Immune system modulation & virus transmission during parasitism identified by multi-species transcriptomics of a declining insect biocontrol system.

Background: The Argentine stem weevil (ASW, Listronotus bonariensis) is a significant pasture pest in Aotearoa New Zealand, primarily controlled by the parasitoid biocontrol agent Microctonus hyperodae. Despite providing effective control of ASW soon after release, M. hyperodae parasitism rates have since declined significantly, with ASW hypothesised to have evolved resistance to its biocontrol agent.

The conserved and high ratio in sunflower pollen: Possible implications for bee health and plant-bee interactions.

Sodium (Na) concentrations are low in plant tissues, and its metabolic function in plants is minor; however, Na is a key nutrient for plant consumers. Previous studies have thus far focused on Na concentration. Nevertheless, a balanced potassium (K) to Na ratio () is more important than Na concentration alone since food with high has detrimental effects on consumers irrespective of Na concentration.

Plant-Mediated Behavioural Avoidance of a Weevil Towards Its Biological Control Agent.

New Zealand pastures largely comprising ryegrass species (Poales: Poaceae) are worth $19.6B and are subject to major pest impacts. A very severe pest is the Argentine stem weevil (Kuschel) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

Potential ecosystem service delivery by endemic plants in New Zealand vineyards: successes and prospects.

Vineyards worldwide occupy over 7 million hectares and are typically virtual monocultures, with high and costly inputs of water and agro-chemicals. Understanding and enhancing ecosystem services can reduce inputs and their costs and help satisfy market demands for evidence of more sustainable practices. In this New Zealand work, low-growing, endemic plant species were evaluated for their potential benefits as Service Providing Units (SPUs) or Ecosystem Service Providers (ESPs).