#biocontrol — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #biocontrol, aggregated by home.social.
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On Friday I saw my first Buddleja weevils in Ōtautahi-Christchurch, NZ. This is a biocontrol agent purposefully introduced into NZ to control butterfly bush, *Buddleja davidii*, which had been spreading out-of-control through much of the country.
Until recently it's been a bit too cold in Christchurch for Buddleja weevils to thrive. No longer, apparently.
The first Christchurch observation of Buddleja weevils on iNaturalist was in March last year. Mine is now the 6th observaton from the city.
The larvae are distinctive yellow jelly slugs, and the adult weevils are brown.
Keep an eye out for them on a butterfly bush near you.
As the climate warms, weeds are pushing southwards. At least it's good to know that their biocontrol agents are doing the same.
#weeds #WeedBiocontrol #biocontrol #nz #weevils #beetles #entomology #iNaturalist #iNaturalistNZ
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So, one of the topics I'll be covering for this week's #SolarPunkSunday is #InvasiveInsects. #MDACF has been posting some really good information about a variety of pests, and offers natural solutions for some of them. Topics include #JumpingWorms, #EmeraldAshBorer, #HemlockWoollyAdelgid, #BoxTreeMoth and #SpottedLanternflies.
#InvasiveSpeciesAwareness #InvasiveSpeciesWeek #InvasiveSpecies #AshTrees #BoxElders #SaveTheForests #ProtectTheTrees #SolarPunkSunday #Biocontrol #HemlockTrees #MaineDepartmentOfAgricultureConservationAndForestry
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So, I missed the #EAB update from #MaineDACF, but since I registered for the event, I was sent the link to the video update. One thing I learned is that #Woodpeckers are #EmeraldAshBorer's natural enemy. But once EAB sets in, it's too much for the woodpeckers to handle. But if it's an early infestation, they *might* be able to control it! Just another reason to #GardenForBirds and #FeedTheBirds in the winter (and my woodpecker friends LOVE the wormy suet I make for them).
Here's a screenshot from the presentation. Also, the term "blonding" mentioned in the image refers to the process of older gray bark falling off an ash tree that has an EAB infestation, leaving behind lighter-colored newer bark.
The full video can be viewed at this link (includes transcript):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ogbMReBx38#InvasiveSpecies #AshTrees
#SaveTheForests #ProtectTheTrees #ProtectTheSacred #Stewardship #Wabanaki #Basketry #SolarPunkSunday #Biocontrol #MaineTrees #MaineForestryService #MDIFW -
Koppert + Certhon are building a 3,500 m² climate-controlled flour-moth facility near Rotterdam. The message: biocontrol is becoming manufacturing.
https://agtech.industryexaminer.com/koppert-certhon-moth-breeding-facility-biocontrol-supply-chain/
#AgTech #Biocontrol #IPM #GreenhouseTech #SupplyChain #TechNews -
[Virtual event] #EmeraldAshBorer and Other #TreeHealth Concerns
#DACF Update for #Maine Cities and Towns
Monday, February 9, 2026, 10:30 AM-Noon
"The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry will provide updates for city and town tree and forest managers and public works staff on the known status of several invasive insect species in Maine. Our speakers will cover topics such as monitoring, life cycles, extent of known locations, and management through #biocontrol. Join us and brush up on your invasive species knowledge in time for #InvasiveSpecies Awareness week- we hope to see you there!"
FMI:
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MEDACF/bulletins/40539ea#SolarPunkSunday #SaveTheTrees #Forestry #Trees #AshTrees #BrowntailMoth #WinterMoth #RedPineScale #HemlockWoolyAdelgid #InvasiveSpeciesAwarenessWeek #MaineDACF #MaineForests
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#Mainers! Here's your chance to help fight #EmeraldAshBorer!
#MaineForestryService - Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) Update
September 22, 2025
"Since 2019, MFS has been releasing parasitoid wasps for the long-term management of emerald ash borer (#EAB) in the forests of Maine. These are tiny, non-stinging members of the order Hymenoptera, and they specialize in EAB. In most cases, they will not keep the mature trees already in the forest alive, but there is evidence from other states that have had EAB longer than we have that these #wasps provide protection to the seedlings and saplings as they grow. We are attempting to release them in as many areas with EAB as possible so that they can eventually spread throughout the state, allowing ash to remain in #Maine’s forests.
"As of 2025, we have released these #parasitoids in 20 sites throughout the range of EAB. Of the ten sites that are at the stage where we can start monitoring for their establishment, we have recovered one or both of Spathius or Tetrastichus at five of them: four in #YorkCounty and one in northern #Aroostook. We are still years away from actual control of EAB, but it is encouraging to start recovering parasitoids.
"With the many new detections of EAB in Maine in recent years, we would like to establish new biological control release sites. The ash-dominated forests that serve as release sites can be public or privately owned. Many of our cooperators are private woodlot owners. Ideally, we would like to ship biological control directly to a local landowner or manager and have them conduct releases after training by MFS. The releases take 5-15 minutes, 4-6 times a summer for two summers. We are looking for new release sites in areas where EAB has recently become established. Specifically, we would like to find sites in or near #BarHarborME, #SolonME, #BelfastME, the #BathME / #BrunswickME area, #CoastalMaine south of #PortlandME, and #WesternMaine west of #LewistonME. If you have forested land in one of these areas and are potentially interested in having it become a biological release site, please review the guidelines and information about EAB biocontrol available on-line, and email foresthealth @ maine . gov (no spaces) with the town in which your ash stand is, the approximate acreage of ash, and the coordinates (approximate is fine) of the stand. If it looks like your land would be suitable for a biological control site, we will reach out to you."Source:
Emailed newsletterLink to guidelines (PDF):
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/forest_health/invasive_threats/eab/documents/meeting-082020/Emerald%20Ash%20Borer%20Biocontrol%20Info%20For%20Potential%20Cooperators.pdf#InvasiveSpecies #AshTrees #SaveTheForests #ProtectTheSacred #Wabanaki #Basketry #SolarPunkSunday #Biocontrol
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[USGS] FORT Science In Action – Science In Support Of Invasive Reptile Management In The Greater Everglades
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https://www.usgs.gov/centers/fort-collins-science-center/news/fort-science-action-part-7-science-support-invasive <-- shared technical article
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#remotesensing #florida #everglades #restoration #burmese #python #snake constrictor #impacts #invasive #species #reptiles #loss #mammal #tegus #ecosystems #habitat #plants #vertebrate #carnivore #feral #threatened #research #culling #risk #hazard #threat #AI #imagery #UAS #GIS #spatial #mapping #DNA #sampling #surveillance #cost #ecology #damage #trapping #collaboration #scaleable #control #biocontrol #fedscience #fedservice #management #protection #swamp #wetland #grasslands #geomorphology #geomorphometry #water #hydrology #native #species #USGS #NPS
@USGS @NPS -
#Biocontrol is the future of the #EUagriculture and food- if we let it happen [Promoted content] https://www.euractiv.com/section/agriculture-food/opinion/biocontrol-is-the-future-of-the-eu-agriculture-and-food-if-we-let-it-happen/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=dlvr.it
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When I give presentations on mosquito control I always urge attendees to push Mosquito Dunks on friends and family who might not know about Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis). E.g., as housewarming gifts, party favors, stocking stuffers, raffle prizes. But I never have the perfect image to show. So this morning I spent 30 minutes making a mock-up of the image that I wish existed in real life. I know, it's terrible. Maybe some photogenic family can recreate for me in real life? #MosquitoDunks #mosquitoes #bti #insects #gifts #bacteria #neighbors #biocontrol
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Here's another insect I found on my run this afternoon through the southwestern suburbs of Ōtautahi-Christchurch, NZ. I just worked out that it's the woolly apple aphid. I found a mass of them feeding on a firethorn (Pyracantha) that was planted along the front of a garden.
This is a new species for me on #iNaturalist and the 38th iNat observation from NZ. Woolly apple aphid used to be a major pest for apple growers in NZ, leading to the introduction of the woolly aphid parasitoid wasp in 1921. That was effective at controlling the aphid and still drastically reduces insecticide use on apple orchards.
Looking closer at my woolly apple aphids, I see lots of the characteristic exit holes of parasitoid wasps. I've made that another iNat observation for the parasitoid, which if my ID is correct will be the 2nd iNat observation of this wasp from NZ.
https://inaturalist.nz/observations/281716021
https://inaturalist.nz/observations/281717727 -
Meet Rhinocyllus conicus (the Nodding Thistle Receptacle Weevil). Native to Eurasia and North Africa, it was introduced to the United States in 1969 as a biocontrol for invasive thistle. However, it began attacking native thistles also. The larvae feed on the flower receptacle, reducing seed production.
#WeevilWednesday #biocontrol #insects #beetles #biodiversity #NaturalHistory
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¡Hola! 👋 Soy Natalia Martínez Reyes, biotecnóloga y doctoranda en microbiología aplicada. Me especializo en el estudio de hongos y bacterias con aplicaciones biotecnológicas. 🌱🦠
🔹 Investigación en micotoxinas
🔹 Modificación genética en hongos filamentosos
🔹 Bioensayos y biocontrol de fitopatógenos
🔹 Ciencia, divulgación y publicaciones 📚Amante de la montaña 🏔️ y la música 🎸. ¡Hablemos de ciencia y más!
#Ciencia #Biotecnología #Microbiología #DivulgaciónCientífica #Biocontrol
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Scientists are developing a "toxic male technique" to control disease-carrying insects and agricultural pests. Genetically engineered male insects would produce venomous semen, killing females after they mate. Bill Sullivan, Indiana University #malaria #biocontrol 🦟 https://theconversation.com/making-sex-deadly-for-insects-could-control-pests-that-carry-disease-and-harm-crops-248723
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Approve sustainable pesticides faster, says centre-right https://www.euractiv.com/section/agriculture-food/news/approve-sustainable-pesticides-faster-says-centre-right/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=dlvr.it #agriculture #biocontrol #ENVIcommittee #Pesticides
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I found *another* cinnabar moth caterpillar in Ōtautahi-Christchurch, NZ, this time feeding on European groundsel (*Senecio vulgaris*) at the front of a garden in Somerfield.
That's now the second time I've seen this ragwort biocontrol species in Christchurch city, after 20 years of looking at every Senecio I pass by (senecios are one of my things).
It's odd.
If you're local, I'd be interested if you find any.
https://inaturalist.nz/observations/258412827
#insects #entomology #biocontrol #nz -
New on Entomology Today: To identify natural enemies of Ommatissus lybicus, a key pest of date palms also known as the Dubas bug, researchers collected nearly 7,000 arthropod specimens from date palm plantations in Oman and analyzed their gut contents for traces of the bug's DNA. They found at least 56 species that feed on the Dubas bug, a treasure trove of knowledge for future biological control efforts. #entomology #insects #biocontrol #IPM https://entomologytoday.org/2025/01/10/what-eats-dubas-bugs-molecular-gut-content-analysis-predators-date-palm-pest-biological-control/
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My team member Stephanie Chen and I tried to find the threatened Australian #daisy Erigeron conyzoides to support #biocontrol research, after it had eluded colleagues for years. When we found it, we thought, wait a second...
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Here's my surprise of the day (and the year so far).
Cinnabar moths were introduced into New Zealand to control ragwort.
I have never seen cinnabar moth larvae in Christchurch city before, and I have never seen them feeding on the native ragwort relative *Senecio quadridentatus* before.
And, yet, here they are in Christchurch city today doing exactly that.
If you see any, please let me know.
https://inaturalist.nz/observations/257561024
#insects #Biocontrol #NZ #Ōtautahi #Christchurch #PlantInsectInteractions
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We've got a project on #iNaturalistNZ called "Biocontrol of Weeds in NZ", where keen iNat users not only upload photos of weed biocontrol agents but also tag them with what plants they're feeding on. It's a helpful way to keep track of what they're up to in wild NZ.
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I've seen lots of larvae of thistle tortoise beetles this week. The species *Cassida rubiginosa* was introduced into NZ as a biocontrol agent in 2006 and is now knocking back thistle weeds in parts of NZ.
NZ has no native thistles so we could introduce a beetle that eats a lot of species. I saw them on Californian thistles, nodding thistles and Scotch thistles.
Their larvae carry all their shit in a "frass shield" to protect themselves.
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Paper out in British Journal of Entomology and Natural History soon. Arnold, S.E.J., Fountain, M.T., Silva, C.X., & Wamonje, F. O. The introduced parasitoid Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is widespread in fruit-growing regions of England. BJENH, 37. [14/14]
#BiologicalControl #IntroducedSpecies #ParasitoidWasp #Biocontrol #EcosystemServices #Horticulture #AgriculturalEntomology #Entomology
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Ultimately, what does this mean for UK biocontrol? It may mean that we will see a smaller species richness of aphid parasitoids active on some farms, which may or may not affect our ability to control aphids. We'll have to see what happens. [12/]
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Over the last 18 months or so, we have been exploring the relationship between landscape and insect-related ecosystem services on strawberry farms. Let me tell you about something we found... [1/]
#horticulture #agriculture #biocontrol #ParasitoidWasp #entomology #EcosystemServices
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Gyda Fenn-Moltu, Cleo Bertelsmeier and colleagues have published a paper in Ecological Applications on « Pathways for accidental biocontrol: the human-mediated dispersal of insect predators and parasitoids » learn more:
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Rhinoncomimus latipes, a weevil introduced into the United States in 2004 to control mile-a-minute (Persicaria perfoliata), a Class B noxious weed. Larvae eat stems, adults eat leaves. The beetle's range is expanding ~4 km/yr. #weevil #insect #entomology #ipm #biocontrol #beetle #weed #invasive #coleoptera #macro #photography
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EU seeks tweaks to pesticide rules to fast-track sustainable solutions https://www.euractiv.com/section/agriculture-food/news/eu-seeks-tweaks-to-pesticide-rules-to-fast-track-sustainable-solutions/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #biocontrol #biologicalpesticides #biopesticides #Pesticides
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New on Entomology Today: A pair of beetle species are key players in managing the hemlock woolly adelgid, but it can be difficult to detect where they are present and feeding on the invasive pest. A new study details a genetic test to detect and differentiate traces of the beetles' DNA in samples of soil, water, or plant matter from a target area. #entomology #insects #EnvironmentalDNA #biocontrol https://entomologytoday.org/2024/06/18/environmental-dna-biological-control-hemlock-woolly-adelgid-laricobius-beetles/
