Kong, Y, Wang, R, Yang, DR et al. (3 more authors) (2016) Non-pollinator fig wasp impact on the reproductive success of an invasive fig tree: why so little? Biocontrol Science and Technology, 26 (10). pp. 1432-1443. ISSN 0958-3157
Abstract
Classical biological control agents fail to achieve an impact on their hosts for a variety of reasons and an understanding of why they fail can help shape decisions on subsequent releases. Ornamental Ficus microcarpa is a widely planted avenue fig tree that is invasive in countries where its pollinator (Eupristina verticillata) is also introduced. This tree also supports more than 20 species of non-pollinating fig wasps (NPFW) that feed in the figs and have the potential to reduce the plant’s reproduction. Odontofroggatia galili, one of the most widely introduced NPFW, has larvae that develop in galled ovules that might otherwise develop into seeds or support pollinator larvae. We examined the distribution and relative abundance of the pollinator and O. galili on F. microcarpa in China, towards the northern limit of the tree’s natural range, and in Italy where the two species have been introduced. Where they co-existed, we also recorded the impact of varying densities of O. galili on F. microcarpa seed and pollinator production. O. galili and E. verticillata displayed contrasting habitat preferences in China, with O. galili almost absent from warmer sites. O. galili abundance and sex ratios varied between the natural and introduced ranges. Figs with more O. galili contained fewer seeds and pollinator offspring, but reproduction was rarely inhibited totally. Additional species with a greater impact in the figs they occupy are needed if biocontrol of F. microcarpa is to be effective.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Biocontrol Science and Technology on 03 September 2016, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/09583157.2016.1214862 |
Keywords: | Biocontrol, fig wasps, fig trees, mutualism, gall, Odontofroggatia |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Biological Sciences (Leeds) > School of Biology (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 24 Nov 2016 10:23 |
Last Modified: | 07 Sep 2017 01:14 |
Published Version: | https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2016.1214862 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Taylor & Francis |
Identification Number: | 10.1080/09583157.2016.1214862 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:108371 |