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Redistribution of the gorse soft shoot moth, Agonopterix umbellana (Fabricius), for the biological control of gorse in Australia

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conference contribution
posted on 2023-05-23, 10:01 authored by Ireson, J, Holloway, R
The gorse soft shoot moth, Agonopterix umbellana, was released at Lake Tiberias near Jericho, Tasmania, in 2007 for the biological control of gorse. By December 2011, the presence of high larval densities enabled the site to be used as a nursery to collect and redistribute the agent. In Tasmania, the only suitable collection times for A. umbellana are in early summer (December) when 4–6th instar larvae are active and in February and March when adults are active. Two collection techniques were used, the first involved the harvesting of new gorse growth infested with larvae and a second used a bee smoker to flush sheltering, newly emerged adults from within gorse bushes into a collection tent. These two techniques maximised the limited collection opportunities imposed by the univoltine life cycle of A. umbellana. Preliminary surveys indicated that establishment was achievable from open releases of either 200 adults or 500 larvae during summer. However, the collection of larvae was far less labour intensive and easiest for redistribution programmes involving landholders and Landcare groups. Four agents, including A. umbellana, have now been released for the biological control of gorse in Australia and none are, by themselves, lethal to mature gorse plants. No additional agents are currently available. Further research will be required to determine the combined effect that the available guild of agents have on annual seed production, whether they have sub-lethal effects on plant age and whether they increase the susceptibility of gorse to fungal attack. Formulating an appropriate integrated management strategy using these agents will also require additional research.

History

Publication title

Proceedings of the 19th Australasian Weeds Conference

Editors

M Baker

Pagination

46-49

ISBN

978-0-646-92454-0

Department/School

Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA)

Publisher

Tasmanian Weed Society

Place of publication

Australia

Event title

19th Australasian Weeds Conference

Event Venue

Hobart, Australia

Date of Event (Start Date)

2014-09-01

Date of Event (End Date)

2014-09-04

Rights statement

Copyright unknown

Repository Status

  • Open

Socio-economic Objectives

Other environmental management not elsewhere classified

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