CoBiD UREKA 2009
Lab 1 – BioControl - Potential projects for Summer 2009
Mentor: Dr Jan-Robert Baars
1)
The impact of a leaf-mining fly (Ephidridae) on the growth of Lagarosiphon
major, assessing the prospects of biological control.
The non-native submersed plant, Lagarosiphon major (Hydrocharataceae) is an important
invasive species in Europe. The genus, Lagarosiphon is native to sub-Saharan Africa and
was introduced into Europe in the 1900s as an ornamental aquarium plant. Recent
surveys in South Africa show that there are several natural enemies that may be
considered as candidate biocontrol agents. A leaf-mining fly shows some potential as a
biocontrol candidate. As an important pre-requisite of assessing the risks of releasing
biocontrol agents the impact caused by agents has to be assessed. This project will
determine the impact of the fly on the growth and regeneration of Lagarosiphon major
under quarantine conditions.
2)
Preference and performance of the Eucalyptus leaf beetle, Paropsisterna
gloriosa on various Eucalyptus species of commercial importance in Europe.
A foliage feeding leaf beetle was recently recorded as a pest of Eucalyptus species in
some parts of county Kerry in 2007. This as yet unidentified beetle (Chrysomelidae) is
likely to have been introduced from Tasmania and has established on the Eucalyptus
species grown for the cut-foliage industry in Ireland, and also on plants grown as
ornamentals on private property. Populations induced significant damage to the foliage of
Eucalyptus species in commercial forests in 2007 to warrant chemical control options in
early 2008. This pest is only known to occur in Ireland but may in time spread to Europe.
This project will assess the suitability of various Eucalyptus species used for commercial
purposes in Europe. Methods used will include no-choice and multiple choice
experiments with potted and cut foliage.
http://www.ucd.ie/ureka
CoBiD UREKA 2009
3) The impact of alien invasive species on ground beetle fauna (Carabidae) in
riparian habitats.
Ground beetles are often used as an indicator group to assess ecological changes to
our environment. Alien invasive species along with habitat destruction poses a
significant threat to our native biodiversity. Several alien invasive plant species, like
Fallopia japonica (Knotweed) and Impatiens glandulifera (Hymalayan balsam) have
established along river corridors and cause significant changes to riparian ecosystems.
Several control techniques are currently being employed to eradicate and control
invasive species in these habitats. Little is known how these techniques are in turn
impacting our native species and how techniques may be better employed to reduce
potential impacts. In this project carabid beetles will be monitored to assess the
impact of invasive species and the extent of the potential impact resulting from
various control options.
4) The performance of the Pittosporum psyllid on commercially grown varieties
of Pittosporum popular in the cut-foliage industry in Ireland.
The leaf-sucking psyllid is a common pest of Pittosporum spp. in Ireland. Various
varieties are grown for cut foliage and incur significant damage from psyllids. The
damage induced reduce the sale value of the foliage, and monocultures provide ideal
habitat for populations of the psyllid to thrive. Several varieties are grown in the cut
foliage industry but it is unknown whether certain varieties are more resistant to the
psyllid or less preferred as host plants. Varietal resistance may provide the
opportunity to intercrop the varieties and reduce the pest status of the pysllid in
Ireland. This project will determine the preference and performance of the pysllid on
different Pittosporum species and varieties.
http://www.ucd.ie/ureka