Russ Campbell, Guam's territorial entomologist and Aubrey Moore, UOG extension entomologist, welcomed New Zealand scientist, Trevor Jackson to Guam in early June. Jackson was invited to assist in the release of a virus into the rhino beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros) population. This virus only infects rhino beetles and it has been successful in controlling populations of the pest on other Pacific islands.
The virus is naturally occurring in Malaysia and is produced in a New Zealand laboratory. It is dispersed using autodissemination: adult beetles are fed a solution of the virus, become infected, and then they are released to infect the resident population. This method of bio-control has been successfully used in Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Palau and other Pacific islands where the rhino beetle was accidentally introduced. It will take several months to see the results. "The bio-control agent will not completely eradicate the CRB, but it will help to keep it under control," says Moore.
Aubrey Moore and his assistant Bob Bourgeois are been rearing rhino beetles individually in mason jars in order to have healthy beetles to infect with the virus. Hungry beetles are taken to the Guam Plant Inspection Facility, fed the virus, and then strategically released into island rhino populations. Once the beetles are infected, the virus damages their stomach walls causing them to stop eating.
During Jackson's visit the team discovered unusual rhino beetle behavior: the beetles were not breeding on the ground in decayed logs as normal; they were breeding in the detritus trapped in the tree branches. In cutting down 11 large coconut palms they found a complete ecosystem in the crowns including brown tree snakes, crabs, and, unfortunately, all life stages of rhinoceros beetles, from eggs to larva to young adults. This new discovery makes the release of the bio-control virus even more vital. Moore thinks this arboreal breeding behavior, seen only on Guam, may
'/>"/>
| Contact: Cathleen Moore-Linn cmoore@uguam.uog.edu University of Guam Source:Eurekalert |
Related biology news :
1. Scientists learn structure of enzyme in unusual virus
2. Biologists find unusual plant gene: abstinence by mutual consent
3. Unusual fish-eating dinosaur had crocodile-like skull
4. Popular apple variety harbors unusual cell growth
5. Genes and nutrition influence caste in unusual species of harvester ant
6. Unusual use of toys in infancy a clue to later autism
7. Researchers study virus with unusual properties
8. Properties of unusual virus revealed in research
9. Unusual microbial ropes grow slowly in cave lake
10. Unusual protein modification involved in muscular dystrophy, cancer
11. Virus infection may trigger unusual immune cells to attack nerves in multiple sclerosis
 |
| Copyright © 2003-2012 Bio-Medicine. All rights reserved. ABOUT | CONTACT US | DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS AND CONDITIONS |  |