Development of new biocontrol agents for Parkinsonia

Aims

The main aim of this project is to broaden the existing native-range surveys of Parkinsonia (Parkinsonia aculeata; one of the 20 WoNS) in order to identify a large pool of potential biocontrol agents, prioritise them on the basis of likely efficacy and safety, conduct preliminary host-specificity testing with the highest ranked potential agents at the CSIRO Mexican field station, and have agents ready for importation in the CSIRO quarantine facility in Brisbane by July 2008 where comprehensive host-specificity testing will be undertaken. In addition, this project aims to develop, apply and test new approaches to comprehensively surveying natural enemies of target weeds in their native-range and thereby greatly increase the efficiency of that phase in future biological control programs.

Background

Parkinsonia is a Weed of National Significance that is regarded as one of the worst weeds in Australia because of its invasiveness, potential to spread and its economic and environmental impacts. A shrubby, prickly bush growing in a wide range of conditions in the rangelands of northern Australia, it has serious impacts in the pastoral industry and the landscape.

Biological control has been identified as a high priority for its control.  Although several potential control agents have been identified from Mexico, Central and South America, there is a need to identify these agents more specifically and test their specificity against the target species, Parkinsonia, before they can be considered for use in controlling this invasive plant.

Through further survey work in the Americas and more precise species identification using DNA bar-coding, this project will enable prioritisation of potential biocontrol agents, based on their specificity and host-specificity.

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