Recent research led by CABI has shed light on the spread of a biological control agent called Orphanostigma haemorrhoidalis, which is used to tackle the invasive plant Lantana camara. This plant was originally brought into gardens around the world, but it has since become a major problem in forests, orchards, and grasslands, where it outcompetes local plants.
Dr. Matthew Cock and his team utilized DNA barcodes from the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD) along with images from platforms like iNaturalist and Afromoths to track the movement of O. haemorrhoidalis in areas where it hadn’t been previously documented.
For the first time, scientists combined these DNA barcodes with images from citizen scientists to confirm both the presence and the spread of this biological control agent. Their findings are significant in understanding how effectively O. haemorrhoidalis has been established in various regions.
The researchers discovered two distinct populations of O. haemorrhoidalis from the Americas. One population hails from the southeastern United States, while the other is found throughout most of the Neotropics. These populations were introduced to different parts of the world, where they began to expand their range.
The findings, published in the journal CABI Agriculture and Bioscience, revealed that the Florida population of O. haemorrhoidalis is now present in Hawai’i, Australia, and Fiji. Meanwhile, the Trinidad population has spread to regions in Africa, including new reports from Cameroon, Nigeria, and Ghana, as well as Madagascar and Mauritius.
New records of O. haemorrhoidalis were also established from citizen science images collected in Eswatini, Kenya, Mozambique, and Tanzania.
“The DNA barcodes and images confirm the presence of O. haemorrhoidalis not just in areas where it was introduced but also in several new countries,” says Dr. Matthew Cock.
Dr. Cock noted that unique Barcode Index Numbers (BINs) helped differentiate the introductions from Florida and Trinidad, allowing researchers to track their spread effectively. He commented on the widespread nature of the Trinidad population, indicating that it could continue expanding across sub-Saharan Africa where L. camara is found.
In the Pacific, the population from Florida has established itself in countries such as Hawai’i and Fiji. Evidence suggests this is the only BIN from Florida in these regions.
In addition, CABI scientists have previously shown how L. camara negatively affects maize growth in Tanzania, emphasizing the importance of understanding its impact for better management strategies.
Platforms like iNaturalist serve as vital resources where people can share biodiversity information and enhance our understanding of nature. It allows users to record their observations and collaborate on species identification. Afromoths is another valuable tool, providing comprehensive information on Afrotropical moth species, benefiting researchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
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DNA, Agriculture, Research
