This project identifies host-matched, efficacious parasitoid wasp populations in the Green Triangle and releases wasps in Western Australia to improve biological control of Eucalyptus weevils in Eucalyptus globulus plantations.
Eucalyptus weevils (Gonipterus spp.) severely impact eucalypt growth rates in Western Australian (WA) eucalypt plantations and impact sustainable hardwood production. Two Australian weevil species are invasive to WA, Gonipterus platensis and G. sp. n. 2, and can cause between 40 to 80 % defoliation to shoot tips and the upper crown which can reduce tree growth up to 30 % (e.g., Branco et al. 2015, study from Europe).
Given the weevils’ invasive range covers all WA hardwood plantations and increasing pressure against the use of neonicotinoids (industry currently rely on clothianidin soil injections in new and most 2 to 3-year-old plantations), biological control (biocontrol) is the most sustainable long-term management option. Savings up to $180,000 annually due to reduced pesticide applications have been estimated (Ian Dumbrell pers. comm., Wardlaw 2019).
Program:
Damage Agents Investment Plan (further detail available here)
Research Organisation:
University of the Sunshine Coast (Andy Howe)
