Browsing by Author "Allsopp, PG"

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Assessment of aromatic compounds as strategic lures in a canegrub control program : SRDC final report BS34S
(BSES, 1991) Allsopp, PG
Anethole, n-butyric acid, citral, citronellal, eucalyptus oil, eugenol, geraniol, hexanoic acid, hexan-1-ol, 3-hexen-1-ol, 1-nonanol, pentanoic acid, phenol, sorbic acid and the standard Trece Japanese beetle floral lure (10:22:11, 2-phenylethylpropionate: eugenol: geraniol) were tested as attractants for Anoplognathus porosus, Antitrogus consanguineus, A. parvulus, Dermolepida albohirtum, Lepidiota crinita, L. negatoria, L. noxia, L. picticollis, and Metanastes vulgivagus. None were effective attractants. The apparent activity of sorbic acid would justify testing butyl sorbate as an attractant.
Assessment of the potential of sex pheromones as strategic lures for the control of canegrubs : SRDC final report BS17S
(BSES, 1991) Allsopp, PG; Stickley, BDA
Sex pheromones were shown to be emitted by females of Antitrogus consanguineus, A. parvulus and L. picticollis. Attraction of males of L. picticollis to females of A. consanguineus shows that the compound or compounds involved are similar in those two species. Detection of pheromones was probably related to the morphology of the adult antennae. One compound was present in emissions of adult female L. negatoria, but this compound could not be identified.
Assessment of various food constituents as feeding attractants for canegrubs in a pest control program : SRDC final report BS35S
(BSES, 1991) Allsopp, PG
Cellulose acetate filter disks were used to evaluate sugars, amino acids and ascorbic acid as feeding stimulants for canegrubs. Fourteen sugars, 18 amino acids and ascorbic acid were tested with third instars of Antitrogus parvulus Britton and Lepidiota negatoria Blackburn. The sugars D-fructose, D-mannose, D-sucrose, D-trehalose, D-melezitose and D-raffinose stimulated feeding by L. negatoria; sucrose and raffinose stimulants, at 1M concentration for A. parvulus and at 2M concentration for L. negatoria. The amino acids L-cysteine, L-glutamic acid and L-histidine monohydrochloride stimulated feeding by L. negatoria; only L-tyrosine stimulated feeding by A. parvulus. L-ascorbic acid did not stimulate feeding by either species.
BSS249 : Preparedness for borer incursion : Summary of effectiveness of Tebufenozide for control of sugarcane stemborers
(BSES, 2001) Allsopp, PG
Following a search of the literature and discussions with entomologists in Papua New Guinea and Louisiana, tebufenozide (Mimic?, Confirm? or RH-5992) was identified as a potential highly useful candidate insecticide for emergency use in Australia following an incursion of a stemborer.Tebufenozide is an ecdysone agonist that acts by binding to the ecdysone receptor protein. The moulting process of treated insects is lethally accelerated. It is non-phytotoxic and shows little negative effect on populations of stemborer parasites and other beneficial insects. It is registered for use in USA against Diatraea saccharalis and is used successfully in Papua New Guinea against Sesamia grisescens.Data included in this report demonstrate the effectiveness of tebufenozide against these two stemborer species and its minimal effects on beneficials. Data are also included on the chemical composition of the compound, its physico-chemical properties, toxicology and environmental fate.
Canegrub resistant plants containing antimetabolic compounds : SRDC final report BSS163
(BSES, 2000) Smith, GR; Nutt, KA; Allsopp, PG
Transgenic sugarcane plants engineered to express either the potato proteinase inhibitor II or the snowdrop lectin gene show increased antibiosis to larvae of Antitrogus consanguineus in pot-based glasshouse trials.Canegrubs feeding on the transgenic line UP87, transformed with the potato gene, gained as little as 4.2% of the weight of canegrubs fed on untransformed control plants. Similarly, larvae feeding on the roots of transgenic line G87, transformed with the snowdrop gene, gained only 20.6% of the weight of grubs feeding on the non-transgenic control plants. Overall, 22% of the tested transgenic plant lines engineered with either the potato or the snowdrop constructs resulted in a statistically significant reduction in gain of weight by canegrubs feeding on roots. Weight gains of insects were compared to those of larvae feeding on the roots of either non-transgenic control plants, or non-transgenic plants regenerated after passage through the tissue culture system.Plants transformed with a proteinase inhibitor from an ornamental tobacco showed no statistical effect on the weight gain of the grubs. This result was unexpected, as the proteinase inhibitor from tobacco was predicted to be as effective as the PI from potato. Further analysis of the gene construct by sequencing established that the gene construct was faulty in contrast to the original restriction analysis that had indicated that the plasmid was correctly constructed. Protein could not be produced by the faulty construct, and this is reflected in the negligible effect on weight gain of the grubs. The plasmid was re-constructed and transformed into sugarcane. Plants containing this construct are being grown for testing.Having now established that canegrub resistance can be engineered into sugarcane, the next phase is to test the efficacy of these transgenes against other species of canegrub larvae and to further develop a commercial product.
Determining the biology of rhopaea canegrub in the New South Wales sugar industry : SRDC final report BSS201
(BSES, 2002) McLennan, AJ; McGuire, PJ; Allsopp, PG; Zalucki, MP
Rhopaea canegrub (Rhopaea magnicornis Blackburn) is the major insect pest of the New South Wales sugar industry with about 25% of Condong farms affected. Rhopaea has also been reported as a pest in the Broadwater and Nambour canegrowing areas. At the time this project commenced little was known about the ecology and population dynamics of the pest and no commercially viable control measures existed.Contrary to previous beliefs, some female beetles were observed to fly prior to mating. However, female beetles were also observed that emerged and did not fly, but mated on the soil surface before burrowing back into the soil where they laid their eggs. It is not yet known which behaviour is the most common. The average egg batch was found to be 21.3 eggs.The distribution of the life stages of rhopaea canegrubs was determined using both naturally occurring populations at three sites and an introduced population at a fourth site. First and second instars are shallow feeders; they were found at an average depth of about 10 cm. The third-instar rhopaea larvae not only move deeper into the soil (average depth about 15 cm) but also become more focused around the sugarcane stool and row centre. Finally, as pupation approaches, rhopaea grubs again move up in the soil profile, where they were found to pupate at an average depth of only 6.5 cm below the soil surface. Rhopaea is a comparatively shallow-living grub in contrast to some other canegrub species.Green cane trash blanketing was tested on six farms and ?stool rolling? on five farms. Neither practice was shown to be effective but this may be due to the relatively low pest populations that prevailed during the three years of field work.Fallowing as a control measure was tested with both naturally occurring populations and in a replicated trial where plots were seeded with 20 second instar larvae. A grass fallow was found to increase pest numbers in subsequent crops compared to replanting. In the replicated experiment, all fallow treatments reduced grub numbers by similar amounts four months after the larvae were introduced.Field counts made after land preparation for replanting showed that cultivation can reduce pest numbers by close to 100%. However, such large decreases may also disrupt the disease cycle which is essential in suppressing pest numbers.Disease studies showed that rhopaea is infected by a different species of Metarhizium fungus (M. flavoviride) than other canegrub species which are infected by M. anisopliae. The fungus affects all stages (egg-adult) of the pest so that the ?window of control? is very wide. Some field observations showed over 50% of a female?s eggs could be killed by metarhizium infections. Beauveria bassiana was another prominent fungal disease identified in the population. This fungus has only been rarely observed in other more northern canegrub species. Both fungi have potential as biological control agents.Other diseases found include milky disease (Paenibacillus popilliae), three minor fungal diseases and one incidence of a rare microsporidian disease (Nosema sp.).
Developing an integrated cropping-systems RD&E program for the sugar industry
(2008) Allsopp, PG
Sugarcane trash is used extensively as garden mulch in an industry with a value in excess of $20 million per annum. The incursion of sugarcane smut has complicated the movement of trash by companies that provide sugarcane mulch products,this assessment considers the survival of smut spores in relation to the proposal to store baled trash until there was a low risk of viable spores being present.The project aimed to develop industry-wide integration of cropping-systems RD&E to maximise effectiveness and efficiency of RD&E expenditure and expertise.
Effect of farming practices on canegrub incidence : SRDC final report project BSS166
(BSES, 2002) Allsopp, PG; Sallam, MN; Dall, DJ
The impact of farming practices on numbers of Childers canegrubs was determined in southern Queensland by a survey of 441 field-year combinations that related practices to the numbers of second- and third-instar larvae in those fields, and by a field experiment that tested combinations of insecticide application, cultivation practices and crop-residue retention on numbers of larvae and associated entomopathogens. There were significant differences in levels of infestation among years, soil types, crop ages, cultivars grown, insecticide-use strategies, crop-replacement strategies, intensity and frequency of tillage during crop replacement, and irrigation strategies. In the field trial, numbers of third-instar larvae declined as the larvae aged, probably through infection by the fungus Metarhizium anisopliae and the protozoan Adelina sp. Application at planting of the controlled-release insecticide suSCon? Blue had an immediate effect on the number of larvae carried over from the previous crop cycle and this effect continued into the second-ratoon crop. The insecticide application increased cane and sugar yields, particularly in the first-ratoon crop. More intensive preplanting tillage initially reduced numbers of larvae, but the effect did not continue into the ratoon crops. Management of crop residues had no consistent impact on numbers of larvae, but cane yields were higher and sugar content lower in the second-ratoon crop when residues were retained, and led to higher sugar yields where suSCon? Blue had been applied. In general, long breaks between successive sugarcane crops, coupled with intensive tillage in that break and application of controlled-release insecticide, will reduce subsequent populations of larvae. The alternative strategy of herbicide destruction of the previous crop, long fallow with minimum tillage, replanting without controlled-release insecticide and prudent use of transient insecticides in heavily infested ratoon crops will also minimise numbers and may allow better survival of entomopathogens. These strategies are integrated into management practices attractive to growers and have been extended within the Southern GrubPlan format.
Enhancing grower groups in the Australian sugar industry : final report BSS287
(2007) Allsopp, PG
Self-directed and self-funded grower groups in other Australian agricultural industries have demonstrated that participative R&D and action-learning processes can deliver knowledge, attitude and practice change at faster rates than conventional extension methods. Australian sugar-industry productivity groups have been slow to adopt these processes and concepts. The project aimed to establish and assist a pilot grower group that could demonstrate and communicate to the broader industry the issues and benefits of participative R&D, action learning, and group incorporation and self-funding.
Epidemiology and control of sugarcane mosaic virus in the Isis district : SRC final report UQ3S
(BSES, 1992) Teakle, DS; Taylor, PWJ; Allsopp, PG
Objectives:
Factors influencing populations of Eumargarodes laingi and promargarodes spp. in sugarcane at Bundaberg and derivation of sequential sampling plans
(BSES, 1992) Walker, PW; Allsopp, PG
A survey of the margarodids Eumargarodes laingi Jakubski and Promargarodes spp. in sugarcane was carried out at Bundaberg. E. laingi cyst numbers were influenced by soil type; Promargarodes spp. numbers did not differ between soil types, but there were differences between cultivars. There were more E. laingi and Promargarodes spp. cysts in older crops. The number of times the previous fallow was ploughed and rotary hoed influenced E. laingi numbers, but not Promargarodes spp. numbers. There were fewer E. laingi cysts following a long fallow, but crop rotations did not affect E. laingi numbers. There were trends to lower Promargarodes spp. numbers following a long fallow or a sugarcane-rockmelon rotation. Fields treated with chlorpyrifos (emulsifiable concentrate) had lower numbers of E. laingi than those treated with controlled-release chlorpyrifos; Promargarodes spp. numbers were not influenced by insecticide applications. Soil pH and electrical conductivity, ripping during fallow, type of irrigation, and nematicides used did not affect numbers of E. laingi or Promargarodes spp.
Management strategies for rhyparida in southern Queensland : SRDC final report BSS236
(BSES, 2002) Fischer, TWA; Allsopp, PG
Larvae of rhyparida beetles bore into the bases of newly ratooning shoots, causing dead hearts. Very minor damage will kill 'surplus' shoots. More intense damage appears to set plant growth back and cause some yield loss. Prolonged attack will kill all shoots and kill the stool, leaving large gaps and necessitating replanting. No insecticide is registered for control of the pest and the efficacy of cultural controls is unknown.The project developed a better understanding of the phenology of Rhyparida nitida ? this species has a one-year life cycle with extended oviposition over summer, slow development of small larvae during autumn and winter, and more rapid development of larger larvae during spring. The extended oviposition means that each generation has individuals of widely varying ages.Extension of outcomes to stakeholders took place through grower discussion groups, on-farm participatory trials, and newsletters.
Methods for accurate identification of canegrubs : SRDC final report BS97S
(BSES, 1999) Allsopp, PG; Miller, LJ
The objectives of the project were; determine morphological characters for accurate identifica6tion of larvae and adults of all species of canegrubs; validate the usefulness of morphological characters through DNA analysis; produce written and computer-based keys to enable extension staff and growers to accurately identify larvae and adults of canegrubs.
Pest risk analysis of sugarcane for the Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy - Quarantine insects
(BSES, 1998) FitzGibbon, F; Allsopp, PG; De Barro, PJ
The purpose of this pest risk analysis (PRA) is, firstly to identify quarantine pests and pathogens which pose a threat to sugarcane, which may enter Australia through its northern borders into the area covered by AQIS Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy (NAQS), and secondly, to identify measures which could be taken by various agencies to reduce the risks of entry or to minimise the impact of such pests should they arrive. The PRA was conducted as outlined in the FAO Standard Guidelines for Pest Risk Analysis (FAO 1996) and is one of a series of PRAs commissioned by NAWS. The other host plants covered in this series are banana, citrus, mango, cotton, grape, grain, sorghum, cucurbits, maize, pasture legumes\grasslands, eucalyptus, conifers, Acacias and palms (including coconuts).
Plant resistance to canegrubs : SRDC final report BSS132
(BSES, 2002) Allsopp, PG; Cox, MC; Nutt, KA
The project sought to determine the range and types of resistances to feeding by canegrubs in sugarcane clones and their wild relatives. Resistance was tested in both pot trials and field trials and the importance of several biochemical factors in this resistance was investigated.Field and pot trials showed that a range of tolerance and antibiosis resistance mechanisms to canegrub feeding exists within the current sugarcane genome and close relatives. Tolerance effects were apparent in the growth of tops, roots and stubble. Antibiosis effects were apparent on grub survival and grub growth. Some of these tolerance effects are partially correlated with the general vigour of clones, but there are a number of clones that depart from the general relationships for tolerance and antibiosis. These clones would be especially important in any future program to increase the levels of resistance within the breeding gene pool.There was reasonable repeatability of pot-based tolerance levels between pot trials and with results derived from field trials. However, the type of canegrub and its underlying biology influenced the usefulness of field trials.Biochemical investigations showed no clear relationships between any factor and antibiosis phenotypes. However, there were indications that the type of cell-wall sugars may influence resistance to canegrubs. In addition, the data clearly indicated that the quantity and type of phenolic compounds in the roots change following feeding by canegrubs.
Rhopaea Canegrub - Assessment of Pest Status and an RD&E program for improved Management in the Tweed Valley
(BSES, 1996) Allsopp, PG
I visited the Tweed Valley area to assess the pest status of rhopaea canegrub, diagnose reasons for grower dissatisfaction with present control options, and, with affected growers and technical staff to develop a research, development and extension program aimed at improving management strategies for minimising the impact of these canegrubs.My main findings wereRhopaea canegrub is an economic pest of sugarcane in the Tweed area, mainly on the peat soils, and causes important losses to some of the otherwise most productive growers.The year 1-year life cycle, poor dispersal by adult females, presence of larvae high in the soil profile, and the acidic, organic and friable soils all influence control options and the efficacy of these options.suSCon Blue is giving inadequate control. The insecticide is being placed too deep to contact grubs and the low grub populations in the first two years followling replanting means that the effect of much of the active ingredient is wasted.Knockdown insecticides have a limited potential because of the grub's one year life cycle and because crops are not irrigated.Cultural controls, such as rolling, plough-out and fallowing, and use of tolerant varieties have considerable potential for use as management tools.Green-cane trash-blanketing or trash incorporation may change the farming system in the medium-term future and their effects on rhopaea canegrubs are unkown.There is a core group of growers who are very aware of the problem and who are very enthusiastic about testing alternative and integrated management options.A RD&E plan, which incorporates all of the above options, was developed in conjunction with growers and extension officers. This program should be developed for funding from SRDC and insectide companies and would provide a good project for a postgraduate student. The key components of this program are
Risk to the Australian Sugar Industry from exotic insect pests : Pest Incursion Management Plan version 1
(BSES, 1999) Allsopp, PG; FitzGibbon, F; De Barro, PJ
In response to the risk of entry of animal diseases, which could not only affect animal industries but also human health, the AUSTVETPLAN concept was developed and refined over many years. AUSTVETPLAN contains detailed contingency plans for response to incursions of specific serious animal diseases. Detailed agreements on the cost sharing arrangements for eradication programs are included for some of these diseases. Plant industries are faced with a much wider range of species that need protection and exotic pest species that could cause serious economic losses. The Standing Committee on Agriculture and Resource Management (SCARM) has developed a general, non-specific, incursion management strategy (SIMS) (Fig. 1). This strategy outlines the broad areas of an incursion management plan and the appropriate authorities involved. The key feature of the strategy is the operation of a national Consultative Committee that is convened under the auspices of Plant Health Committee after an incursion occurs. Recently, the SCARM Task Force on Incursion Management (STF) has developed a generic incursion management plan (GIMP) for the plant industries. This plan outlines the four steps to incursion management: prevention, preparedness, response and recovery (Fig. 2). These plans give a good basis for development of specific management plans.
Risk to the Australian Sugar Industry from exotic pests : SRDC final report BSS175
(BSES, 1999) FitzGibbon, F; Allsopp, PG; De Barro, PJ
This project aimed to develop a pest risk analysis on likely sugarcane pest introductions and pest incursion management plan. Assessments in the risk analysis detail the likely sources of introduction and the best strategies for minimising their impact once they become established. The management plan sets out the activities and responsibilities for dealing with an incursion. These will allow the best use of limited resources and will maximise the early success in treating new introductions.
Selection of a non-sugarcane gene for control of canegrubs : SRDC final report BS95S
(1996) Allsopp, PG; McGhie, TK; Shepherd, K; Smith, GR
Four types of non-sugarcane genes were investigation for potential toxictiy to canegrubs. They were: toxins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); plant proteinase inhibitors; plant lectins; and avidin. Each of these was tested in an artificial diet based on the wheatgerm and casein and developed within the project.A Bt toxin with toxicity to canegrubs was not identified. The Bt isolates tested, which had activity against New Zealand grassgrub, bound to the gut lining of larvae of Antitrogus consanguineus. This binding proved to be not sufficient for toxicity.
Studies on the biology of negatoria and childers Canegrubs as a basis for development of improved controls : SRDC final report BS77S
(BSES, 1998) Logan, DP; Allsopp, PG; Zalucki, MP
The biology of the two most important species of canegrubs affecting sugarcane in southern Queensland. Childers canegrub (Antirogus parvulus Britton) and negatoria canegrub (Lepidiota negatoria Blackburn) was studied during a 5-year period. Rearing methods were developed and the phenology of each species was determined. Data were collected on development, mortality and reproduction in laboratory and field trials; these data were summarised as a computer model for each species. Various management scenarios were simulated using the computer models. Short crop-length (3-4 years) and consistent application of control measures (insecticide and plough-out) could drive populations of canegrubs to extinction after 5-8 generations. Further field data are needed to validate many of the results of the model.