bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oviposition strategy of Aphidius ervi (Hymenoptera Aphidiidae) in response to host density
Authors: He X.Z. , Teulon D.A.J. , Wang Q.
Published: October 2019

The reproductive response of Aphidius ervi Haliday to the density of pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) was investigated in plastic cylinders (105 cm high x 85 cm diameter) Mean number of aphids parasitised and eggs laid by a single A ervi significantly increased with an increase of host density Numbers of eggs laid per parasitoid reached a plateau at host densities of 75 aphids/cylinder and above However the number of eggs laid in each parasitised aphid significantly decreased (from 29 to 13 eggs) with the increase of host density from 15 to 75 aphids/cylinder after which no further decrease occurred These results suggest that the parasitoid adjusts oviposition strategy in response to increasing host density through increasing parasitism and decreasing superparasitism The proportion of female progeny developed from fertilised eggs increased (up to 70) with the increase of host density from 15 to 50 or 75 aphids/cylinder after which it gradually declined suggesting that the sperm limit occurs when host density reaches 50 to 75 aphids/cylinder
Adjuvant and application technologies to minimise offtarget drift from kiwifruit sprays
Authors: Gaskin R.E. , Manktelow D.W.L. , Steele K.D.
Published: October 2019

The productivity and quality of the New Zealand kiwifruit crop depends on dormancy breaking sprays that are applied in high volumes to bare canes The risk from offtarget spray drift is high This study investigated new nozzle and adjuvant technologies to improve the targeting of hydrogen cyanamide sprays and reduce offtarget losses The use of air inclusion (AI) nozzles could reduce vertical and horizontal drift of hydrogen cyanamide airblast sprays relative to conventional cone nozzles The combination of an adjuvant with AI nozzles resulted in a significant decrease in offtarget drift by as much as 86 compared to current industry standard application methods Deposits on target canes were not adversely affected by the use of AI nozzles and biological efficacy of the budbreaking agent was maintained
Susceptibility of Scaptomyza flava (Diptera Drosophilidae) to insecticides
Authors: Martin N.A. , Workman P.J. , Hedderley D.
Published: October 2019

The leaf miner Scaptomyza flava (Diptera Drosophilidae) can damage Asian brassicas Methods of control are required that are compatible with biological control of the lepidopteran pests that also damage this crop Laboratory bioassays compared the susceptibility of adult flies and first instar larvae in leaf mines to 12 insecticides registered for use on brassicas and the insecticide abamectin The efficacy of seven insecticides were compared in two field trials with Joi Choi and Pak Choi and the survival of a larval/pupal parasitoid Asobara persimilis (Hymenoptera Braconidae) was assessed Adult and larval flies were susceptible to nine insecticides In the field trials abamectin deltamethrin endosulfan and fipronil gave good control of fly larvae Parasitoids emerged in treatments where fly larvae survived to pupate ie abamectin endosulfan maldison spinosad and indoxacarb
A new potato late blight disease prediction model and its comparison with two previous models
Authors: Henshall W.R. , Shtienberg D. , Beresford R.M.
Published: October 2019

There are numerous disease prediction models for potato late blight based on recognition of weather conditions suitable for infection The models have the potential to target fungicide application to times of greatest need with a consequent reduction in chemical use The HartillYoung late blight model was developed about 20 years ago from disease and weather data recorded at the Pukekohe Research Station This paper presents the more sophisticated Shtienberg model which was developed recently from the same data but which treats components of the disease process separately The outputs of the HartillYoung and Shtienberg models and the established Fry model were analysed for the same input weather data at Pukekohe (high disease risk area) and Lincoln (low risk) over the last five growing seasons The Shtienberg model gave broadly similar results to the other two models
Disease assessment and epidemic monitoring methodology for bunch rot (Botrytis cinerea) in grapevines
Authors: Beresford R.M. , Evans K.J. , Wood P.N. , Mundy D.C.
Published: October 2019

Epidemic descriptors that quantified the location in time and rate of disease increase of botrytis bunch rot were developed using percentage disease severity data Data were obtained from fungicide evaluation trials in three regions of New Zealand and from Tasmania in Australia Mean percentage severity versus time was logit transformed and linear regression was used to predict the date at which 5 severity was reached the daily severity increase rate at 5 severity the severity on the date of harvest and the daily severity increase rate at harvest These descriptors will be of general use for the critical comparison of bunch rot epidemics between sites and between seasons They will be used in quantitative analyses to identify factors that drive botrytis bunch rot epidemics in order to develop botrytis prediction models
Influence of larval density on biological fitness of Ephestia kuehniela Zeler (Lepidoptera Pyralidae )
Authors: Xu J. , Wang Q. , He X.Z.
Published: October 2019

Mediterranean flour moth Ephestia kuehniella is a cosmopolitan pest of stored products and its eggs are widely used to rear parasitoids and predators for biological control programmes This experiment investigated how larval population density affected the survival rate and reproductive output of this species under four rearing densities (1 larva per 2 g food per vial; or 100 500 or 1000 larvae per 50 g food per jar) The survival rate and reproductive output significantly decreased (P
First record of Bemisia tabaci biotype Q in New Zealand
Authors: Scott I.A.W. , Workman P.J. , Drayton G.M. , Burnip G.M.
Published: October 2019

In January 2006 a grower reported failure to control whitefly on greenhouse capsicums in Karaka South Auckland despite high release rates of the biological control agent Encarsia formosa The whitefly was identified morphologically as Bemisia tabaci and capsicum represents a new host record for this species in New Zealand Bemisia tabaci is polyphagous and 24 biotypes are currently recognised worldwide Biotypes B and Q have attracted international attention in the past two decades because of their rapid global spread They are morphologically indistinguishable DNA sequence analyses of samples collected in a survey in 2006 from capsicums and poinsettias revealed the presence of B tabaci biotype Q in New Zealand In a subsequent survey commissioned by Biosecurity New Zealand 12 sites were visited between 27 June and 30 August 2006 Bemisia tabaci was only detected at one site but on multiple hosts Sequences were identical to biotype Q sequences detected during the preliminary survey and to B tabaci biotype Q samples from overseas
Effect of temperature on the development longevity and oviposition of greenhouse thrips (Heliothrips haemorhoidalis) on lemon fruit
Authors: Chhagan A. , Stevens P.S.
Published: October 2019

Greenhouse thrips (Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis) is a major pest of horticultural crops worldwide and in New Zealand it is particularly damaging on citrus avocados and ornamentals Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis development oviposition and longevity were determined at five constant temperatures (16 18 20 23 and 25 C) on unripe Yenben lemon fruit Total developmental time (egg to adult) ranged from 729 days at 16 C to 284 days at 25 C The rate of H haemorrhoidalis oviposition was highest at 25 C with an average of 14 eggs laid per day Mean adult longevity ranged from 899 days at 25 C to 124 days at 16 C It was estimated that 4198 degreedays above a lower threshold temperature of 101 C were required to complete development from egg to adult The developmental time predictions obtained from the degreeday model were validated under variable field conditions Actual developmental times were generally within one day of times predicted by the model
Cultivar and endophyte effects on a root aphid Aploneura lentisci in perennial ryegrass
Authors: Popay A.J. , Gerard P.J.
Published: October 2019

In a pot trial fungal endophytes (Neotyphodium spp) with different alkaloid profiles were investigated for their effects on numbers of a root aphid (Aploneura lentisci) in perennial ryegrass Some endophytes were also tested in different cultivars (Nui Samson and Impact) Two endophytes AR37 and AR6 strongly suppressed root aphid numbers Wildtype had fewer aphids than endophytefree plants and AR1 Endophytes producing peramine only (AR1 AR12 AR22) and an endophyte producing peramine and lolitrem B (AR23) did not differ from endophytefree There were no cultivar by endophyte interactions but cultivar affected the strength of aphid response to Wildtype Comparisons of alkaloid profiles suggest that ergovaline (in Wildtype and AR6) and epoxyjanthitrems (in AR37) may affect root aphids whereas peramine and lolitrem B do not Differences in herbage dry weight of plants and a significant relationship between herbage dry weight and root aphid numbers indicated this aphid reduces the growth rate of plants
Host range testing of a nucleopolyhedrovirus of the lightbrown apple moth Epiphyas postvittana
Authors: Poulton J. , Markwick N.P. , Ward V.K , Young V.
Published: October 2019

Epiphyas postvittana nucleopolyhedrovirus (EppoNPV) has considerable potential as a biocontrol agent or biopesticide for control of lightbrown apple moth Epiphyas postvittana a pest of horticultural crops in New Zealand and a market access problem in export fruit To obtain regulatory approval for EppoNPV in either role EppoNPV must not negatively impact on nontarget organisms In this study eight nontarget insect species from one hymenopteran and five lepidopteran families were inoculated with EppoNPV at high titre (109 PIB/ml) Larval survival growth rates pupation and pupal weights were measured and larvae examined for EppoNPV Minor differences in one parameter were found in Helicoverpa armigera and Cydia pomonella but no viral infection Growth and survival were compromised in virusfed individuals in only one species Tyria jacobaeae The majority of T jacobaeae larvae had high microsporidal infections and EppoNPV polyhedra were found in only one larva suggesting a very low likelihood of field infectivity
Effects of EppoNPV infection on gene expression in Epiphyas postvittana larvae
Authors: Gatehouse H.S. , Markwick N.P. , Poulton J. , Ward V.K. , Young V. , Wilson S. , Dellow R. , Sneddon K. , Gatehouse L.N. , Simpson R.M. , Janssen B.J. , Bishop R. , Schaffer R.J. , Christeller J.T.
Published: October 2019

The nucleopolyhedrovirus EppoNPV can control larvae of the leafroller Epiphyas postvittana in the field but has varying effects on New Zealands other leafroller pests An understanding of the infection process at the genetic/molecular level within the leafroller complex may lead to strategies to enhance the effectiveness of the virus Microarray technology was used to examine the effects of viral infection on gene expression levels in E postvittana gut tissue The results show that a 5 day infection with EppoNPV caused a significant downregulation of several E postvittana genes many of which were consistent with a response to injury or stress or with the triggering of apoptosis (such as components of the oxidative phosphorylation pathway) The majority of the expressed viral sequences detected are structural genes and genes associated with late gene expression These data provide a basis from which to compare EppoNPV infection in other less susceptible leafroller species
Timing of fungicide application for Botrytis cinerea control in blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum)
Authors: Walter M. , Obanor F.O. , Smith J.T. , Ford C. , Boyd-Wilson K.S.H. , Haris-Virgin P. , Langford G.I.
Published: October 2019

Flower blight in blackcurrants caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea has received little attention in New Zealand To determine the efficacy of a fungicide application in relation to the timing of infection fungicides were applied 5 3 and 1 day before as well as immediately after 1 2 and 5 days after an infection event Cyprodinil and fludioxonil (Switch) were chosen because of the translaminar systemic and protective mode of action Studies were conducted during the 2006 flowering season in the laboratory and in the field on commercial properties in Canterbury and Nelson Natural Botrytis flower inoculation and infection events were common during the 2006/07 production season Results suggest that timing of fungicide application is critical for B cinerea control in blackcurrants Protection of flowers was achieved with cyprodinil and fludioxonil applications from 3 days before to 3 days after an inoculation and/or infection event Reduction of flower infections resulted in increased fruit set
Prediction of disease risk using sitespecific estimates of weather variables
Authors: Kim K.S. , Beresford R.M. , Henshall W.R.
Published: October 2019

To improve the implementation of weatherbased disease risk models a spatial interpolation method was investigated to provide weather estimates for specific sites Two sites in the HortResearch horticultural weather station network one in Marlborough and one in Hawkes Bay were selected as validation sites Interpolated weather data were estimated for these sites from November to March in 200304 and 200405 using actual weather data from nearby stations that were selected as natural neighbours using the geometrical technique Voronoi tessellation Wetness duration was also estimated using interpolated weather data as inputs to an empirical wetness model Air temperature estimates were comparable to actual measurements but wetness duration was overestimated When interpolated and actual data were used as inputs to the grape botrytis model Bacchus predicted risks were comparable to each other for short periods rather than the whole growing season This suggests that risk of botrytis bunch rot could be predicted reliably at a specific site using the spatial interpolation method
Natural enemies of Japanese honeysuckle Lonicera japonica in New Zealand
Authors: Waipara N.W. , Winks C.J. , Smith L.A. , Wilkie J.P.
Published: October 2019

Japanese honeysuckle is rapidly increasing as a weed throughout most of the North Island and northern South Island of New Zealand A classical biological control programme was initiated in 20042005 with a survey of the natural invertebrate fauna and pathogens associated with the weed in New Zealand The honeysuckle was being attacked by a diverse range of native and introduced invertebrates But overall the damage was minimal and none of the herbivore niches on the weed were well utilised implying that exotic agents may have a chance of inflicting additional damage that might be sufficient to control the species Most damage was caused by foliage feeders such as lepidopterous larvae and thrips but this affected less than 5 of total plant biomass Primary and secondary foliar pathogens such as Pseudocercospora lonicerae Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Insolibasidium deformans and Phoma spp were frequently recorded Potential use of these natural enemies for weed biocontrol is discussed
Improving spray distribution and coverage on avocado trees in low volume concentrate sprays
Authors: Gaskin R.E. , Manktelow D.W.L. , Pak H.
Published: October 2019

Avocado trees in New Zealand orchards are planted on squares spaced 714 m apart with tree heights of up to 14 m Large trees present considerable difficulties with regards to pesticide application A series of studies was undertaken on 68 m high trees to optimise formulation prescriptions for airblast application of copper sprays Treatments included standard (up to 3000 litres/ha) and low volume (6001000 litres/ha) concentrate spray applications applied with the addition of varying rates of an organosilicone superspreader adjuvant Spray deposits were measured on foliage in the inner and outer sections of the lower mid and upper tree canopies Low volume concentrated sprays with the superspreader adjuvant added gave higher and more evenly distributed spray deposits on positions throughout the canopy than standard sprays Three times concentrate sprays were more effective than five times concentrate sprays because of the large canopy volume of the trees The adjuvant maximised coverage and evenness of spray deposits
Development and reproduction of Diadegma semiclausum (Hymenoptera Ichneumonidae) on diamondback moth Plutella xylostella (Lepidotera Plutellidae)
Authors: Khatri D. , Wang Q. , He X.Z.
Published: October 2019

This study investigated the development emergence and mating of Diadegma semiclausum Hellen an important parasitoid of diamondback moth in the laboratory at 21 1C and 5060 RH with a photoperiod of 1212 h (lightdark) The parasitoids developmental period was significantly shorter and pupal weight significantly higher if their mothers parasitised the fourth instar larvae of DBM (P
Field testing alternatives to copper for controlling avocado fruit rots
Authors: Everett K.R. , Timudo-torrevilla O.E. , Hill G.N. , Dawson T.E.
Published: October 2019

Six fungicides (boscalid boscalid/pyraclostrobin two formulations of copper hydroxide (Kocide Opti and Champ DP) dithianon and fluazinam) and one biological product (Biostart Target) were applied to avocado fruit in an orchard in Whangarei Products were applied as sprays on 13 February 23 March 20 April 18 June 19 July 21 August 27 September and 23 October 2007 There were five replicate trees for each treatment in a completely random block design At harvest on 2 November 20 fruit per tree were placed in a box transported to Mt Albert Research Centre within 24 h and stored at 55C for 28 days Fruit were then placed at 20C and assessed for rots when ripe There were too few stemend rots for the differences between treatments to be statistically significant but four of the fungicides significantly reduced numbers of body rots compared with the unsprayed control These were fluazinam boscalid/pyraclostrobin Kocide Opti and Champ DP
The effect of parasitism on clover root weevil flight capability
Authors: Eden T.M. , Donald M. , Gerard P.J.
Published: October 2019

The Irish strain of Microctonus aethiopoides was released in New Zealand in 2006 to help suppress populations of the clover pest clover root weevil (Sitona lepidus) A study was undertaken to determine if this parasitoid will be passively dispersed through flight activity by parasitized hosts In the laboratory Irish M aethiopoides parasitized equally hosts with or without flight muscles and subsequent presence of parasitoid eggs or first instar larvae had no effect on the propensity for S lepidus to prepare to take flight during laboratory observations In the field significantly fewer clover root weevil with flight muscles were found to be parasitized compared to those without flight muscles and those that were parasitized contained predominantly eggs and first instar larvae The results were compared with other Microctonus biocontrol agents released in New Zealand and it was concluded that passive dispersal should play a major role in dispersing Irish M aethiopoides in New Zealand especially in warm dry summers
Stem injection of insecticides to control herbivorous insects on Eucalyptus nitens
Authors: Gous S.F. , Richardson B.
Published: October 2019

To minimise environmental impact in urban and recreational environments insecticides may be injected directly into the vascular system of trees rather than by conventional foliar spray application In previous stem injection trials the majority of injected insecticides did not provide effective control of herbivorous insects This was largely because of the insolubility of the formulated insecticide products available in New Zealand Three water soluble insecticides acephate imidacloprid and emamectin benzoate were injected directly into the xylem of Eucalyptus nitens In subsequent laboratory bioassays the effect of these insecticides were assessed on two leaf feeding insects Uraba lugens (gum leaf skeletoniser) and Trachymela sloanei (a eucalyptus tortoise beetle) The results indicate that acephate may be a suitable candidate for protecting trees using stem injection of insecticides but in this study imidacloprid and emamectin benzoate were not effective
Endophyteinfected Festuca pratensis containing loline alkaloids deters feeding by Listronotus bonariensis
Authors: Patchett B.J. , Chapman R.B. , Fletcher L.R. , Gooneratne S.R.
Published: October 2019

Meadow fescue Festuca pratensis infected with Neotyphodium uncinatum contains loline alkaloids that may deter attack from pasture insects In a field experiment conducted in Canterbury high leaf loline alkaloid concentration reduced damage by Argentine stem weevil (ASW; Listronotus bonariensis) adults to 12 unique endophyteinfected meadow fescue ecotypes at four assessment times (DecApr; R2adj 489 P
Impact of nitrification inhibitor application on the nematode community in dairy pasture soil
Authors: Aalders L.T. , Bell N.L.
Published: October 2019

Use of the nitrification inhibitor dicyandiamide (DCD) on New Zealand dairy farms is increasing in an attempt to minimise nitrate losses to ground water from urine patches To study the impact of DCD on soil nematodes samples were collected from a field trial in Waikato where 27 kg/ha was applied on 11 occasions over 12 months and total nematodes and the nematode community analysed Of the nematode families genera and indices calculated only populations of plantfeeding Pratylenchus (lesion) nematodes were significantly different between DCD treated and untreated plots These results suggest that frequent small applications of DCD over a single year had no major effect on the nematode community from bulk soil
The problem with grubby footwear at international borders a New Zealand case study of golfers
Authors: White T.D. , Payne T.A. , McNeill M.R. , Bewsell D.T.
Published: October 2019

Due to New Zealands geographical isolation the country is free from many pests and diseases that are problematic in agricultural horticultural and natural environments elsewhere To help protect against incursions by new pests and diseases biosecurity officers check and if necessary clean travellers footwear as they enter the country Golf shoes can collect and carry contaminants such as soil and leaf matter If contaminated footwear is not detected at the border it can provide an entry pathway for potential biosecurity hazards such as unwanted pests and diseases This research examined the experiences of golfers returning to New Zealand after playing golf overseas both in terms of their risk awareness and of their biosecurity experiences at the New Zealand border Results show that 36 of respondents were unsure whether soil and leaf material found on golf shoes was a biosecurity risk while 56 of respondents had not seen any information regarding the requirement for clean sport shoes when travelling This may influence their response to biosecurity issues when travelling and returning to New Zealand Raising awareness of the biosecurity risks and encouraging participation among golfers could be achieved through golforientated information packs that include cleaning brushes
Fluorpen a simple hand held chlorophyll fluorescence measuring instrument
Authors: Zabkiewicz J.A. , Horgan D.B.
Published: October 2019

Plant chlorophyll fluorescence (CF) can be determined in a number of ways from spot readings or whole leaf scans Whole plant numerical and false colour CF analyses under laboratory conditions are now common but this is not an approach that can be easily applied under field conditions A portable hand held CF measuring instrument now provides a simple and rapid means of obtaining appropriate CF ratios for plants under laboratory or field conditions The Fluorpen can rapidly measure quantum yield fluorescence decline nonphotosynthetic quenching and OJIP CF ratios The unit can store many determinations which can then be easily downloaded into a computer via a Bluetooth link to access results rapidly unlike the bench top instrument which requires considerable time for image and data processing after capture Examples will be given of the different outputs and operational requirements for a typical application using plants that have been treated with agrichemicals Different versions of the unit can also be used to monitor the CF characteristics of fruit or to measure concentrations of photosynthetic algae in water
Assessing the potential for biological control of Buddleja davidii with the fungus Chondrostereum purpureum
Authors: Ramsfield T.D. , Power M.W.P.
Published: October 2019

Buddleja davidii is a perennial woody shrub that is highly invasive in many parts of the world including New Zealand This study was conducted to assess the potential for inundative biological control of this weed using Chondrostereum purpureum a wound invasive basidiomycete The fungus has been registered for woody weed control in Canada and the Netherlands and is present throughout New Zealand Mature B davidii shrubs planted at the Scion campus Rotorua were cut 30 cm from the ground and the cut surface of the stems was immediately inoculated with C purpureumcolonised malt extract agar (MEA) and sealed with Parafilm There were four replicate shrubs for each of three isolates and the control (inoculation with sterile MEA) One year following inoculation no fruiting bodies of C purpureum have been observed on the treated B davidii Although the inoculated stems appear dead most replicates have extensive epicormic shoot development and are forming coppices
Assessing risk of the natural regeneration of introduced conifers or wilding spread
Authors: Ledgard N.J.
Published: October 2019

Two decision support systems (DSS) have been developed to assess (a) the threat of introduced conifer (wilding) spread from new plantings and (b) the risk of wildings establishing at any particular site Scores (04) are given for risk factors related to the species involved their spreading vigour (includes seedling growth rate age of coning seed production and seed weight) palatability siting of the parent seed trees and vegetation cover and land use particularly downwind of the seed source The maximum possible score is 20 and scores above 12 (DSSa) and 14 (DSSb) indicate high levels of risk The two DSSs can be used by land managers to quickly assess the likely risk of wilding spread and to test how they might lower the risk by changing input factors In this way spread risk can be mitigated or avoided by good decisionmaking prior to unwanted wilding spread occurring
Evaluation of triclopyr triethylamine for the control of wetland weeds
Authors: Champion P.D. , James T.K. , Carney E.C.
Published: October 2019

Several experiments evaluating the susceptibility of aquatic and wetland weeds to triclopyr TEA were carried out using potted plants Seedlings of grey willow (Salix cinerea) alder (Alnus glutinosa) and purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and cuttings of crack willow (S fragilis) primrose willow (Ludwigia peploides) water celery (Apium nodiflorum) water cress (Nasturtium officinale) and monkey musk (Mimulus guttatus) were collected in the field and grown in cultivation At least 2 months after potting up triclopyr TEA was applied to run off at rates between 025 and 5 v/v This resulted in excellent control of all weeds at all rates except for purple loosestrife which was not controlled well at the lowest rate
Safety of triclopyr triethylamine to native wetland species
Authors: Champion P.D. , James T.K. , Carney E.C.
Published: October 2019

Current management options for wetland weed control are limited The triethylamine (TEA) salt formulation of the herbicide triclopyr effectively controls several broadleaf aquatic and wetland weed species and is relatively selective to many wetland species To evaluate the tolerance of vegetation associated with weed species a range of indigenous wetland species including the widespread Dacrycarpus dacrydioides Apodasmia similis Carex virgata Eleocharis acuta Isachne globosa Juncus pallidus Triglochin striata Phormium tenax and Mazus radicans and the nationally endangered Carex cirrhosa Amphibromus fluitans Crassula helmsii and Selliera rotundifolia were sourced from wildcollected or cultivated material and then grown on Triclopyr TEA was applied to wetting at rates between 025 and 5 Dacrycarpus dacrydioides I globosa and A fluitans appeared to have recovered fully from early damage from the 05 rate by the conclusion of the trial Apodasmia similis C virgata C cirrhosa E acuta and J pallidus were damaged but not completely killed at this rate whereas the remaining five species were killed at all herbicide rates applied
Mating behaviour and egg maturation in Diadegma semiclausum Hellen (Hymenoptera Ichneumonidae)
Authors: Khatri D. , He X.Z. , Wang Q.
Published: October 2019

Diadegma semiclausum is an important larval parasitoid of diamondback moth Plutella xylostella Little was known about the reproductive biology of this parasitoid The present study investigated mating behaviour and egg maturation dynamics of D semiclausum in the laboratory at 211C 168 h (lightdark) and 5060 RH Both males and females became sexually mature
A novel analysis of the risk of fresh produce imports
Authors: Frampton E.R. , Nalder K.
Published: October 2019

The types of organisms detected entering New Zealand on fresh produce (ie organisms intercepted during inspection at the border and/or intercepted postborder) were compared with the types of organisms that have recently been reported as established in New Zealand (ie organisms with population(s) detected and/or reported for the first time in New Zealand) Of the 420 newtoNew Zealand records from 1990 2007 657 and 338 were pathogens and invertebrates respectively In contrast over 96 of 19127 border interception identification records and 499 postborder interception records from 20032006 were invertebrates Of the 104 newtoNew Zealand insect and mite species 12 were intercepted on fresh produce The mismatches between the types of organisms intercepted and newtoNew Zealand records revealed in this novel analysis indicate that commercially imported fresh produce does not constitute a major pathway for establishment of exotic pests in New Zealand Present phytosanitary measures (pre border border and postborder) appear appropriate to managing the risk
Influence of male density on the courtship and mating duration of male rice weevils Sitophilus oryzae
Authors: Flay C.D. , He X.Z. , Wang Q.
Published: October 2019

The rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae (L) (Coleoptera Curculionidae) is a major pest of stored grains throughout the world This experiment examined the capacity of male S oryzae to adjust their mating behaviour in response to male density (ie 1 5 and 10 males) maintained with a single female Results show that males spent less time in courting females with antennal contact at density 1 when compared to densities 5 and 10 Copulation duration increased in response to the increase in rival densities The mechanism behind this phenomenon may be (1) a mate guarding strategy to enhance reproductive success by reducing the chance of sperm displacement by competitors and (2) a strategy to avoid damage to the reproductive organs of their mates by multiple mating
Small arthropods as pollinators in a New Zealand pak choi field trial
Authors: Walker M.K. , Howlett B.G. , McCallum J.A. , Wallace A.R. , Teulon D.A.J.
Published: October 2019

Brassica seed crops are grown throughout New Zealand and worldwide and intercrop and cropweed contamination through gene flow is a major concern For Brassica large arthropods (body length > 3 mm) particularly honey bees are the most important pollinators and are considered key vectors of pollen Small arthropods (body length < 3 mm) are also abundant in Brassica crops but their role as pollinators is rarely assessed Numerous small arthropods (particularly Diptera and Thysanoptera) were recorded within cages surrounding pak choi inflorescences that excluded large arthropods Inflorescences inside these cages set seed but seed set was significantly reduced compared with inflorescences in cages that were hand pollinated and uncaged inflorescences Although the presence of large arthropods significantly increased seed set the role of small arthropods and wind cannot be excluded in pak choi pollination Further studies are required to fully determine the role of small arthropods in long distance pollen flow
Argentine stem weevil adults are affected by meadow fescue endophyte and its loline alkaloids
Authors: Jensen J.G. , Popay A.J. , Tapper B.A.
Published: October 2019

Responses of adult Argentine stem weevil (ASW) to meadow fescue infected with the endophyte Neotyphodium uncinatum and to two loline alkaloids produced by the fungus were investigated Endophyte in two different meadow fescue seedlines did not affect adult ASW feeding scores but reduced oviposition compared with endophytefree controls In a nochoice experiment adult ASW were given artificial diets containing Nformyl loline (NFL) or Nacetyl norloline (NANL) at three concentrations or a control diet with no lolines Mortality was significantly higher at the highest rate of NFL than for lower rates and the control For NANL mortality was increased at both the lowest and the highest concentrations Feeding scores were higher on control than loline diets but only after 4 weeks In a choice experiment NFL appeared to have no effect on ASW feeding preference whereas there was less feeding at the highest concentration of NANL compared with the control diet
Endophyteinfected meadow fescue and loline alkaloids affect Argentine stem weevil larvae
Authors: Popay A.J. , Tapper B.A. , Podmore C.
Published: October 2019

In a meadow fescue plant assay a lower percentage of tillers on endophyteinfected (E) than endophytefree (E) plants on which eggs had been laid were damaged by Argentine stem weevil (ASW) larvae There were indications of endophytemediated toxicity to young larvae The percentage of damaged tillers on E and E plants without ASW eggs was similar when they were planted alongside a plant with eggs but severity of damage was less on E plants In an artificial diet experiment eggs took 23 days longer to hatch on an alkaloidfree diet than on diets containing either of two loline alkaloids produced by E meadow fescue Growth and development of larvae was reduced by up to 36 at two higher concentrations of Nformyl loline (NFL) relative to the lowest concentration and to a lesser extent by Nacetyl norloline Larval survival declined with increasing concentrations of both alkaloids with the highest mortality occurring at the two higher concentrations of NFL
Progress in pesticide risk reduction in New Zealand horticulture
Authors: Walker J.T.S. , Park N.M. , Clothier B.E. , Manktelow D.W.L. , Van_Den_Dijssel C.W. , Hodson A.J. , Barley M.J. , Hodson-Kersey L.R.
Published: October 2019

The New Zealand horticultural sector has made substantial progress in pesticide risk reduction by implementing sustainability programmes Apple and winegrape pesticide use was analysed to measure changes in human and aquatic ecotoxicity arising from these initiatives using the Hazardous Substances and New Organism 1996 Act (HSNO) classification system In 1995 insecticide use on apples and winegrapes was 116 and 031 kg ai/ha respectively while fungicide loadings were similar about 30 kg ai/ha Since then insecticide loading on apples has decreased by 80 with much lower potential human toxicity Growers following Integrated Fruit Production guidelines reduced fungicide loadings by 45 but expansion of organic apple production increased the sectors total fungicide use The wine sector has reduced their total agrichemical loading of insecticides by 72 and fungicides by 62 mostly through lower use of sulphur fungicides Both sectors have reduced their use of agrichemicals that are potentially toxic to aquatic ecosystems
Recording and reporting pesticide use in the onion and brassica industries
Authors: Bewsell D.T. , Kira A.
Published: October 2019

Understanding how growers monitor their own pesticide use helps determine the most appropriate tools for recordkeeping To investigate pesticide recording and reporting in the onion and brassica industries a telephone survey of 122 farmers was conducted in July 2008 Most respondents were recording pesticide use (n118 97) There were significant differences between domestic and exportfocussed growers Exportfocussed growers were more likely to have electronic systems for recording pesticide use and were more likely to use the information for calculating and reducing production costs Approximately 90 of growers indicated that records were useful to help meet regulatory requirements and provide information for residue or spray drift queries The ability to trace pesticide use to individual properties was considered important by 90 of growers as long as there was industry control over access to that information These results have implications for the design and implementation of Decision Support Systems for pesticide use
Ryegrass (Lolium perenne) seed yield response to fungicides a summary of 12 years of field research
Authors: Rolston M.P. , McCloy B.L. , Harvey I.C. , Chynoweth R.W.
Published: October 2019

A summary of seed yield data from 19 fungicide trials in perennial and hybrid ryegrass (Lolium spp) seed crops conducted over a 12 year period is presented Seed yields from the best fungicide treatments were increased on average by 25 in forage ryegrass (390 kg/ha) and 42 in turf ryegrass (580 kg/ha) Seed yield increases were associated with the control of stem rust and/or maintaining green leaf area during seed fill In turf ryegrass (susceptible to stem rust) delaying the first fungicide application until stem rust appeared resulted in seed yields that were not different (P>005) from the untreated experimental controls whereas early fungicide applications from the beginning of reproductive development increased seed yield by between 36 and 42 Fungicide mixes of a triazole plus a strobilurin usually gave higher seed yields than using either fungicide type alone
Changes in yellow bristle grass (Setaria pumila) abundance after drought implications for pasture management
Authors: Tozer K.N. , James T.K. , Cameron C.A.
Published: October 2019

Yellow bristle grass (YBG) which is a summeractive annual grass reduces pasture quality and becomes unpalatable to stock as panicles mature Farmers are concerned that an extreme drought from November 2007 to March 2008 may have facilitated the spread of YBG and other summeractive annual grass weeds Botanical composition was assessed on 12 Waikato dairy farms in February 2009 and YBG abundance was related to key management factors These findings were compared with data collected from the same farms (February 2008) during the drought Between years ryegrass cover and the proportion of bare ground decreased These components were replaced by two summeractive annual grasses YBG and summer grass and to a lesser extent summeractive perennial grasses clovers and dicots In 2009 YBG cover was negatively associated with summeractive perennial grass cover and pH and positively associated with YBG cover in the previous summer and soil calcium levels
Selective chemical control of yellow bristle grass (Setaria pumila) in pasture
Authors: James T.K. , Rahman A.
Published: October 2019

Yellow bristle grass (Setaria pumila) is a summergrowing annual grass currently expanding in distribution throughout pastures in Waikato Readily grazed in its early vegetative growth stage it is avoided by animals when the seed heads appear as barbed bristles lead to animal health problems particularly around the mouth Three field trials were conducted with several herbicides for control of yellow bristle grass Since yellow bristle grass germinates over an extended period from November to February the best control that could be achieved from a single herbicide application was 70 by 22DPA alone or in combination with either TCA or carbetamide applied in December MSMA was more effective on larger plants Ethofumesate treatment resulted in poor control of yellow bristle grass and severe damage to white clover (Trifolium repens) All herbicides evaluated resulted in variable levels of damage to perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne)
Scarring in tamarillo fruit (Solanum betaceum)
Authors: Rheinl?nder P.A. , Jamieson L.E. , Fullerton R.A. , Manning M.A. , Meier X.
Published: October 2019

Fruit scarring in tamarillo (Solanum betaceum) is a cosmetic disorder causing extensive revenue losses to the New Zealand tamarillo growers This study aimed to establish the cause of scarring Three possible causes were tested experimentally (1) fungal infection (2) insect damage and (3) physical injury Inoculation with spore suspensions of Botrytis cinerea (105 spores/ml) at fruitset indicated no association between scarring and infection by this fungus Among seven herbivorous invertebrates recorded on tamarillo greenhouse thrips were the most likely incitants of scarring Applications of thrips to developing fruit in fineweave terylene bags (120 thrips/bag) resulted in corky lesions However these were more superficial than the typical scarring of tamarillo Damaging the epidermis by scratching or removing patches of cells on young fruit produced the characteristic corky scars This suggests that any type of epidermal damage (eg wind rub hail or feeding insect) early in fruit development may cause scarring
Rainwater dispersal of Botryosphaeria conidia from infected grapevines
Authors: Amponsah N.T. , Jones E.E. , Ridgway H.J. , Jaspers M.V.
Published: October 2019

Dispersal of spores was investigated for the Botryosphaeria species that are responsible for dieback in grapevines Trapping for spores was carried out in a Canterbury vineyard during May 2008April 2009 to investigate spore availability during the year No spores characteristic of the Botryosphaeriaceae were collected on Vaselinecoated slides which were considered suitable for wind dispersed spores although spores of other fungi were collected However traps that collected rainwater runoff yielded conidia of the Botryosphaeriaceae In haemocytometer counts of spores they were initially identified by morphology and subsequently confirmed by PCR of rDNA followed by DNA sequencing During the trapping period 598 of the total Botryosphaeriaceae caught were Neofusicoccum spp and 402 were Diplodia spp These were present throughout the entire year with most abundant conidia being detected during December January and February when summer temperatures were high and when routine trimming of mature canes provided the wounds needed for infection
Guava moth (Coscinoptycha improbana) mating disruption using Asian peach moth (Carposina sasakii) pheromone dispensers
Authors: Wakelin R.H. , Jamieson L.E. , Suckling D.M.
Published: October 2019

Guava moth has now been recorded as far south as Auckland on fruit trees since first being detected in feijoa at Ahipara in 1997 The use of insecticides to control this internal fruit pest is not a viable option for growers To develop the basis for an alternative control tactic using mating disruption smallplot trials were carried out in a macadamia nut orchard using an existing polyethylene tubing pheromone dispenser used in Japan containing pheromone of the related Asian peach moth (Carposina sasakii) Male moths were significantly disrupted from locating pheromone traps (as a surrogate for female moths) using three pheromone dispensers in a single tree and also using one dispenser per tree in a plot of nine trees In a trial investigating the effect of height on trap catch the largest catch was at 3 m near the top of the canopy Aspects of guava moth biology were also investigated in the laboratory larval period in early fallen macadamia nuts pupa period at ambient autumn temperatures adult longevity with water or 10 honey solution compared to no food/water size range and sex ratio of male and female moths
Rearing and storage conditions for burnt pine longhorn (Arhopalus ferus) and goldenhaired bark beetle (Hylurgus ligniperda)
Authors: Van_Epenhuijsen C.W. , Somerfield K.G. , Hedderley D.I.
Published: October 2019

The longevity of forestry insects used in fumigation trials was investigated in the laboratory Different life stages must sometimes be maintained for several weeks before trials can start If insects can be stored with confidence then field collection can be made whenever seasonal and or daily weather conditions are suitable Burnt pine longhorn adults collected from log export ports were kept at 8 12 16 and 20C Surviving adults were counted every other day Those held at 8C survived on average 214 days compared with 43 days at 20C Fresh burnt pine longhorn eggs were stored at 1 5 8 and 12C for 5 weeks Those stored at 12C produced over 60 larval emergence whereas those at 1 and 5C had only 36 emergence after 3 weeks Burnt pine longhorn were reared from eggs at 12 15 18 and 20C using an artificial diet Burnt pine longhorn larvae increased in mean weight from 42 mg to 5117 mg over 120 days at 20C Below 18C no larvae survived beyond 56 days Small goldenhaired bark beetle larvae were reared on the same diet at 12 16 and 20C A few larvae grew into adults at 20C
Testing the efficacy of Floragas against the eggs of lightbrown apple moth (Epiphyas postvittana)
Authors: Page-Weir N.E.M. , Jamieson L.E.
Published: October 2019

In September 2008 lightbrown apple moth (Epiphyas postvittana) (LBAM) eggs were found in a shipment of flowers grown in the South Island which were destined for California USA This prompted a ban on New Zealand flower exports to the USA The aim of this investigation was to determine the efficacy of the insecticidal aerosol Floragas against LBAM eggs LBAM eggs (2 days) were treated with Floragas as per the label instructions Egg batches were assessed 5 and 12 days after fumigation Results indicated that fewer LBAM eggs were fertile following the fumigation treatment (712) than untreated eggs (897) 5 days after fumigation Only 154 of fumigated eggs hatched compared with 631 of untreated eggs 12 days after fumigation Fumigation with Floragas resulted in 846 mortality of all LBAM eggs
Potato cultivars vary in susceptibility to blackleg (Erwinia carotovora subsp atroseptica)
Authors: Wright P.J. , Anderson J.A.D.
Published: October 2019

Ten potato cultivars were tested for susceptibility to infection by Erwinia carotovora subsp atroseptica (Eca) the causal agent of blackleg over two maincrop seasons in 200506 and 200607 The pathogen was inoculated into seed tubers using toothpicks charged with undiluted bacterial growth Blackleg incidence was assessed 56 weeks after planting The field experiments clearly confirmed that potato cultivars vary significantly in susceptibility to blackleg Some New Zealand cultivars had a lower susceptibility to blackleg than current commercial cultivars The new Plant Food Research release Summer Delight in particular had an exceptional level of resistance and will be used as a parent in efforts to develop potato cultivars with lower blackleg susceptibility than current local commercial cultivars Routine screening of Plant Food Research breeding lines and cultivars will continue to be carried out over several seasons to confirm results presented here and to determine further blacklegresistant germplasm
Relationship between Alternaria radicina soil population density and carrot black rot
Authors: Trivedi R.S. , Townshend J. , Jaspers M.V. , Ridgway H.J. , Hampton J.G.
Published: October 2019

Alternaria radicina is a seed and soilborne pathogen that causes black rot of carrot tap roots and black rings on the root crown The A radicina population density in spring was determined in carrot field soils to investigate the relationship between soil conidial populations and black rot levels in summer In each of 15 carrot fields four randomly selected 30 m2 plots were used for soil sampling to a depth of 5 cm in September Alternaria radicina population densities (cfu/g soil) were determined using a soil dilution method and selective agar Black rot disease incidence was expressed as the number of infected plants/m of row and severity was assessed using a 0 to 4 rating scale Alternaria radicina soil population density (33233 cfu/g soil) correlated positively (P