Sexton, W., Muskett, P., McConnachie, A.J., Portillo, L., Vigueras, A.L., & Paterson, I.D. 2025 Biocontrol of thistle cholla cactus, Cylindropuntia pallida: a successful agent in Australia is incompatible with the invasive populations in South Africa. Biocontrol Science and Technology 35(10): 1073-1087

Keywords:

behavior

biological control

host

reproduction

Notes: The aim of this study was to determine the suitability of the two lineages of cochineal on South African C. pallida. This included the successful agent used in Australia, D. tomentosus ‘californica var, parkeri’, and the new potential agent collected off the same species as the target weed in the indigenous distribution, D. tomentosus ‘pallida’. If either are compatible with South African C. pallida, they will be subjected to host-specificity testing and considered for release on C. pallida in South Africa. https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2025.2550439

Download PDF