CABI

About: CABI is a nonprofit organization based out in Wallingford, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Introduced species. The organization has 789 authors who have published 1759 publications receiving 73843 citations. The organization is also known as: Centre for Biosciences and Agriculture International.

Intentionally introduced terrestrial invertebrates: patterns, risks, and options for management

Abstract: Our understanding and management of pathways of alien species introductions has improved significantly in the past few years. However, little attention has been paid in most parts of the world to the risks posed by the intentional introduction of alien terrestrial invertebrates which are not intended for use in biological control. We review the species and pathways involved in this intentional trade, and discuss key factors that mediate different aspects of risk. A total of 20 different intentions for the introduction of terrestrial invertebrates were identified. Uses and trade patterns have changed over time and further changes are likely in the future. In particular, invertebrates used in the pet trade, and as human food and animal feed are likely to increase in relevance. We assess priorities for future research and regulation based on the perceived “risk” of the uses including propagule pressure, security of captivity and ease of regulation. Regarding risk assessment, we examine three options: (a) using an existing generic protocol developed for a broad range of taxa; (b) developing a new protocol, possibly by adapting a protocol developed for other taxa; and (c) adopting the approach applied for biological control, i.e. structured experiments and observations. This review highlights the diversity of uses and associated threats of intentional terrestrial invertebrate introductions. It provides recommendations on how to tackle and prevent related issues and can therefore serve as a guideline for future work. We argue that the most suitable option for risk assessment might depend on the type or organism and the level of knowledge of the organism, as well as the intended use.

Correction to: Microbiome definition re-visited: old concepts and new challenges

Abstract: An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

Possible coexistence of native and exotic parasitoids and their impact on control of Halyomorpha halys

Abstract: Introduction of exotic natural enemies for biological control of invasive pests may disrupt existing ecological interactions, which may influence the outcome of biological control introductions. The interactions between Asian egg parasitoids, proposed as classical biological control agents of the highly polyphagous invasive pest Halyomorpha halys (Stal), and parasitoids native to the introduced area are largely unknown. Therefore, adult and larval interspecific competition between the exotic Trissolcus japonicus (Ashmead) and the European Anastatus bifasciatus (Geoffroy) was assessed (1) by observing aggressive interactions between adults of the two species following parasitization and (2) by providing each parasitoid species with previously parasitized H. halys egg masses at various time intervals. The results suggest that T. japonicus and A. bifasciatus engage in counterbalance competition, with the former being a superior extrinsic competitor (egg guarding and aggressiveness) and the latter being a superior intrinsic competitor (successful development from multiparasitized eggs of all ages). We suggest that the presence of T. japonicus is unlikely to have a negative impact on A. bifasciatus, and that those two species can coexist and potentially act synergistically in the biological control of H. halys.

Analysis of genetic variability within the genus Petromyces

Abstract: Phenotypic and genotypic features of three teleomorphic species, Petromyces alliaceus, P albertensis and P muricatus and some related anamorphic Aspergillus species were compared The dendrogram based on carbon source utilisation data revealed a close relationship between P muricatus and the A ochraceus strains examined P alliaceus and P albertensis strains were very closely related to each other A dendrogram with similar topology was obtained by analysing sequences of the intergenic transcribed spacer regions of representatives of these species P alliaceus and P albertensis strains could only be distinguished by the random amplified polymorphic DNA technique These strains possibly represent a single species closely related to Aspergillus section Flavi, while the anamorph of P muricatus is a member of Aspergillus section Circumdati Our results indicate that Aspergillus section Circumdati is in need of taxonomic revision

Assessing the ecological risk posed by a recently established invasive alien predator: Harmonia axyridis as a case study.

Abstract: Invasive alien predators are a serious threat to biodiversity worldwide. However, there is no generic method for assessing which local species are most at risk following the invasion of a new predator. The harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), is an alien in Europe and many other parts of the world where it affects other species of ladybirds through competition for food and intra-guild predation (IGP). Here, we describe a method developed to assess which European ladybird species are most at risk following the invasion of H. axyridis. The three components of the risk assessment are: the likelihood that the assessed native species encounters H. axyridis in the field, the hazard of competition for food, and the IGP hazard. Thirty native European ladybird species were assessed through data obtained from field observations, laboratory experiments and literature reviews. The species that are considered most at risk are found on deciduous trees, have immature stages which are highly vulnerable to IGP by H. axyridis, and are primarily aphidophagous. These species should be the focus of specific studies and possibly conservation actions. The risk assessment method proposed here could be applied to other alien predators which are considered a threat to native species through competition and predation.