthebetter theory predicts that reproductive fitness is positively linearly associated with body size or weight To test whether larger insects perform better reproductively the insect population was divided into three weight groups light average and heavy and the reproductive performance of nine breeding treatments (three male weights three female weights) was assessed The body weight of female M tasmaniae had no significant effect on reproductive fitness in terms of fecundity fertility fertility rate oviposition period and longevity suggesting that female size variation is of secondary importance in determining reproductive fitness in this species Male size had significant positive effect on female fecundity fertility and fertility rate and reproductive period This suggests that heavy males may transfer larger ejaculates that provide more sperm and malederived nutrients to females than light males
Mating behaviour of the European leafminer Scaptomyza flava (Diptera Drosophilidae)
Authors: Shakeel M. , He X.Z. , Martin N.A. , Hanan A. , Wang Q.
Published: October 2019

European leafminer Scaptomyza flava (Falln) is an important pest of brassicas peas and gypsophila in New Zealand This study examined the mating behaviour of this species for the first time under laboratory conditions Males were the active sex in the entire mating behavioural sequence involving approaching courting and mounting females and copulation Copulation lasted for about 20 min There was no significant difference in pre courtship courtship and mating durations between virgin and mated males However mated males were significantly more likely to perform courtship and to achieve mating than virgin ones It is suggested that males learn from mating experience which helps them achieve higher mating success Both virgin and mated males tended to disrupt mating couples but could not separate them
Evaluation of singlenode plantlets as a model system for grapevine trunk diseases
Authors: Mundy D.C. , Robertson S.M.
Published: October 2019

Singlenode plantlets were evaluated as a model system for experiments on grapevine trunk diseases Experiments were conducted to determine how to grow the plantlets how Botryosphaeria sp and Eutypa lata symptoms were expressed in the plantlets compared with fieldgrown plants and how the detached singlenode plantlets (from living canes) responded compared with canes attached to vines under controlled conditions Singlenode plantlets could be grown in distilled water for up to 6 months Under controlled conditions significantly longer lesions formed on the singlenode plantlets than on attached canes suggesting that the singlenode system may be more sensitive to infection than whole vines The system shows promise for use in initial experiments on trunk diseases before field experiments are conducted but further work is required to validate the method
Response of black beetle and redheaded pasture cockchafer larvae to loline alkaloids in meadow fescue roots
Authors: Bryant R.H. , Cameron N.E. , Edwards G.R.
Published: October 2019

Meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis) infected with Neotyphodium uncinatum endophyte was used to investigate the response of redheaded pasture cockchafer (Adoryphorus coulonii) and black beetle (Heteronychus arator) larvae to loline alkaloids Root material of meadow fescue genotypes varying in loline alkaloid concentration were fed to individual larvae in a nochoice bioassay Total root loline concentrations ranged from 500 to 3000 g/g DM Growth of second instar cockchafer larvae was significantly reduced under treatments with highest loline concentrations (P
Serratia entomophilacoated seed to improve ryegrass establishment in the presence of grass grubs
Authors: Young S.D. , Townsend R.J. , Swaminathan J. , O'Callaghan M.
Published: October 2019

The entomopathogenic bacterium Serratia entomophila is an alternative to chemical control of grass grub (Costelytra zealandica) and is applied in a granule formulation to established pastures Treatment of seed with microbial inoculants is an ideal mechanism for delivery and establishment of microbial control agents into the plant root zone where soil dwelling pests such as grass grub are located Seed treatment with S entomophila was tested in three glasshouse pot trials for its ability to protect germinating ryegrass seedlings from grass grub damage A range of larval densities was used and microbial seed treatment was compared with the insecticide imidacloprid At medium larval densities (equivalent to 70 larvae/m2) use of S entomophilacoated seed resulted in 85 seedling establishment in comparison with 82 emergence from imidaclopridtreated seed At a high larval density of 300/m2 where there was no establishment of untreated seed 3551 of seedlings established from S entomophilatreated seed Results suggest there is potential for seed coating to aid ryegrass establishment in autumnsown pastures
Effects of invertebrate pests on white and annual clovers in dryland soil
Authors: Eden T.M. , Gerard P.J. , Wilson D.J. , Bell N.L.
Published: October 2019

Two experiments were carried out at Ruakura in soil taken from Whatawhata hill country pasture The relative susceptibility of several annual clovers (Trifolium spp) and perennial white clover (T repens) to slugs (Deroceras reticulatum) clover root weevil (Sitona lepidus) adults native crickets (Nemobius sp) or wheat bugs (Nysius huttoni) was tested by sowing seed of the clovers into separate rows in turf Susceptibility of clovers to clover cyst nematode (Heterodera trifolii) was tested by sowing each clover variety into Whatawhata soil inoculated with the nematode Plant growth was assessed in both experiments 4 weeks after sowing White clover was more susceptible to pests than the annual clovers with slugs and clover root weevil significantly reducing seedling survival and clover cyst nematode significantly reducing plant growth Subterranean clover (T subterraneum) cv Denmark was the least affected by pests showing no significant reduction in survival in the presence of slugs the most damaging pest and no significant decrease in plant root and shoot dry weight when exposed to nematodes
Microbial community profiling applications in plant protection
Authors: Gerard E.M. , Monk J. , Wakelin S.A. , O?Callaghan M.
Published: October 2019

The function and diversity of microbial communities associated with plants insects and soils directly impacts on plant health and production Although community level investigations appear daunting significant gains are being made through the application of molecular biology An important technique involves polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of genes from DNA/RNA isolated from the environment removing limitations caused by microbial cultivation PCR amplicons are then separated using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) providing a fingerprint of the diversity of that gene within the microbial community This PCRDGGE based method originally targeted the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes present in all microorganisms Other genetic markers are now used including general markers coding for conserved proteins involved in core cell functions or genes essential to activities defining specific functional groups such as ammonia oxidation nitrogen fixation or antibiotic production Reversetranscription PCRDGGE on community RNA can be used to profile metabolically active populations PCRDGGE allows for the rapid comparison of multiple samples and when used in combination with other approaches provides robust information of environmental microbial communities Recent uses in plant protection research include examination of effects of pesticides and biocontrol agents on microbial populations soil disease suppression plant rhizosphere communities microbemineral interactions microbeinsect interactions insect microbiota predator prey studies and community responses to changing farming practices
Implications of registered insecticide reassessment for pasture pest management
Authors: Chapman R.B. , Jackson T.A.
Published: October 2019

As part of an assessment of the risks costs and benefits of substances approved under the HSNO Act ERMA has established a list of potentially harmful materials for reassessment The initial Chief Executive Initiated Reassessment List contains 20 potentially hazardous substances of which 12 are insecticidal chemicals including some widely used in pastoral agriculture Pastoral intensification resulting from dairying and forage cropping appears to have stimulated an increase in insecticide use This is the reverse of the trend that coincided with the implementation of biological control and integrated pest management in the 1990s when there was a decline in the quantity of insecticides used in the pastoral sector The ERMA process follows international trends that have led to the deregistration of many pesticides based on old highly toxic chemistries effectively withdrawing them from international markets It is important for researchers and pest managers to be aware of the potential withdrawal of commonly used insecticides and develop alternative strategies for pest management
Chondrostereum purpureum as an inundative biological control agent for invasive woody weeds in New Zealand
Authors: Ramsfield T.D. , Carlson C.A. , Power M.W.P. , Skudder D.
Published: October 2019

Chondrostereum purpureum is a basidiomycete fungus that is being investigated as an inundative biological control agent for invasive woody weeds This study was conducted to assess the susceptibility of seven species of weeds to C purpureum The species that were inoculated in this trial were broom (Cytisus scoparius) gorse (Ulex europeaus) buddleia (Buddleja davidii) Himalayan honeysuckle (Leycesteria formosa) hawthorne (Crataegus monogyna) poplar (Populus trichocarpa) and willow (Salix matsudana) Two isolates of C purpureum and a control were used and were each replicated 12 times All plants were potted and the trial took place under nursery conditions Mortality and canker size were measured 6 months after inoculation Data were analysed using SAS The highest mortality (50) was recorded for broom with one isolate but very little mortality was observed across the other species A highly significant weed by isolate interaction was observed with regards to lesion length with weed species susceptibility varying with respect to one of the C purpureum isolates Hawthorn and willow had greater lesion lengths after inoculation with the same isolate that had caused mortality in broom The results from this trial are being used to direct a larger field trial
Survival of weed seeds in cocopeat bricks for hydroponics
Authors: James T.K. , Rahman A. , Dickson M.
Published: October 2019

In 2007 seeds of 31 species previously unknown in New Zealand were identified in cocopeat imported from Sri Lanka Cocopeat is used as a growing medium for hydroponic vegetable production The aim of this study was to evaluate the viability of weed seeds present in cocopeat over a 12 month growing season Twenty or forty seeds of five representative species were counted into fine mesh bags and inserted into the cocopeat bricks Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum) and capsicums (Capsicum annuum) were grown in the cocopeat with nutrients supplied via a constant trickle of hydroponic nutrient solution After 3 (n4) 6 (n4) and 12 (n8) months seed packets were removed for germination testing which was firstly carried out over 28 days on KNO3soaked blotters after which ungerminated seed was pricked and left for a further 28 days After 12 months 37 and 45 of the grass species Panicum miliaceum and Digitaria sanguinalis respectively germinated while that for the broadleaf species Cleome rutidosperma Mollugo nudicaulis and Amaranthus viridis was 20 48 and 38 respectively Results from the 3 and 6 month samplings were intermediate and show that long term exposure to hydroponic solution did little to reduce the viability of weed seeds found in imported cocopeat
Naturally occurring predators of Bactericera cockerelli in potatoes
Authors: MacDonald F.H. , Walker G.P. , Larsen N.J. , Wallace A.R.
Published: October 2019

In recent intensive sampling of insecticidefree potatoes at Pukekohe several insect predators and spiders have been found in association with the new pest Bactericera cockerelli tomatopotato psyllid (TPP) Micromus tasmaniae (brown lacewing) Melanostoma fasciatum (small hover fly) Coccinella undecimpunctata (11spotted ladybird) and sheet web spiders (Linyphiidae) were collected from potatoes at Pukekohe Research Station and reared in the laboratory to assess their potential as predators against TPP nymphs Individual predators were presented every 24 h to a maximum of 10 TPP nymphs of different instars ranging from 2nd to 4th instar depending on the size of the predator All predator species fed on TPP nymphs and all predatory life stages were capable of consuming more than five nymphs per day Ongoing studies with these species show that all predatory life stages of all predatory species feed on all life stages of TPP Together with separate data on predator incidence these results suggest that naturally occurring predators are likely to be important biological control agents of TPP particularly early in the season when TPP infestations are low
Mini munchers to control powdery mildew and botrytis bunch rot in grapes
Authors: Boyd-Wilson K.S.H. , Read S. , Mundy D.C.
Published: October 2019

The use of mycophagous (fungal feeding) invertebrates has potential to contribute to disease management in both organic and conventional wine production systems in New Zealand The New Zealand wine industry is actively working towards producing ultralow residue wines This involves removing all late season botrytis fungicide sprays from the vineyard spray programme In organic wine production systems in New Zealand the only products available to control powdery mildew and botrytis bunch rot are protectants In both these systems when fungicides are not available mycophagous invertebrates may reduce the amount of inoculum available to cause disease A survey of leaf material in 19 vineyards in Canterbury and Marlborough over the 20082009 growing season identified populations of beetles in two vineyards in sufficient numbers to justify further research In the laboratory fieldcollected beetles that were starved for 2 days fed on spores of Botrytis cinerea (botrytis bunch rot) growing on blackcurrant flowers Podosphaerea leucotricha (apple powdery mildew) on apple leaves and Erysiphe necator (grape powdery mildew) on grape leaves Beetles were identified as Aridius bifaciatus (Reitter) A nodifer (Westwood) and Cortinicara hirtalis (Broun)
Effects of solar radiation and relative humidity on germination of Botryosphaeriaceae species conidia
Authors: Amponsah N.T. , Jones E.E. , Ridgway H.J. , Jaspers M.V.
Published: October 2019

Viability and germination of conidia of three Botryosphaeriaceae species which are important grapevine pathogens were significantly affected by exposure to different levels of sunlight and relative humidity (RH) After 7 h exposure to nonfiltered sunlight (UV) filtered sunlight (UV) and shade germination differed between light levels being 35 57 and 81 respectively and after 70 h exposure it was 0 21 and 65 respectively Nongerminated conidia were unable to germinate when placed in a moist environment indicating that they had been killed High RH favoured germination since 91 and 70 respectively germinated after 3 h in 100 and 97 RH However in 93 RH only 44 germinated by 24 h and in 84 RH no conidia germinated The inhibition of germination was temporary since replacement in a moist environment caused conidia to germinate Light and RH effects were similar for the three species
Detection of Pseudomonas syringae pv actinidiae in kiwifruit pollen samples
Authors: Vanneste J.L. , Giovanardi D. , Yu J. , Cornish D.A. , Kay C. , Spinelli F. , Stefani E.
Published: October 2019

Presence of Pseudomonas syringae pv actinidiae (Psa) the causal agent of bacterial canker of kiwifruit in pollen samples collected from infected and non infected orchards in Italy and in New Zealand was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and by direct bacterial isolation Psa was isolated only from pollen samples collected in Italy including pollen collected from two uninfected orchards which the following year showed signs of infection Psa was also detected in pollen collected from male and female vines in an Italian infected orchard Pollen samples from Italy but not from New Zealand were collected with a vacuum device Psa could not be isolated from any of the 25 New Zealand pollen samples analysed This is the first report of Psa being associated with pollen There is currently no evidence that artificial pollination leads to increased infection or that pollen has been responsible for the introduction of Psa in a previously Psafree area
Host selection for selfsuperparasitism by Diaeretiella rapae (MIntosh) (Hymenoptera Aphidiidae)
Authors: Kant R. , Minor M.A. , Trewick S.A. , Sandanayaka W.R.M.
Published: October 2019

Superparasitism (repeated oviposition in same host) indicates either a fitness benefit for the parasitoid or an inability of ovipositing females to discriminate parasitised versus unparasitised hosts Superparasitism in Diaeretiella rapae the solitary endoparasitoid of cabbage aphid Brevicoryne brassicae was studied in the laboratory When given a choice of parasitised and unparasitised aphids 70 of females made their attack on unparasitised hosts first even though alreadyparasitised aphids were less defensive to parasitoid attack and ovipositing females had shorter hosthandling time The female superparasitised hosts during repeated attack and the large hosts were superparasitised more often than the small ones Although superparasitised hosts carried two to five parasitoid larvae only one larva developed into an adult The body size of parasitoid larvae as measured 4 days after oviposition was affected by the total number of larvae in the host Superparasitism strategies of D rapae are discussed in the context of reproductive fitness
Weed ingress and pasture persistence in Bay of Plenty dairy farms field observations and farmer perceptions
Authors: Tozer K.N. , Cameron C.A. , Thom E.R.
Published: October 2019

Aboveground botanical composition and seedling emergence from the soil seedbank were assessed in 30 Bay of Plenty dairy pastures in spring 2010 Pastures ranged in age (young 12 years medium 34 years old 56 years) and included those with and without forage herbs (chicory and/or plantain) As pastures aged there was an increase in the percentage of total dry matter of unsown weed grasses (3 8 27) and unsown herbaceous weeds (5 18 39) in young medium and old pastures sown with herbs respectively Unsown weed grasses dominated the seedbank and together with herbaceous weeds comprised more than 99 of seedlings that emerged from the seedbank Farm managers ranked insect pests and climate (eg droughts/floods) as the primary factors causing the decline of sown species while grazing management was perceived as the most important factor that can improve persistence of sown species
Microctonus hyperodae in Otago and Southland
Authors: Ferguson C.M. , Barratt B.I.P. , Barton D.M. , Wilson D.J.
Published: October 2019

In 1990 Microctonus hyperodae was released in Otago and Southland as a biocontrol agent against Argentine stem weevil (ASW) (Listronotus bonariensis) At that time ASW was New Zealands major pasture pest but attained only sporadic importance in the southern South Island Since then possibly due to higher nutritional qualities of modern ryegrass cultivars and/or changes in annual thermal accumulation ASW has increased in significance Farmers once relied on endophytefree ryegrasses but now sow infected grasses While endophyte helps protect against ASW damage augmentation by M hyperodae parasitism is desirable Establishment and localised spread of M hyperodae was measured around the release sites but subsequent distribution over the wider southern South Island was not Between September and November 2011 52 pastures were sampled and ASW was found in all Microctonus hyperodae was reared from 18 of these pastures at levels of 133 parasitism but in 15 pastures parasitism was less than 7 The information gathered covers a limited period but suggests that M hyperodae is not as successful in the far south as in other parts of New Zealand The reasons for this and possible implications warrant further investigation both to understand the situation and to investigate if supplementary releases of M hyperodae can be usefully undertaken
Screening of historical isolates stored in New Zealand culture collections for Pseudomonas syringae pv actinidiae
Authors: Park D. , Than D. , Everett K.R. , Rees-George J. , Romberg M.K. , Alexander B.J.R.
Published: October 2019

Subsequent to the detection of Pseudomonas syringae pv actinidiae (Psa) on kiwifruit in Te Puke (November 2010) isolates of Pseudomonas spp from kiwifruit stored in the International Collection of Microorganisms from Plants (ICMP) and at Plant Food Research (PFR) were tested by PCR for Psa A total of 139 isolates from ICMP were assayed with the previously published primer pairs PsaF1/PsaR2 and PAV1/P22 An amplicon of expected size for Psa was produced from 19 isolates using primers PAV1/P22 but no amplicons were obtained using the primers PsaF1/PsaR2 Amplicons produced by primers PAV1/P22 were sequenced and these isolates were identified as Pseudomonas viridiflava A further 52 Pseudomonas isolates collected from kiwifruit and stored at PFR did not amplify a PCR product with primers PsaF1/PsaR2 These PCR tests confirm that Psa was not detected in any of the cultures held in the ICMP or at PFR The screening of historical Pseudomonas isolates associated with kiwifruit suggests that Psa strains had not been isolated from New Zealand kiwifruit samples prior to the detection in 2010
Seasonal abundance of Bactericera cockerelli and beneficial insects in a potato crop in Canterbury
Authors: Jorgensen N. , Taylor N.M. , Berry N.A. , Butler R.C.
Published: October 2019

The tomato/potato psyllid (TPP) Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) (Hemiptera Triozidae) has been regarded as a significant pest of solanaceous crops in New Zealand since its discovery in 2006 Current management of TPP relies primarily on the use of insecticides A better understanding of the role of beneficial insects in the control of TPP is needed to guide future Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies In Canterbury 201011 the seasonal abundance of TPP and beneficial insects was monitored in a lowspray potato crop using yellow sticky traps and incrop plant assessments The brown lacewing (Micromus tasmaniae) was the most abundant beneficial insect encountered followed by ladybird species (Adalia bipunctata and Coccinella undecimpunctata) Numbers of adult brown lacewings and ladybirds peaked on sticky traps in December 2010 while adult TPP numbers peaked in February 2011 Brown lacewing eggs were present on potato plants throughout the season with the highest numbers found during January/early February 2011 Numbers of all life stages of TPP were highest on potato plants from mid January to the end of the monitoring period in mid February 2011 (crop sprayoff)
Seasonal sex ratio of Bactericera cockerelli in potato and tomato crops in Hawkes Bay and Canterbury
Authors: Taylor N.M. , Jorgensen N. , Berry N.A. , Butler R.C.
Published: October 2019

Since its discovery in New Zealand in 2006 the tomato/potato psyllid (TPP) Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) (Hemiptera Triozidae) has been regarded as a significant pest of solanaceous crops in the horticultural industry To date there is little knowledge of the population dynamics of male and female TPP in the field An understanding of these dynamics will aid in the potential use of traps as pest management tools During the 201011 growing season weekly yellow sticky trap catches were used to assess the malefemale sex ratio of TPP in a total of nine tomato and potato crops in Hawkes Bay and mid Canterbury More male TPP were caught on traps at all nine sites throughout the season Furthermore the TPP malefemale ratio was highest early in the season This malebiased dominance may suggest several things an uneven proportion of males compared with females in the population that male TPP are more attracted to the hue of yellow than females an increased activity by males as a consequence of matesearching behaviour and/or a decrease in activity by egglaying females