Redistribution and present status of the mite Aculus hyperici for the control of St. John's wort, Hypericum perforatum, in Australia
F.A. MahrA, R.M. KwongA, D.A. McLarenA and P.W. JuppB
A Keith Turnbull Research Institute, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, PO Box 48, Frankston, Victoria 3199, Australia.
B CSIRO Division of Entomology, GPO Box 1700, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
Abstract
The eriophyid mite Aculus hyperici is considered to have a significant role in controlling the St. John's wort population in Mediterranean Europe. A. hyperici was first released in May 1991 and by mid 1994 a total of 245 releases had been made throughout New South Wales and Victoria. Of these, 148 sites had been monitored and establishment of the mite confirmed at 108 sites. The effect of A. hyperici on plant density and vigour was studied in Australia over a four year period. Results indicated that A. hyperici had not affected plant density but plant vigour and reproductive potential was reduced. In 1994-95 the Meat Research Corporation funded a one year project to increase the distribution of the St. John's wort mite in Victoria and New South Wales. A mite distribution network consisting of public land managers and community groups was established to release A. hyperici at 60 nursery sites in each state. The Co-operative Research Centre for Weed Management Systems commenced a three year program in July 1996 to evaluate the establishment and impact of A. hyperici and facilitate its further redistribution in south-eastern Australia.
Plant Protection Quarterly (1997) 12 (2) 84-88.