Using two model systems, we're investigating the nature of the interactions between resident microflora and introduced biocontrol agents.

The biological control of weeds and plant diseases has yielded some success in pest management. However, inconsistency in efficacy - through the effects of physical and biotic processes - remains a constraint to the widespread uptake of this eco-technology.

Our project, through two PhD studies, aims to improve our understanding of the nature of the biotic influences in these pest biocontrol systems. It will do this through investigating the multi-trophic interactions in two model systems:

• weed biocontrol: a prospective insect biocontrol agent, Apion onopordi, its weed host, Cirsium arvense, and the rust, Puccinia punctiformis.
• disease biocontrol: the fungal biocontrol agent, Trichoderma atroviride, and the resident soil microbial community.

This project is funded by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC).

Key publications relating to this research:

Bourdôt, G., Fowler, S.V., Edwards, G.R., Kriticos, D.J., Kean, J.M., Rahman, A., & Parsons, J. (2007) Pastoral weeds in New Zealand: Status and potential solutions. New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 50, 139-161.

Groenteman, R., Kelly, D., Fowler, S.V., & Bourdôt, G.W. (2007) Interactions between nodding thistle seed predators. New Zealand Plant Protection, 60, 152-157.

Lamoureaux, S. & Bourdôt, G.W. (2007) A review of the ecology and management of Ranunculus acris L. in pasture. Weed Research, 47, 461-471.

Cripps, M.G., Hintz, W., McKenney, J.L., Harmon, B., Merickel, F., & Schwarzlaender, M. (2006a) Comparative survey of the phytophagous arthropod faunas associated with Lepidium draba in Europe and the western United States, and the potential for biological weed control. Biocontrol Science and Technology, 16, 1007-1030.

Cripps, M.G., Schwarzlaender, M., McKenney, J.L., Hinz, H., & Price, W.J. (2006b) Biogeographic comparison of the arthropod herbivore communities associated with Lepidium draba in its native, expanded and introduced ranges. Journal of Biogeography, 33, 2107-2119.

Cripps, M.G., Schwarzlaender, M., McKenney, J.L., Hinz, H.L., & Price, W.J. (2008 - in press) No evidence for an evolution of increased competitive ability for the invasive Lepidium draba. Basic and Applied Ecology.

Eigenbrode, S.D., Andreas, J.E., Cripps, M.G., Ding, H., Biggam, R.C., & Schwarzländer, M. (2008 - in press) Induced chemical defenses in invasive plants: a case study with Cynoglossum officinale L. Biological Invasions.

McKenney, J.L., Cripps, M.G., Price, W.J., Hinz, H., & Schwarzlaender, M. (2007) No difference in competitive ability between invasive North American and native European Lepidium draba populations. Plant Ecology, 193, 293-303.

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