Fungi Bio-Pesticide Offers Natural Solution Against Destructive Eucalyptus Beetle
GKToday
2024.01.10
Scientists have identified a pathogenic fungus naturally preying on eucalyptus snout beetles that shows promise as an affordable, eco-friendly biopesticide to protect eucalyptus plantations from the voracious pests.
Characterization studies confirm the fungus’ insecticidal efficacy and durability, positioning it for mass production to sustainably manage beetle outbreaks threatening vast swaths of eucalyptus forests grown for paper pulp and timber.
The eucalyptus snout beetle (Gonipterus platensis), native to Australia but now globally invasive, represents an enormous threat to eucalyptus crops.
The beetles damage trees by aggressively feeding on leaves, buds, and shoots – stunting growth and depriving plants of photosynthesis. Severe outbreaks can entirely defoliate forests.
Unchecked infestations have exhibited explosive impact. A 1998 Colombian outbreak spread across 1,150 square kilometers in a single year, expanding its range 160 km annually. Losses reached 100% leaf area with up to 86% less harvestable wood volume.
Scientists have identified a pathogenic fungus naturally preying on eucalyptus snout beetles that shows promise as an affordable, eco-friendly biopesticide to protect eucalyptus plantations from the voracious pests.
Characterization studies confirm the fungus’ insecticidal efficacy and durability, positioning it for mass production to sustainably manage beetle outbreaks threatening vast swaths of eucalyptus forests grown for paper pulp and timber.
The eucalyptus snout beetle (Gonipterus platensis), native to Australia but now globally invasive, represents an enormous threat to eucalyptus crops.
The beetles damage trees by aggressively feeding on leaves, buds, and shoots – stunting growth and depriving plants of photosynthesis. Severe outbreaks can entirely defoliate forests.
Unchecked infestations have exhibited explosive impact. A 1998 Colombian outbreak spread across 1,150 square kilometers in a single year, expanding its range 160 km annually. Losses reached 100% leaf area with up to 86% less harvestable wood volume.
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