Location: European Biological Control Laboratory
Project Number: 0212-22000-030-005-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 1, 2019
End Date: Mar 30, 2023
Objective:
To measure the seasonal abundance of Bagrada hilaris and natural enemies collected from various life stages (egg, larva, adult) in South Africa.
Approach:
1) Conduct exploration for Bagrada hilaris (Bh) during spring and summer, georeference each population sample.
2) Collect Bh and its enemies by using sweep net, lures, and sentinel plants and eggs.
3) Preserve 10 to 20 voucher specimens per sampling locality of both Bh and each associated enemy in ethanol for further genetic studies.
4) Conduct laboratory rearing of Bh and the main natural enemies, and measure the parasitism rate.
5) Ship living and preserved individuals to the EBCL quarantine.
6) Report results of this work.
