Pest Management Science (2020) 76, 1273-1281

Eugenia Minghetti, Leonela Olivera and Sara I. Montemayor (2020)
Ecological niche modelling of Gargaphia decoris (Heteroptera), a biological control agent of the invasive tree Solanum mauritianum (Solanales: Solanaceae)
Pest Management Science 76 (4), 1273-1281
Abstract:
BACKGROUND
The South American tree Solanum mauritianum Scopoli (Solanaceae) is a problematic invasive plant in numerous tropical, subtropical and temperate regions around the globe. Because conventional management approaches are not cost-effective, biological control provides an alternative approach. Gargaphia decoris Drake (Tingidae) is currently used as a biological control agent in South Africa and New Zealand. Considering the importance of climate in the establishment and success of a biological control agent, this study used ecological niche models (ENM) to identify areas where S. mauritianum is a problematic invader and where suitable conditions exist for G. decoris. Additionally, the climate niche dynamics of G. decoris were investigated and ENMs projected worldwide for the year 2050 were built.
RESULTS
Our results indicate that most of the countries where S. mauritianum is problematic have suitable climatic conditions for G. decoris, and that the species can survive in climates with temperatures lower than those in its native range. For future climates, ENMs predict wider regions with favourable climatic conditions for G. decoris.
CONCLUSION
Considering the results of this study, the prospects of using G. decoris as a biological control agent are good under current and future climates. Introduction of this agent could be considered in affected countries where it has not been released.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Sara I. Montemayor

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
environment/habitat manipulation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Solanum mauritianum (weed)
Gargaphia decoris (weed bioagent)	Solanum mauritianum (weed)