Blue Gum Psyllid Biological Control 1992 Proposal
X. A. SUMMARY:
The objective of this project is to study the biology of the blue gum
psyllid, Ctenarytaina eucalypti, in northern and southern California Eucalyptus
plantations. Secondly, we will develop a sampling program so that populations
of the blue gum psyllid can be monitored and the effect of the natural
enemies on the blue gum psyllid quantified. The final objective is to search
for natural enemies of the blue gum psyllid in its native home, Australia,
import them into quarantine facilities at our laboratory in Albany and
eventually release the natural enemies in northern and southern California
Eucalyptus plantations.
If the introduction of the natural enemies of the blue gum psyllid are
successful, costly insecticide spray applications can be avoided and this
will save the industry large sums of money. The beauty of a successful
biological control is that it is economical, permanent and safe. If the
natural enemies are only partially successful, then they will be incorporated
into an integrated pest management program for the blue gum psyllid.
X. B. DETAILED PROPOSAL.
Introduction and Background Information.
The blue gum psyllid, Ctenarytaina eucalypti, is a new pest in California.
It was first found in eucalyptus nursery growing grounds in Monterey County
in January, 1991. Since the original find near Prunedale, it has been collected
at numerous sites in Monterey County, from Watsonville south to Salinas.
In addition to Monterey County, Ray Gill (1991), CDFA taxonomist, has Identified
C. eucalypti from material collected in Santa Cruz, Contra Costa, Alameda,
Solano, Santa Clara, San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles, Orange and Alarneda,
counties, and it is thought to be widespread in other San Francisco Bay
Area counties, the Los Angeles basin, as well as extending into the Sacramento
Valley. The blue gum psyllid is native to Australia, and prior to its appearance
in California, has been accidentally introduced to other regions of the
world where eucalyptus is grown. These areas include New Zealand, Sri Lanka,
and South Africa. In Europe, it was first found in Great Britain in 1922,
Portugal in 1971 and Spain in 1972. Most of the information regarding the
biology of the blue gum psyllid and it damage comes frorn studies done
in Europe (Azavedo and Figo, 1979; Cadahia, 1980, 1986; Cadahia and Ruperez,
1979; Martinez, 1983).
The psyllid feeds and develops on the juvenile foliage of several eucalyptus
species, some of which are grown primarily for use In the floral trade,
In addition, it attacks eucalyptus species that are utilized in landscaping.
Acute damage caused by high psyllid densities include inhibition of
new shoot formation, distortion of the shape of new foliage, and spoiled
plant appearance as a result of the growth of black sooty molds on the
honeydew and white flocculate secretions produced by the immature. Because
this is such a recent problem, chronic effects of sustained high psyllid
densities can only be speculated as being severely weakened plants, exhibiting
poor growth characteristics and consequently lowered economic value. Insecticide
intervention has proven to be costly and for the most part ineffective,
in addition to contributing to potentially harmful environmental impacts.
This coupled with the fact that psyllid populations are unchecked by any
of California’s native natural enemies make the blue gum psyllid a good
candidate for the classical biological control approach to its control
in California.
Review of Significant Literature.
The lack of a substantial body of literature regarding the blue gum
psyllid in Australia is taken as an indication that it is not of sufficient
economic importance to attract the attention of Australian entomologists
and is most likely under control by natural enemies there. This is quite
similar to our experiences in each of above mentioned biological control
projects. In fact, in the case of the Acacia psyllid, prior to our work,
Australian entomologists were not even aware that it occurred in Australia,
lot alone that its populations were being regulated by the coccinellid.
Almost all of the research on the blue gum Psyllid comes from studies conducted
in Europe. Most encouraging in this regard is a reference made, by Frank
Wilson (1963) on Australian beneficial insects in which he states that
“…in New Zealand, where it infests Eucalyptus globulus. A eulophid parasite,
which apparently reached New Zealand accidentally at the same time, controls
the psyllid.” The only other reference we have found that addresses the
blue gum psyllid in Australia is that of F. David Morgan (1984) where he
states that “The insect is very common but rarely develops outbreaks…”
and “It is heavily parasitized in the 5th instar and predators, particulary
honey-eaters, have been observed feeding upon nymphs and adults.
Objectives.
1. Study the biology of the blue gum psyllid in northern and southern
California Eucalyptus plantantions.
2. Develop a sampling procedure for the blue gum psyllid and its natural
enemies.
3. Import natural enemies of the blue gum psyllid from Australia.
4. Release and evaluate the efficacy of natural enemies of the blue
gum psyllid in California Eucalyptus plantations.
5. Develop a biological control program for the blue gum psyllid.
Materials and Methods.
Our approach will be to conduct a search for the eulophid and other
natural enemies of the blue gum in Australia, beginning in September, 1991.
Collections of potontial natural enemies will be shipped by air back to
our USDA/CDFA approved quarantine facilities located at the University
of California, Berkeley, Division of Biological Control in Albany, California.
We also have access to the USDA quarantine greenhouse facility, located
at the USDA Western Region laboratories, Albany, California. In quarantine,
the shipments will be screened to exclude potential harmful organisms,
i.e. hyperparasites, and reared for at least one generation on pure colonies
of blue gum psyllid before being released to the our insectary for large
scale rearing. This is one of required steps of Federal and State protocols
required prior to the release of organisms in California.
In preparation for the release phase of the project, we will setup study/release
sites with grower-cooperators in Monterey County, in northern California,
and begin to systematically monitor psyllid populations, Similar study/release
sites will also be established with grower-cooperators in southern California,
This information will allow us to document the subsequent effect the introduced
natural enemies have in controlling blue gum psyllid populations.
Once the introduced natural enemies have colonized the original release
sites and are considered to be permanent residents, these sites will be
used as nursery sites from which the introduced enemies will be distributed
to other areas of the State.
Sampling and biology studies will provide information needed to evaluate
the success of the introduced natural enemies and assess the need for further
importations.
Over the past 20 years, we have had considerable experience and success
with the introduction of natural enemies against pests of ornamental plants
in California. Beginning in 1972, we successfully introduced a coccinellid
from Australia against the Acacia psyllid; in 1978, we established three
encyrtid parasites from South Africa against two species of iceplant scales;
and more recently, in 1988, we successfully imported a eulophid parasite
from Chile against the Pepper tree psyllid. The key personnel, Drs. Kenneth
Hagen and Richard Tassan (UCB), involved with these efforts will be available
to contribute their full expertise: and energies towards the blue gum psyllid
biological control effort. In addition, Drs. Robert Luck (UCR) and Leo
Caltagirone (UCB) will be in Australia to assist with the exploration for
psyllid natural enemies. Australia entomologists, Dr, Keith Taylor of CSIRO
in Canbera and Dr. Gary Taylor of the University of Adelaide in South Australia,
both leading authorities on psyllids have agreed to collaborate with us
on this project. We will also be working closely with UC Farm Advisors,
Bill Chanty, Steve Tjosvold and Karen Robb throughout the project.
Time Table.
1991
a. Establish greenhouse/insectary colonies of blue gum psyllid,
b. Develop sampling procedures.
c. Begin studies of psyllid biology in field and laboratory and establish
damage thresholds.
d. Conduct initial exploration for psyllid natural enemies in Australia,
and import into California.
1992
a. Meet protocols for release of imported natural enemies from quarantine.
b. Establish laboratory colonies of natural enemies.
c. Conduct preliminary studies of natural enemy biologies.
d. Make initial natural enemy releases and monitor for field colonization.
e. Expand sampling program to include natural enemy impact.
f. Expand number of release sites in both northern and southern California.
g. Publish results.
1993-1994
a. Continue sampling program to determine natural enemy impact.
b. Expand natural enemy distribution statewide.
c. Complete detailed psyllid and natural enemy biology studies.
d. Evaluate success of biological control project and assess need for
further work.
e. Publish results.
Facilities and Equipment Available.
All of the facilities and equipment are available at the Division of
Biological Control’s Laboratory in Albany, including an officially approved
quarantine facility and a large insectary for rearing natural enemies.
Literature Cited.
Azevedo, F. and M, L. Figo 1979, Ctenarytaina eucalypti Mask (Homoptera,
Psyllidae). Bol. Serv, Plagas. 5:41-46,
Cadahia, D. 1980. Proximidad de dos nitevos enemigos de los Eucalyptus
en Espana. Bol. Serv. Plagas. 6:165-192,
Cadahia, D, 1986, Importance des insectes ravageurs de l’eucalyptus
en region mediterraneenne. Bulletin OEPP. 16:265-283.
Cadahia, D. and A. Ruperez. 1979. Reparticion de Crenarytaina eucalypti
Mask. en Espana, Bol, Serv. Plagas. 5:55-58.
Gill, R. 1991. California Plant Pest and Disease Report. California
Department of Food and Agriculture. 10:5-7.
Martinez, M, 1983. Possibilite d’introduction en France de deux Inseotes
ravageurs specifiquos des Eucalyptus: Phoracantha semipunctata (Col. Cerambycidael
et Ctenaryfaina eucalypti [Hom. Psyllidae), L’Entomologiste, 39:53-57.
Morgan, F. D. 1984. Handbook of the Flora and Fauna of South Australia,
Psylloldea of South Australia. Government Printer, South Australia. 130pp,
Taylor, K. L. 1990. The tribe Ctenarytainini (Hemiptera: Psylloidea):
A key to the known Australian genera, with new species and two new genera.
Invertebr. Taxon. 4:95-121.
Wilson, F. 1963. Australia as a source of beneficial insects for biological
control. Technical Communication No. 3, Commonwealth Institute of Biological
Control, Curepe, Trinidad. 28pp. Natural Enemies Associated with Blue Gum
Psyllid
PREDATORS:
Syrphidae Melliscaeva cinctellus Zett. — Europe Pipizella sp. — Europe
PARASITES:
Eulophidae unidentified species — New Zealand, thought to be originally
from Australia
3 – YEAR BUDGET
(9/2/91 – 6/31/94) YEAR 1
9/1/91 -8/31/92 SALARIES:
GSR @ 50% x 12 mos. $12,432 Lab Assistant I @ 25% X 12 4,740 $17,172
BENEFITS:
12,432 @ 2.84% 353 4,740 @ 1.8% 85 $438
MISC. S & E:
Misc. rearing supplies, potted plants, etc. $1,000
EQUIPMENT:
3 temperature loggers @ $1,500 ea $4,500 TRAVEL
Air travel to So. California (3 roundtrip tickets); Auto travel to sample
in So. and No. California $5,000
TOTAL (Year 1) $28,110
YEAR 2
9/1/92 -8/31/93
SALARIES:
GSR @ 50% x 12 mos. $13,054 Lab Asst. I @ 25% x 12 mos. 4,977 $18,031
BENEFITS: 461 S & E 1,000
TRAVEL: 5,000
TOTAL (Year 2) $24,492
YEAR-3
9/1/93 – 8/31/94
SALARIES:
GSR @ 60% x 12 MOS. $13,707 Lab Asst I @ 25% x 12 mos. 5,226 $18,933
BENEFITS: 456 S & E: 1,000
TRAVEL 5,000
TOTAL (Year 3) $25,389
JUSTIFICATION:
We will need the equivalent of one full-time person to rear parasites
and handle the quarantine operations. This person will here the sampling
in northern California. We will cooperate with William Chaney In Salinas
and Steve Tjosvald In Watsonville. We will need a part-time person under
the direction of Dr. Robert Luck at V. C. Riverside to do sampling, parasite
release and monitoring. In southern California, we will be cooperating
with Dr. Karen Robb of U.C. Extension In San Diego and Dr. Rich Cowles
at U.C. Riverside.
X. C. PROJECT LEADER QUALIFICATIONS
Donald L. Dahlsten:
I have been teaching and conducting research on the biological control
of forest and urban tree insects for 28 years. I have published over 150
research papers and other articles on insect ecology, forest entomology,
biological control, integrated pest management, and urban tree pest management.
(See attached bio- bibliography.)
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SHEET
Donald L. Dahlsten
Name: Donald Lee Dahlston, born 8 December 1933, Clay Center, Nebraska
Title: Professor of Entomology, Department of Entomological Sciences,
Division of Biological Control, University of California, Berkeley
and Entomologist in the Agricultural Experiment Station
Education: Graduated from Hollywood High School, Los Angelos. CA.,
Feb. 1952
B.S. University of California, Davis, 1966
M.S. University of California, Berkeley, 1960
Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley, 1963
Background:
1. Research Assistant In Enlomology, University of California, Berkeley,
Feb. 1959 to July 1959
2. Laboratory Tech. II in Entomology, University of California, Berkeley,
July 1959 to Sept. 1962
3. Assist. Professor of Zoology, Los Angeles State College, Los Angeles,
Sept. 1962 to Sept. 1963
4. Assistant Entomologist, University of California, Berkeley, October
1963 to July 1965
5. Lecturer In Entomology, UCS, July 1965 to July 1968
6. Assistant Professor of Entomology, UCB, July 1968 to July 1969
7. Associate Professor of Entomology, UCB, July 1969 to 1974
8. Professor of Entomology, UCB, July 1974 to present
(Chair, Division of Biological Control, 1981-1988)
Research Interests:
Biological control of forest insects. Side-effects of chemical insecticides
in forest communities. Population
dynamics of bark beetles and forest defoliators. Biology of cavity-nesting
birds and impact on forest insect
populations. Human activity and the creation of entomological problems
in montane environments.
Biological control of posts of urban trees and shrubs.
Honors and Awards:
American Institute Biological Sciences Visiting Professor, 1970-71;
Mellon Visiting Lecturer In Entomology,
Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, 1980; Member of
Forestry Technology Exchange
Team, People’s Republic of China, 1981; Delegation leader of Team on
Integrated Pest Management In
Forestry to Peoples Republic of China 1982. Selected by University
of California, Berkeley to make
presentation on topic of biological control to Professor Zhao Zlyang
of PRC during his visit in 1984.
Memberships:
American Associate Advancement Sciences; American Institute Biological
Science; American Museum
Natural History; California Forest Post Control Council; Ecological
Society of America; Entomological
Society of Canada; National Audubon Society, Northern California Committee
for Environmental
Information; Pacific Coast Entomological Society: Sigma XI, Society
of American Foresters; Western Forest
Insect Work Conference; Sierra Club; Scientists’ Institute for Public
Information; XI Sigma PI, Theta Chapter.
150 publications, including the most recent, as follows:
RECENT PUBLICATIONS
1987. Drelstadl, S, H. and D. L. Dahlsten. Report on Reports. Pesticide
Resistance: Strategies and
Tactics for Management, U. S. National Research Council, Environment
29(3): 25-27.
1987 Miller, M. C., J. C. Moser, M. McGregor, J.C. Gregoire, M. Salsler,
D. L. Dahlsten, and R, A. Werner.
Potential for biological control of native North American Dendroctonus
beetles (Coleoptera:Scolytidae).
Annals Entomol. Soc. Amer. 80(3): 417-428.
1987. Drelstadt, S. H., D. L. Dahlsten and K. S. Hagen. Integrated
pest management of tulip tree aphids,
pp.35-37. In R. Venne et al, editor. Minimal maintenance landscaping.
A report of the Elvenia J. Slosson
Fund for Ornamental Horticulture: 1983-1986. Univ. of Calif., Div.
of Agric. and Nat. Resources. 47 pp.
1987. Dahlsten, D. L. and S. H. Drelstadt. Elm leaf beetle IPM research
update, Growing Points – Central
Coast Counties 24(11): 3-4.
1987, Hajek, A. E. and D. L. Dahlsten. Behavioral Interactions between
three birch aphid species and
Adalia bipunctato larvae. Entomologla Experimentalls et Applicata 45:
81-87.
1987. Hajek, A.E. and D. L. Dahlsten, The exotic aphids (Homoptera:
Drepanosiphidae) on ornamental
birch in northern California. Pan-Pacific Entomol. 63(4): 319-323.
1987, Clair, D. J., D. L. Dahlsten and E. R. Hart. Rearing Tetrastichus
gallerucae (Hymenoptera:
Eulophldae) for biological control of the elm leaf beetle, Xanthogaleruca
luteola. Entomophaga 32(6): 467-
461.
1988. Hajek, A. E, and D. L. Dahlsten. Distribution and dynamics of
aphid (Homoptera: Drepanosiphidae)
populations on Betula pendula in northern California. Hilgardia 56(1):1-33.
1988. Clair, D. J., D. L. Dahlsten, and S. H. Drelstadt. Biological
control of the elm leaf beetle,
Xanthogaleruca luteola in California – A case study. Vol. 2, pp, 497
a 504. In Global Perspectives on
Agroecology and Sustainable Agricultural Systems (P. Allen and D. van
Dusen, eds). Proc. 6th
International IFOAM Conf., Santa Cruz, California, August 18-21, 1986.
2 vols., 730 pp.
1988. Drelstadt, S. H. and D. L. Dahlsten. Tuliptree aphid honeydew
management. J. Arboriculture 14(9):
209-214.
1989. Drelstadt, S. H. and D. L. Dahlsten. Gypsy moth eradication in
Pacific Coast states: History and
evaluation. Bull. Ent. Soc. Amer. 35(2): 13-19.
1989. Dahlsten, D, L, and R. Garcia, editors. Eradication of Exotic
Pests: Analysis with Case Histories.
Yale University Press, New Haven, Connecticut. 296 pp.
1989. Dahlsten, D. L., R. Garcia, and H. Lorraine. Eradication as a
pest management tool: concepts and
contexts. pp. 3-15. In Eradication of Exotic Posts: Analysis with Case
Histories (D. L. Dahlsten and R.
Garcia, eds). Yale University Press, New Haven, Connecticut. 296 pp.
1989. Dahlsten, D. L. and M. C. Whitmore. Potential for biological
control of Dendroctonus and Ips bark
beetles: the case for and against biological control of bark beetles,
pp. 3-19, In Potential for Biological
Control of Dendroctonus and Ips Bark Beetles (D. L. Kulhavy and M.
C. Miller, eds.). Center for Applied
Studies, School of Forestry, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacagdoches,
Texas. 265 pp.
1989. Berisford, C. W. and D. L. Dahlsten. Biological control of Ips
grandicollis (Elchhoff) (Coleoptera:
Scolytidae) In Australla–a preliminary evaluation, pp, 81-93, In Potential
for Biological Control of
Dendroctonus and Ips Bark Beetles (D. L. Kulhavy and M. C. Miller,
ads.), Center for Applied Studies,
School of Forestry, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacagdoches,
Texas. 265 pp.
Morrison, M. L., R. L. Heald, and D, L. Dahlston. Can incense-cedar
be managed for birds? Western J. of
Applied Forestry 5(1): 26-30.
1990. Drelstach, S. H. and D. L. Dahlsten. Relationships of temperature
to elm leaf beetle (Coleoptera:
Chrysomelidae) development and damage in the field. J. Econ. Entomol.
83(3): 837-841.
1990. Sower, L. L., J. M. Wenz, D. L. Dahlsten and G. E. Daterman.
Field testing of the pheromone
disruption on pre-outbreak populations of Douglas-fir tussock moth
(Lepidoptera: Lymantrildae). J. Econ.
Entomol. 83(4): 1487-1491.
1990. Drelstadt, S. H. and D. L. Dahlsten, Insecticide bark bands and
control of the elm leaf beetle
(Coleoptera: Chrysomelldae) In Northern California, J. Econ. Entomol,
63(4): 1495-1498.
1990. Daane. K. M., D. L. Dahlsten and S. H. Drelstadt. Effects of
Mediterranean fruit fly malathion bait
spray on the longevity and oviposition of parasitoids of the linden
and tulip tree aphids (Homoptera:
Aphididae). Environ. Entomol. 19(4): 1130-1134.
1990. Dahlstan, D. L., D. L. Rowney, W. A. Copper, S. M, Taft and J.
M, Wenz. Long-term population
studies of the Douglas-fir tussock moth in California, pp. 45-58. Ln:
Population Dynamics of Forest Insects
(A D, Watt, S, R. Leather, M. D. Hunter and N. A. C. Kidd, eds) Intercept
Ltd, Andover, England. 408pp.
1990. Dahlsten, D. L,, A. E. Halek and M. Wilson, Scientific Note.
Host specificity of two shade tree aphid
parasitoids, Pan-Pacific Entomologist 66(4):322-323,
1990. Drelstadt, S, H. and D. L. Dahlsten. Distribution and abundance
of Erynniopsis antennata (Diptera:
Tachinidae) and Tetrastichus brevistigma (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae),
two introduced elm leaf beetle
parasitolds in northern California. Entomophaga 35(4): 627-536.
1991. Dralstadt, S. H., D. L. Dahlsten, D. L. Rowney, S. M. Tait, G.
Y. Yokota and W. A. Copper. Treatment
of destructive elm leaf beetle should be timed by temperature. Calif,
Agric, 45(2): 23-25.
1991. Dahlstan, D. L, and S. H. Drelstadt. Forest post management sociopolitics,
Forest Ecology and
Management 39 (1-4): 289-297.
1991. Dahlsten, D. L. Dutch elm dispose in California: Control and
eradication, pp. 35-39. In Does the
Elm Have a Future In Australia. (T. E, Arthur and J. D. Hitchmaugh,
eds.) Proceedings of a seminar held at
Victorian College of Agriculture and Horticulture, Brunlay, 17 May
1990. 59 pp.
