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158 results for “biological control agents”
Figure 2 SEM images ofAceria alhagi n in A new Aceria species (Acari:Trombidiformes: Eriophyoidea) from West Asia, a potential biological control agent for the invasive weed camelthorn, Alhagi maurorum Medik. (Leguminosae)
Figure 2 SEM images ofAceria alhagi n. sp.: A – prodorsal shield; B – tarsal empodia on legs I and II; C – ventral view of coxigenital area of female; D – ventral view of coxigenital area of male.
Data from: Do biological control agents adapt to local pest genotypes? A multi-year test across geographic scales
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Figure 3 in Aculus taihangensis (Acari: Prostigmata: Eriophyidae), a potential biological control agent identified from the highly invasive pest plant, tree of heaven, in Türkiye
Figure 3. Aculus taihangensis – Deutogyne: A. Coxigenital region, B. Internal genitalia.
An innovative approach combining metabarcoding and ecological interaction networks for selecting candidate biological control agents
<p>Classical biological control (CBC) can be used to decrease the density of invasive species to below an acceptable ecological and economic threshold. Natural enemies specific to the invasive species are selected from its native range and released into the invaded range. This approach has drawbacks, despite the performance of specificity tests to ensure its safety, because the fundamental host range defined under controlled conditions does not represent the actual host range <em>in natura, </em>and these tests omit indirect interactions within community.</p> <p>We focus on <em>Sonchus oleraceus</em> (Asteraceae), a weed species originating from Western Palearctic that is invasive in many countries and notably in Australia. We explore how analyses of interaction network within its native range can be used to 1) inventory herbivores associated to the target plant, 2) characterize their ecological host ranges, and 3) guide the selection of candidate biocontrol agents considering interactions with species from higher trophic levels. Arthropods were collected from plant community sympatric to <em>S. oleraceus</em>, in three bioclimatic regions, and interactions were inferred by a combination of molecular and morphological approaches.</p> <p>The networks reconstructed were structured in several trophic levels from basal species (plant community), to intermediate and top species (herbivorous arthropods and their natural enemies). The subnetwork centered on <em>S. oleraceus</em> related interactions contained 116 taxa and 213 interactions. We identified 47 herbivores feeding on <em>S. oleraceus</em>, 15 of which were specific to the target species. Some discrepancies with respect to published findings or conventional specificity tests suggested possible insufficient sampling effort for the recording of interactions or the existence of cryptic species. Among potential candidate agents, 6 exhibited interactions with natural enemies.</p> <p>Synthesis and applications: Adopting a network approach as prerequisite step of the classical biological control program can provide a rapid screening of potential agents to be tested in priority. Once ecological host range defined, we suggest that priority should be given to agent used by a minimum species, and, when they exist, to agents that possess enemies from the most distant taxonomical group from those occurring in the range of introduction.</p>
Modelling the potential global distribution of suitable habitat for the biological control agent Heterorhabditis indica
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) <em>Heterorhabditis indica</em> is a promising biocontrol candidate. Despite the acknowledged importance of EPN in pest control, no extensive data sets or maps have been developed on their distribution at global level. This study is the first attempt to generate Ecological Niche Models (ENM) for <em>H. indica</em> and its global Habitat Suitability Map (HSM) to generate biogeographical information and predicts its global geographical range of prospective areas for its exploration and to help identify the suitable release areas for biocontrol purpose. The aim of the modelling exercise was to access the influence of temperature and soil moisture on the biogeographical patterns of <em>H. indica</em> at the global level. CLIMEX software was used to model the distribution of <em>H. indica</em> and access to the influence of environmental variable on its global distribution. In total, 162 records of <em>H. indica</em> occurrence from 27 countries over 25 years was combined to generate the known distribution data. The model was further fine-tuned using the direct experimental observations of the <em>H. indica</em>'s growth response to temperature and soil moisture. Model predicts much of the tropics and subtropics has suitable climatic conditions for <em>H. indica</em>. It further predicts that <em>H. indica</em> distribution can extends into warmer temperate climates. Examination of the model output, predictions maps at a global level indicate that <em>H. indica</em> distribution may be limited by cold stress, heat stress and dry stresses in different areas. However, cold stress appears to be the major limiting factor. This study, highlighted an efficient way to construct HSM for EPN potentially useful in the search/release of target species in new locations. The study showed that <em>H. indica</em> which is known as warm adapted EPN generally found in tropics and subtropics can potentially establish itself in warmer temperate climates as well. The model can also be used to decide the release timing of EPN by adjusting with season for maximum growth. The model developed in the current study clearly identified the value and potential of Habitat Suitability Map (HSM) in planning of future surveys and application of <em>H. indica.</em></p>
Figure 3 Alhagi maurorum, plant with typical Aceria alhagi n in A new Aceria species (Acari:Trombidiformes: Eriophyoidea) from West Asia, a potential biological control agent for the invasive weed camelthorn, Alhagi maurorum Medik. (Leguminosae)
Figure 3 Alhagi maurorum, plant with typical Aceria alhagi n. sp. symptoms where the shoot tips
Modelling the potential global distribution of suitable habitat for the biological control agent Heterorhabditis indica
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An innovative approach combining metabarcoding and ecological interaction networks for selecting candidate biological control agents
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Cold tolerance of biological control agents Amblydromalus limonicus and Amblyseius degenerans
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Code from: Source–sink dynamics explains the coexistence of the invasive pest <em>Dryocosmus kuriphilus</em> and its biological control agent <em>Torymus sinensis</em> across French Eastern Pyrenees
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Data from: You can run, but you will never escape: A new species of <em>Psyllaephagus</em> Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), parasitoid of the classical biological control agent <em>Boreioglycaspis melaleucae</em> (Moore) (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae) in Florida, USA
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Data from: The effects of agent hybridization on the efficacy of biological control of tansy ragwort at high elevations
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Field-based ecological studies to assess prospective biological control agents for invasive alien plants: an example from giant rat's tail grass
<p>1. Biological control (biocontrol) of invasive alien plants is a widely utilised weed management tool. Prospective biocontrol agents are typically assessed through host-specificity testing and pre-release efficacy studies performed in quarantine. However, rearing of the potential biocontrol agents and/or test plants is often difficult or impossible under quarantine conditions. Moreover, practitioners may attain laboratory-artefacts in quarantine, which may result in the potential agent being needlessly rejected. Field-based studies in the weed's indigenous distribution could overcome these issues.</p> <p>2. Sporobolus pyramidalis and Sporobolus natalensis (giant rat's tail grass; Poaceae) are indigenous in Africa but have become problematic invasive alien plants in Australia. A previous biocontrol programme was terminated because the candidate agent could not be reared and tested in quarantine. We performed field-based host-specificity and efficacy studies for prospective biocontrol agents in South Africa (indigenous distribution). Forty-seven non-target grass species were sampled during host-specificity assessments. Candidate agent efficacy was estimated based on damage to the target weeds, for each host-specific candidate individually and in combination with other host-specific candidates.</p> <p>3. Three species of endophagous wasps were deemed host-specific. Efficacy assessments identified an undescribed stem-boring wasp (Tetramesa sp.) species as the most damaging candidate. A second Tetramesa species was much less damaging alone but had a cumulative impact on the plant in combination with the more damaging Tetramesa species. Both Tetramesa species are recommended for importation into quarantine in Australia for confirmatory host-specificity testing with a significantly reduced test plant list.</p> <p>4. Synthesis and applications: Similar field-based assessments in the indigenous distribution of weeds targeted for biocontrol could be included in future programmes. Where rearing of potential agents and/or test plants is difficult or impossible under quarantine conditions, our field-based method provides an alternative. Where quarantine-based testing is feasible, this method ensures that only candidates that have passed an ecologically realistic host-specificity and potential efficacy screening are imported into quarantine. This may reduce the number of agents that are imported and the length of time each agent is kept in quarantine. This is advantageous because quarantine space is highly valuable and is usually a limiting factor in pre-release assessments of biocontrol agents.</p>
Data from: Density dependence, precipitation, and biological control agent herbivory influence landscape-scale dynamics of the invasive Eurasian plant Linaria dalmatica
1. Resource availability and natural enemies are among the most commonly cited mechanisms affecting competitive ability of invasive plants, but their simultaneous effects on plant dynamics are seldom evaluated in the field. Understanding how endogenous and exogenous factors affect invasive plant abundance is essential when evaluating the impact of classical weed biological control agents because misinterpretations of the mechanisms regulating plant demography may bias inference of herbivore impact. 2. In this study we report results from a citizen-science monitoring program initiated to evaluate the effects of the stem–mining weevil Mecinus janthiniformis on the Eurasian invasive weed Dalmatian toadflax Linaria dalmatica. We used a discrete model of population dynamics to evaluate the relative importance of endogenous and exogenous processes affecting changes in ramet density of L. dalmatica at 38 spatially replicated sites in Idaho, USA. 3. Analysis of per capita population growth rates based on ramet density indicated the presence of direct density dependence, which was most likely due to intraspecific competition. Changes in ramet density were not influenced by the abundance of the resident plant community. 4. Precipitation had a strong, positive effect on ramet density of L. dalmatica while the abundance of M. janthiniformis had a weaker, but significant, negative effect after accounting for the density dependence. There was no support for an interactive effect between precipitation and herbivory. 5. Synthesis and applications. Our results indicate that biological control is an important factor affecting weed population growth at the landscape scale, but they also suggest that biological control impact may vary considerably on local infestations due to site-specific variation in rainfall and density-dependent processes. We recommend that invasive plant management strategies integrate precipitation and biological control agent monitoring into their programs to estimate expected biological control efficacy. Alternative control methods should be prioritized in areas where herbivore impact is expected to be low.
Data from: Adaptive evolution of a generalist parasitoid: implications for the effectiveness of biological control agents
The use of alternative hosts imposes divergent selection pressures on parasitoid populations. In response to selective pressures, these populations may follow different evolutionary trajectories. Divergent natural selection could promote local host adaptation in populations, translating into direct benefits for biological control thereby increasing their effectiveness on the target host. Alternatively, adaptive phenotypic plasticity could be favored over local adaptation in temporal and spatially heterogeneous environments. We investigated the existence of local host adaptation in Aphidius ervi, an important biological control agent, by examining different traits related to infectivity (preference) and virulence (a proxy of parasitoid fitness) on different aphid-host species. The results showed significant differences in parasitoid infectivity on their natal host compared with the non-natal hosts. However, parasitoids showed a similar high fitness on both natal and non-natal hosts, thus supporting a lack of host adaptation in these introduced parasitoid populations. Our results highlight the role of phenotypic plasticity in fitness-related traits of parasitoids enabling them to maximize fitness on alternative hosts. This could be used to increase the effectiveness of biological control. In addition, A. ervi females showed significant differences in infectivity and virulence across the tested host range, thus suggesting a possible host phylogeny effect for those traits.
FIGURES 5–13 in Description of a new species of Anagyrus Howard (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Encyrtidae), a promising biological control agent of the invasive Madeira mealybug, Phenacoccus madeirensis Green (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Pseudococcidae)
FIGURES 5–13. Anagyrus amnestos sp. n.: 5. Female head, frontal view (slide preparation); 6. Male head, frontal view (slide preparation); 7. Antenna, female; 8. Antenna, male; 9. Head and mesosoma, dorsal view; 10. Fore wing, female; 11. Fore wing, male; 12. Female genitalia; 13. Male genitalia.
FIGURES 20–27 in Description of a new species of Anagyrus Howard (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Encyrtidae), a promising biological control agent of the invasive Madeira mealybug, Phenacoccus madeirensis Green (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Pseudococcidae)
FIGURES 20–27. Anagyrus kamali: 20. Female, dorsal view; 21. Female, lateral view; 22. Antenna, female; 23. Antenna, male; 24. Male, dorsal view; 25. Male, lateral view; 26. Head and mesosoma, dorsal view; 27. Fore wing, female.
FIGURES 1–4 in Description of a new species of Anagyrus Howard (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Encyrtidae), a promising biological control agent of the invasive Madeira mealybug, Phenacoccus madeirensis Green (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Pseudococcidae)
FIGURES 1–4. Anagyrus amnestos sp. n.: 1. Female, dorsal view; 2. Female, lateral view; 3. Male, dorsal view; 4. Female, dorsal view of head, and antenna.
FIGURES 14–19 in Description of a new species of Anagyrus Howard (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Encyrtidae), a promising biological control agent of the invasive Madeira mealybug, Phenacoccus madeirensis Green (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Pseudococcidae)
FIGURES 14–19. Anagyrus agraensis: 14. Female, dorsal view; 15. Female, lateral view; 16. Head and mesosoma, dorsal view; 17. Antenna, female; 18. Antenna, male; 19. Fore wing, female.
FIGURES 32–35 in Taxonomy of Fulgoraecia melanoleuca (Fletcher, 1939), (Lepidoptera: Epipyropidae) in India, a biological control agent of Pyrilla perpusilla (Walker) (Hemiptera: Lophopidae)
FIGURES 32–35. Genitalia of F. melanoleuca. 32. Ventral view of male genitalia with aedeagus in situ; 33. Dorsal view of male genitalia with aedeagus in situ; 34. Aedeagus; 35. Dorsal view of female genitalia.
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Allen Brain Atlas
Allen Brain Atlas is an Allen Institute collection of brain map atlases, datasets, APIs, and analysis tools covering mouse, human, and non-human primate brain resources.
Annotated Behaviour and Observability Dataset (ABODe)
ABODe is a University of Edinburgh DataShare dataset for behavior classification in group-housed mice using home-cage video, identities, bounding boxes, ground-plate positions, and annotator labels.
DANDI Archive for NWB datasets
DANDI is a BRAIN Initiative archive for publishing and sharing neurophysiology data, including electrophysiology, optophysiology, and behavioral data packaged as NWB and related standards.
International Brain Laboratory public data
The International Brain Laboratory public data releases expose standardized mouse decision-making experiments, including Neuropixels recordings, widefield calcium imaging, behavior, and session metadata accessed through the ONE API.
OpenNeuro
OpenNeuro is a free, open platform for sharing neuroimaging datasets, with public search, dataset pages, and download paths for web, S3, DataLad, and the OpenNeuro CLI.