Distribution and genetic diversity of five invasive pests of Eucalyptus in sub-Saharan Africa
BACKGROUND
Plantation forestry in Sub- Saharan Africa has been characterized by an introduction of several Eucalyptus species because of their socio- economic benefits. However, these Eucalyptus trees have been affected by non- native foliage feeding insect pests, which have been accidentally introduced, resulting in stunted growth and in some cases mortality. The rate of introduction of non-native eucalypt-feeding insects globally has increased nearly five-fold between the 1980s and 2010s.
RESEARCH GOALS AND METHODS
The distribution and genetic diversity of 5 non- native Eucalyptus insect pests was examined in 14 countries across Sub- Saharan Africa, through structured surveys, small-scale sampling, personal communications with collaborating experts across the region and from published literature. Genetic diversity of each of these insect pests was assessed using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) or cytochrome b (Cyt b) sequence data.
CONCLUSIONS AND TAKEAWAYS
The authors conclude that, the results of this study will assist in the correct identification, quarantine, management, and future research of Eucalyptus insect pests in the region and beyond. This will lead to the development of effective monitoring plans to enhance early detections and timely management interventions. Research on the invasion pathways of these pests and their spread within the region is still needed.
Reference:
Distribution and genetic diversity of five invasive pests of Eucalyptus in sub-Saharan Africa. Biological Invasions. 2020;22(7):2205 - 2221. doi:10.1007/s10530-020-02250-4.
Affiliation:
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
- School of Plant Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O.Box 38, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
- Department of Forestry and Nature Conservation, Rwanda Water and Forestry Authority, P.O.Box 7445, Kigali, Rwanda
- Department of Forestry and Nature Conservation, College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine (CAVM), University of Rwanda, P.O.Box 117, Butare, Rwanda
- French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (Cirad), UMR PVBMT, 97410 Saint-Pierre, La Re´union, France
- Sustainable Afforestation Association, 161 Gleneagles Road, Southerton, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Central Ethiopia Environment and Forest Research Centre, Ethiopian Environment and Forest Research Institute, P.O.Box 30708, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia