- 5.1 MBS 330: Studies on the distribution and taxonomy of Arhopalus spp. in Australia and New Zealand.
- 5.2 MBS 331: Investigation of the suitability of New Zealand forest flora for reproduction and development of Lymantriid species
- 5.3 MBS 332: Incidence of stained growth rings in elm trees growing in Waikato
- 5.4 MBS 333: Lophodermium identification tools
- 5.5 MBS 334: Sensitivity and reliability of methyl bromide sachets used to monitor and verify fumigation parameters
- 5.6 MBS 335: Comparison of New Zealand and overseas isolates of Salmonella typhimurium DT160
- 5.7 MBS 336: Molecular and animal-based studies on the New Zealand Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 clone to examine epidemiology, pathogenicity and immunogenicity
- 5.8 MBS 337: Development of a synthetic pheromone for use in the gum leaf skeletoniser eradication programme
5. Maintaining Biosecurity
This category provides information which will assist in developing and implementing policies which help to protect New Zealand's agricultural, horticultural and forestry industries from the adverse effects of introduced pests and diseases.
5.1 MBS 330: Studies on the distribution and taxonomy of Arhopalus spp. in Australia and New Zealand.
| Programme Title: | Studies on the distribution and taxonomy of Arhopalus spp. in Australia and New Zealand. |
| Programme Leader: | Qiao Wang. |
| Institution: | Massey |
Programme Goal: The research aims to provide exact identification of, and an illustrated key to Arhopalus species occurring in Australia and New Zealand and to define their current geographic distribution in both countries.
Objective 1
Objective Title: Australian-NZ Arhopalus identification key.
Research Leader: Q. Wang (Massey University, Palmerston North).
Description:
This objective aims to identify the exact number of species and valid names of Arhopalus occurring in Australia and New Zealand, and to make an illustrated taxonomic key for identifying these species of the genus.
This work will be conducted by two coleopterists (one of which specialises on Cerambycidae), who are familiar with Australian-New Zealand and Northern Hemisphere beetle faunas, and have active contacts and relationships with insect taxonomists globally. These skills are important because the Arhopalus species originate from Northern Hemisphere, type specimens are located in European museums, and all specimens deposited in Australian and New Zealand insect collections are required to be examined. Highly reliable outcomes and quality products will be produced by the researchers whose skills are unmatched in Australasia.
The products from this objective would be the confirmed identification of all Arhopalus species found in Australia and New Zealand and an illustrated and user-friendly identification key to these species.
It will be based on:
- · literature search;
- · examination of Australian-New Zealand occurring Arhopalus species;
- · examination of type specimens of Australian-New Zealand Arhopalus species;
- · illustrated identification key to Australian and New Zealand Arhopalus species.
Objective 2
Objective Title: Arhopalus distribution in Australia and New Zealand.
Research Leader: R. Leschen (Landcare Research, Auckland).
Description:
This objective aims to record the geographic distribution of all Arhopalus species present in Australia and New Zealand by creating a specimen database of holdings contained in collections obtained on loan or examined in Objective 1.
The personnel listed above are also skilled biogeographers and will carry out this aspect of the project. We will record all collection localities, method of collecting, host plant information, and other relevant information of all specimens examined in Objective 1.
The products of this research will be a current (and future) distribution map and a GIS (Geographic Information System) database of all Arhopalus species found in Australia and New Zealand. These data will be able to assist biosecurity officers, forest managers, and other timber specialists where potential risks lie for the introduction and spread of pest Arhopalus spp.
During the course of this study we will use the following methods to build a database of collection localities, identify distributions, make distribution maps and record host plants of Arhopalus spp. This will be based on:
- · record collection information of all specimens including locality, collection methods and host plants;
- · present distribution map;
- · future spread and risk assessment.
5.2 MBS 331: Investigation of the suitability of New Zealand forest flora for reproduction and development of Lymantriid species
| Programme Title: | Investigation of the suitability of New Zealand forest flora for reproduction and development of Lymantriid species: |
| Programme Leader: | Malcolm Kay. |
| Institution: | Forest Research |
Programme Goal: To assess key elements of New Zealand's production and indigenous forest flora as hosts of potentially invasive Lymantriid defoliators.
Lymantriids are unrepresented in New Zealand's invertebrate fauna but are recognised globally as invasive forest defoliators. Many are polyphagous and capable of completing development on both hardwoods and softwoods. New Zealand has a history of interception and localised establishment of these defoliators and they have been the subject of comprehensive eradication programmes.
Past assessments indicate that New Zealand's indigenous flora are relatively resistant to exotic invertebrate defoliators, whereas exotic plantation forest species are relatively susceptible to indigenous defoliators. These findings are contrary to accepted wisdom and an explanatory hypothesis (Island Resource Allocation hypothesis -IRA) has been developed, which if validated, would allow the prediction of biosecurity pests.
Objective 1
Objective Title: Susceptibility of indigenous forest flora.
Research Leader: M. Kay.
Description:
To assess the susceptibility of key elements of the New Zealand indigenous flora (e.g., Nothofagus, podocarps, or prominent understorey species) to two or more Eurasian Lymantriids (e.g., Lymantria mathura, L. dispar, Euproctis chrysorrhea, Orgyia spp.), and provide an assessment of the risk posed by these defoliators.
Objective 2
Objective Title: Susceptibility of exotic plantation species.
Research Leader: M. Kay.
Description:
Assess the susceptibility of improved and unimproved Pinus radiata to the Lymantriid Teia anartoides so as to demonstrate any loss of resistance to defoliators following selection for production of this commercial forest species.
5.3 MBS 332: Incidence of stained growth rings in elm trees growing in Waikato
| Programme Title: | Incidence of stained growth rings in elm trees growing in Waikato: |
| Programme Leaders: | Lindsay Bulman. |
| Institution: | Forest Research |
Programme Goal: The aim of this programme is to determine the incidence of staining in the inner growth rings of elms growing in an area where Dutch elm disease is not present. The detection of Ophiostoma novo-ulmi in inner growth rings of asymptomatic elms forms a major part of the Dutch elm disease eradication campaign in Auckland. To date, over 4,000 elms have been sampled, and almost 15 percent had staining in one or more growth rings. However, O. novo-ulmi has been recovered from less than 0.5 percent of the trees with staining. Unless one determines the incidence of staining in a disease-free region (i.e., Waikato), the significance of this result remains in doubt. Many factors other than O. novo-ulmi are known to cause staining of elm wood but the incidence of staining in healthy trees has never been determined. Results from this programme will be compared with the Auckland findings. If the incidence of staining in the two regions is not significantly different then evidence would exist that agents other than O. novo-ulmi were responsible for the stain in trees in Auckland. If the incidence of staining in Auckland is significantly greater than that in Waikato then the implication may be that some of the staining was caused by O. novo-ulmi and the sampling technique presently used is not intensive enough to detect it, our other more sensitive diagnostic techniques (e.g. molecular techniques) should be utilised.
Objective 1
Objective Title: Incidence of staining in Waikato.
Research Leader: Lindsay Bulman.
Description:
The aim is to determine the incidence of staining in elms growing in the Waikato region.
Sample size: A total of 1320 elms will be sampled.
Sampling techniques: The technique used in Auckland will be followed.
Data collection: The location, condition, sizes, and type of elm will be recorded.
Data analysis: Data will be collated and analysed to determine if the incidence of staining is statistically different from that found in Auckland, accounting for factors such as elm type, size and condition.
Objective 2
Objective Title: Cause of staining in Waikato.
Research Leader: Margaret Dick.
Description:
The aim is to determine the cause of staining in elms growing in the Waikato region.
Sampling technique: Detailed diagnosis of all stained material found in Objective 1.
Data collection: All fungi identified from individual samples will be recorded.
Data analysis: Data will be collated and analysed.
Objective 3
Objective Title: Final report.
Research Leader: Lindsay Bulman.
Description:
A final report describing the methods and results of the Waikato study will be written.
5.4 MBS 333: Lophodermium identification tools
| Programme Title: | Lophodermium identification tools: |
| Programme Leader: | Peter Johnston. |
| Institution: | Landcare |
Programme Goal: To enhance New Zealand's forest pest surveillance system by providing a simple molecular-based diagnostic tool to aid the rapid identification of Lophodermium seditiosum, a serious pathogen of pines that is not present in New Zealand.
Rationale: Many species of Lophodermium are known to occur on pines, but only Lophodermium seditiosum is considered a serious pathogen. It infects 2 and 3-needled pines in Europe and North America, killing needles in the first growing season. Establishment of L. seditiosum in New Zealand would cause considerable loss of wood volume in pine plantations. Non-pathogenic species of Lophodermium occur on pines in New Zealand, and these are difficult to distinguish morphologically from L. seditiosum. A molecular-based detection technique will benefit New Zealand's forest pest surveillance system by enhancing ability to rapidly and authoritatively recognise L. seditiosum.
Lophodermium belongs in the family Rhytismataceae, very diverse on Pinaceae. Investigators in this proposal have shown that relationships within the Rhytismataceae are poorly understood, and current generic delimitations do not reflect genetic similarity. To develop a scientifically robust method for identifying L. seditiosum, there is a need to test the method against diversity within the family Rhytismataceae as a whole. From past research we have ITS sequence data from 20 species of pine-inhabiting Rhytismataceae, including L. seditiosum and the 2 non-pathogenic Lophodermium species already known for New Zealand. This data will enable the design of primers for use in a simple and inexpensive PCR/RFLP protocol to distinguish L. seditiosum from other species of Rhytismataceae. The method developed will also aim to distinguish Elytroderma deformans, genetically similar to L. seditiosum, and the only other member of the Rhytismataceae considered a high threat to New Zealand plantation forests.
Our USA-based subcontractors, as well as providing experience in molecular research on these fungi, will enable the work needed on species not already present in New Zealand to be carried out overseas.
The PCR/RFLP method we propose is technically simple, rapid, and relatively inexpensive. Studies with other groups of plant pathogenic fungi have proven it to be reliable and fully portable between labs. A protocol for the method will be published so that it is accessible to the New Zealand scientific community.
Objective 1
Objective Title: Lophodermium identification.
Research Leader: P. R. Johnston.
Description:
This objective aims to develop a widely applicable molecular method for the rapid and authoritative identification of Lophodermium seditiosum, a major pathogen of pines that is not present in New Zealand. Development of the method should also allow recognition of the genetically similar Elytroderma deformans, the only other member of the Rhytismataceae considered a high threat to New Zealand plantation forests. New Zealand's biosecurity will be enhanced by the development of a strategy which will enable future accidental introductions of these fungi to New Zealand to be addressed in a timely and scientifically rigorous manner.
5.5 MBS 334: Sensitivity and reliability of methyl bromide sachets used to monitor and verify fumigation parameters
| Programme Title: | Sensitivity and reliability of methyl bromide sachets used to monitor and verify fumigation parameters: |
| Programme Leader: | Alan Carpenter. |
| Institution: | Crop & Food |
Programme Goal: To determine the reliability of methyl bromide sachets for verifying methyl bromide fumigation parameters under a range of CT conditions.
Rationale: Ongoing developments in market access technologies have led to the need to have some way of verifying the characteristics of methyl bromide fumigations. To ensure that there is adequate uptake of this approach it is best if the technology used is accurate, relatively simple, foolproof, and inexpensive. At present, the main method of determining the characteristics of fumigation is to use indicator tubes that you draw a gas sample through and get a direct reading. This often requires dilution to get a reading, and the method is very prone to operator error. The development of indicator sachets has enabled the use of a much simpler system. Unfortunately this method has been subject to unacceptable levels of variation in readings. Thus, there is some concern that the method is not repeatable enough to be used commercially or for the results to be used to monitor either imports or exports to endorse declarations on phytosanitary certificates. The methyl bromide sachet manufacturer is using new equipment to produce the sachets and believes the product is now more reliable.
In this project we will test the improved sachets under a variety of fumigation configurations, and compare the data from the sachets with that from gas detection tubes to develop a sound overview of the reliability of the sachet technology.
Objective 1
Objective Title: Evaluation of methyl bromide indicator sachets.
Research Leader: Dr Alan Carpenter.
Description:
We will carry out a range of tests to determine the statistical reliability of the methyl bromide indicator sachets. All the tests will be conducted in a 6 cubic metre vacuum chamber. We will use standard fumigation parameters as the test specifications to develop a curve that shows the repeatability of the sachets against a gas tube standard, and to compare sachets for repeatability. Tests will be carried out at a minimum of 10_C and a maximum of 25_C in a bare chamber. This approach has some limitations, as it does not show the effects of type of load and load volume of the efficacy of the sachets. It may be that sorption and desorption dynamics will have a major effect on the reliability of the sachets in practice.
Subject to the detailed arrangements agreed between Crop and Food and MAF, fumigation configurations to test sachets with three different CT values will be carried out. The experimental plan may be altered to suit but the number of fumigations will need to stay about the same.
5.6 MBS 335: Comparison of New Zealand and overseas isolates of Salmonella typhimurium DT160
| Programme Title: | Comparison of New Zealand and overseas isolates of Salmonella typhimurium DT160 |
| Programme Leader: | Carolyn Nicol |
| Institution: | ESR |
Programme Goal: Identify the relationships between New Zealand and overseas strains of Salmonella Typhimurium DT 160 using pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).
Rationale: In New Zealand S. Typhimurium DT 160 was first reported as a source of human disease in 1998 (1 case) followed by 3 cases in 1999 all from the Canterbury area. Since the beginning of 2000 a rise in the number of cases has occurred both in humans and animals (predominantly in birds). This strain has been responsible for a large number of sparrow deaths by septicaemia rather than by gastroenteritis as in other animal species. By September 2000, 25 percent of human Salmonella isolates belonged to this phage type and disease was associated with increased hospitalisation rates.
Previous research using PFGE, of 14 human and 30 non-human isolates collected in the year 2000 has shown the isolates to be indistinguishable from each other based upon macrorestriction profiling (mrp) using the enzyme XbaI. Allied research has shown the isolates to be fully sensitive to antibiotics and there is little risk of antibiotic resistance.
This study will determine whether overseas isolates belong to the same clone and attempt to identify the origin of the New Zealand strain. PFGE methods have been used previously to indicate the origin of microbes from overseas sources (Sulakvelidze et al., 2000). This information will aid MAF in the development of import health standards for animals and animal products.
Objective 1
Objective Title: Clonal status of S. Typhimurium DT160.
Research Leader: Carolyn Nicol.
Description:
The aim of this objective is to examine the clonality of overseas isolates of S. Typhimurium DT160 and determine their relationship with New Zealand isolates. This information may indicate the origin of the New Zealand strain and will aid in the development of health standards for humans, animals and animal health products. Isolates from several non-human and human sources will be obtained from selected countries where this strain has been recently identified. The serotype and phage type will first be verified and then isolates will be characterised by genotyping technologies such as PFGE. Computer fingerprinting software will be used to compare PFGE patterns of overseas isolates with New Zealand isolates to establish strain clonality.
5.7 MBS 336: Molecular and animal-based studies on the New Zealand Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 clone to examine epidemiology, pathogenicity and immunogenicity
| Programme Title: | Molecular and animal-based studies on the New Zealand Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 clone to examine epidemiology, pathogenicity and immunogenicity |
| Programme Leader: | Dr Gail Greening |
| Institution: | ESR |
Programme Goal: Conduct molecular, animal-based studies and epidemiological analysis to examine the epidemiology, pathogenicity and immunogenicity of the New Zealand Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 clone.
Rationale: In November 1998, S. Typhimurium phage type DT160 was first identified in New Zealand. This strain, which is uncommon overseas, was not identified in New Zealand again until late 1999. Since then, it has been predominant in New Zealand and has become a significant cause of disease in both humans and animals, particularly sparrows. By September 2000, 25 percent of human Salmonella isolates belonged to this phage type. This strain has caused a large number of sparrow deaths by septicaemia rather than by gastroenteritis as in other animal species.
In humans, DT160 infection is associated with higher rates of hospitalisation than infection with other salmonella types. The hospitalisation rate in 2000 was 19.9 percent (29 out of the 146 for whom this information was recorded). By comparison, the hospitalisation rate in 2000 was 13.2 percent (186/1404) for cases of salmonellosis other than DT160. This difference in hospitalisation rates is statistically significant (p=0.03). This data indicates that DT160 is a more virulent strain of S. Typhimurium and that, given the severity of disease to date in some species, there is the potential for this organism to become significant pathogen for humans, livestock and birds, including native wildlife and endangered species.
New Zealand strains of this organism collected in 2000 have been typed by PFGE and found to be clonal. Further work on these strains is needed to characterise their virulence markers and determine their pathogenicity. Epidemiological data is also required to identify risk factors for animals, birds and humans. In-depth investigation of outbreaks of S. Typhimurium DT160 infection in wild birds and domestic animals is required to assist in identification of major infection sources and transmission routes.
Salmonella species carry a number of virulence genes, including a virulence plasmid, spv, 3 pathogenicity islands SP1, SP2 and SP5, and markers on the lipopolysaccharide gene. Loss of some virulence markers has been associated with changes in both virulence and phage type (Leibana et al., 2001). Molecular studies have shown that the spv plasmid is an important determinant in the development of non-intestinal disease in livestock and that it has been associated with the development of septicaemia (Fierer et al., 1992; Guiney et al., 1994). The distribution of virulence plasmids in Salmonella is not uniform, it can be serotype-specific, and not all strains of S. Typhimurium possess virulence plasmids (Guiney et al., 1995). Loss, gain or changes in the virulence plasmid may be a key factor in virulence of the DT160 clone for different species. Identification of the spv virulence plasmid in S. Typhimurium strains isolated from infected sparrows may be an important factor in pathogenicity. Recent research has shown that an immune response to the spv proteins is not required for protection against infection and so plasmid-cured strains may be suitable for use as vaccines for livestock (Guiney et al., 1995).
Objective 1
Objective Title: Virulence of Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 clone.
Research Leader: Dr Gail Greening.
Description:
To investigate the pathogenicity of the S. Typhimurium DT160 clone by analysis of virulence markers and other strain characteristics, and by correlation with epidemiological data on disease morbidity in humans.
Objective 2
Objective Title: Comparative epidemiology of human and animal infection with Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 clone
Research Leader: Dr Michael Baker
Description:
To investigate the comparative epidemiology of S. Typhimurium DT160 infection in human and animal populations.
Objective 3
Objective Title: Investigation of reported isolations of Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 in animal and bird populations in order to identify possible sources of infection.
Research Leader: Dr Joanne Connolly.
Description:
The goal is to continue the collation and investigation of reported isolations of Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 in animal and bird populations. This information will be used by MAF to mitigate the impacts of this emerging pathogen in the future.
1. In depth investigation of significant outbreaks of Salmonella Typhimurim DT160 in animals and birds.
2. Field studies to determine the rate of carriage of Salmonella Typhimurim DT160 by sparrows and poultry if possible.
5.8 MBS 337: Development of a synthetic pheromone for use in the gum leaf skeletoniser eradication programme
| Programme Title: | Development of a synthetic pheromone for use in the gum leaf skeletoniser eradication programme |
| Programme Leader: | Max Suckling |
| Institution: | Hort+Research |
Programme Goal: The goal of this programme is to develop a synthetic pheromone for the gum leaf skeletoniser (Uraba lugens), in order to help MAF to provide a more effective monitoring tool for detecting any residual (or future) population and indicating where to apply treatment measures to increase the probability of successful eradication.
Gum leaf skeletoniser is native to Australia and is considered a serious defoliator of eucalypt trees. Gum leaf skeletoniser was first detected on 13 June 1997 within the Tauranga District, and subsequent attempts to eradicate it appear to have been successful. However, the insect is still considered a significant biosecurity risk by MAF. In the absence of Australian natural enemies, the impact of this insect in New Zealand is potentially significant.
Moth sex pheromones have a proven track record in monitoring for many species, and over 1,500 moth pheromones are known (Suckling and Karg 2000). The identification of the pheromone of this Australian noctuid moth presents a technical challenge requiring close co-operation between Australian and New Zealand research teams. The identification will be achieved by pheromone extraction, identification, and synthesis (or purchase if available), followed by laboratory and field validation through trapping in Australia (or NZ if the insect reappears).
Objective 1
Objective Title: Developing a synthetic lure for gum leaf skeletoniser
(uraba lugens).
Research Leader: Dr Max Suckling.
Description:
This objective will see the identification of a sex attractant for the gum leaf skeletoniser in support of the MAF eradication programme.
It is probable that two field seasons will be required for the completion of the trapping system, while this first contract period will expire in June 2002. Therefore this proposal will be to complete the laboratory wind tunnel testing, in preparation for follow-up field testing in Nov-Dec 2002.
Contact for Enquiries
Farm Monitoring Programme Manager
Monitoring and Evaluation
MAF Policy
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 4 894 0623
Fax: +64 4 894 0741
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