European pests of rapeseed: a threat to Australian crops?

JM Hughes, KA Evans

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The climatic response of two European oilseed rape pests, Dasineura brassicae Winn. and Ceutorhynchus assimilis Payk., was experimentally investigated and integrated with literature reports of each species’ distribution, abundance and seasonal phenology using CLIMEX, a computer-based simulation system. Australian climatic suitability and the influence of indigenous biotic factors were estimated, and the overall survival and damage potential of introduced pest populations predicted.

It is predicted that the main oilseed cultivation areas of Australia would support economically damaging populations of C. assimilis and the C. assimilis/D. brassicae pest complex. However, D. brassicae is largely dependant upon C. assimilis damage for oviposition and although alternative forms of pod damage would allow population establishment, there is no native pod-damaging mechanism which would allow economically damaging population levels to be achieved were D. brassicae to be introduced without C. assimilis.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 10th International Rapeseed Congress. Canberra, Australia
Publication statusFirst published - 1999

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