Institut für Biologischen Pflanzenschutz
Several examples of invasive pests from Asian origin were accidentally introduced into Europe, e.g. the Spotted Wing Drosophila, Marmorated Stink Bug and the Box Tree Pyralid Moth (BTM) which is damaging Buxus sp., a permanent shrub species. In Europe, cultivation of box trees belong to cultural heritage, but they also contribute as elements of natural forest stands to their stability, especially in Southern Europe. BTM is therefore considered not only as plant pest, but also as “ecological” pest. Usually, members of Pyraloidea (Pyralidae, Crambidae) and related families are well regulated by an armada of highly specific natural enemies, e.g. those belonging to Hymenopteran parasitoids. The intended joint research proposal focus on collections of BTM and related species to be made in different habitats in Japan (native region) and in Germany (invaded region), following a joint standard protocol. Collected insects will further incubated to allow parasitoids to emerge from the different developmental stages. After collection and identification of parasitoid species, their host acceptance and preference for selected host species, including BTM, will be tested in the laboratory, also following standard protocols. Parasitoid species, endemic in Japan, but not-native in Germany, can only be tested in laboratories in Japan, so German scientists need to do the research in the partner institutions. On the other hand, Japanese scientists can test German strains/species on BTM and related species in Germany. BTM occurs naturally in Japan where it is only seldom a pest on ornamental box trees, probably caused by an efficient natural enemy community. Besides egg parasitoids, also egg-larval parasitoids (e.g. Tachinid flies) or those of pupae could regulate the population densities of BTM and will be considered in the proposed research. The main goal of the joint research is to compare existing parasitoid communities of BTM and related species in the area of origin and those in the invaded European regions, especially in Germany. The scientific content of the project is unique due to the binational collaboration between scientists from the area of origin and invasion of this pest.
German Academic Exchange Service
