Classical Biological Control of AlligatorWeed

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Classical Biological Control of
Alligator-Weed Future Prospects
Mic Julien CSIRO Entomology
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However, they are not effective in controlling
alligator-weed in terrestrial habitats and cooler
climates. Therefore, our goal is to identify and
introduce safe and effective herbivores for the
sustainable control of alligator-weed in
terrestrial habitats and cool climates in
Australia.
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Current Status
The two previously introduced agents have been
effective in controlling alligator-weed in
aquatic habitats and warm climates.
Agasicles hygrophila
Arcola malloi
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Native range surveys
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• To find safe and effective agents we are
• Conducting surveys for host specific herbivores
  in the native range
• Studying where our specific variety of
  alligator-weed is from using genetic analyses
• Examining why no seeds are produced in Australia.
  (pollination or hybrid infertility)

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Native range surveys
Disonycha argentinensis
Amynothrips andersoni
Systena spp.
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Native range surveys
Ophiomyia alternantherae
Clinodiplosis alternantherae
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Native range surveys
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Native range surveys
Also pathogens
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Genetic Analysis
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Host specificity
Native Amaranthaceae in greenhouse for initial
host specificity trials
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Seed production
Pollination experiments
Karyotype analysis
(Human Karyotype)
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Questions