Biocontrol of Invasive Conical Snails by the Parasitoid Fly in South Australia 20 Years after Release.

Two conical snail species introduced to Australia from the Mediterranean region during the 20th century are major pests of pastures and grain crops. In 2000, a parasitoid fly, , was introduced into South Australia for biocontrol of the conical snail, . The fly successfully established in the region but assessments of its impact in different snail aestivation microhabitats were limited.

Cryptic Plutella species show deep divergence despite the capacity to hybridize.

Background: Understanding genomic and phenotypic diversity among cryptic pest taxa has important implications for the management of pests and diseases. The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L., has been intensively studied due to its ability to evolve insecticide resistance and status as the world's most destructive pest of brassicaceous crops.

Reducing insecticide use in broad-acre grains production: an Australian study.

Prophylactic use of broad-spectrum insecticides is a common feature of broad-acre grains production systems around the world. Efforts to reduce pesticide use in these systems have the potential to deliver environmental benefits to large areas of agricultural land. However, research and extension initiatives aimed at decoupling pest management decisions from the simple act of applying a cheap insecticide have languished.

Assessment of prey overlap between a native (Polistes humilis) and an introduced (Vespula germanica) social wasp using morphology and phylogenetic analyses of 16S rDNA.

Abstract In newly invaded communities, interspecific competition is thought to play an important role in determining the success of the invader and its impact on the native community. In southern Australia, the native Polistes humilis was the predominant social wasp prior to the arrival of the exotic Vespula germanica (Hymenoptera: Vespidae). Both species forage for similar resources (water, pulp, carbohydrate and protein prey), and concerns have arisen about potential competition between them.