| Autor: |
Marini F; Biotechnology and Biological Control Agency (BBCA) Onlus, Via Angelo Signorelli 105, 00123 Rome, Italy., Profeta E; Biotechnology and Biological Control Agency (BBCA) Onlus, Via Angelo Signorelli 105, 00123 Rome, Italy., Vidović B; Department of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade-Zemun, Serbia., Petanović R; Department of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade-Zemun, Serbia.; Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Knez Mihailova 35, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia., de Lillo E; Department of Plant, Soil and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Amendola, 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy., Weyl P; CABI, Rue des Grillons 1, 2800 Delémont, Switzerland., Hinz HL; CABI, Rue des Grillons 1, 2800 Delémont, Switzerland., Moffat CE; Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Summerland Research and Development Centre, Summerland, 4200 BC-97, Summerland, BC V0H 1Z0, Canada., Bon MC; European Biological Control Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Campus International de Baillarguet, 34980 Montferri-er-sur-Lez, France., Cvrković T; Institute for Plant Protection and Environment, Department of Plant Pests, Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics and Laboratory for Applied Entomology, Banatska 33, 11080 Belgrade-Zemun, Serbia., Kashefi J; European Biological Control Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Campus International de Baillarguet, 34980 Montferri-er-sur-Lez, France., Sforza RFH; European Biological Control Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Campus International de Baillarguet, 34980 Montferri-er-sur-Lez, France., Cristofaro M; Biotechnology and Biological Control Agency (BBCA) Onlus, Via Angelo Signorelli 105, 00123 Rome, Italy.; ENEA Casaccia, SSPT-BIOAG-PROBIO, Via Anguillarese 301, 00123 Rome, Italy. |
| Abstrakt: |
Tree of heaven ( Ailanthus altissima ) is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to China, considered a serious invasive species worldwide, with several socio-economic and ecological impacts attributed to it. Chemical and mechanical methods have limited efficacy in its management, and biological controls may offer a suitable and sustainable option. Aculus mosoniensis (Ripka) is an eriophyid mite that has been recorded to attack tree of heaven in 13 European countries. This study aims to explore the host range of this mite by exposing 13 plant species, selected either for their phylogenetic and ecological similarity to the target weed or their economic importance. Shortly after inoculation with the mite, we recorded a quick decrease in mite number on all nontarget species and no sign of mite reproduction. Whereas, after just one month, the population of mites on tree of heaven numbered in the thousands, irrespective of the starting population, and included both adults and juveniles. Significantly, we observed evidence of damage due to the mite only on target plants. Due to the specificity, strong impact on the target, and the ability to increase its population to high levels in a relatively short amount of time, we find A. mosoniensis to be a very promising candidate for the biological control of tree of heaven. |
