Dissertation
Gonipterus weevils and their chemo-ecological relationships with eucalypt hosts
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2021
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00025
Abstract
Eucalypts are planted commercially worldwide as a source of raw materials used in the wood, paper, energy and pharmaceutical industries. Among the many species of Australian insects that followed the extra-limital spread of eucalypts are defoliating weevils in the genus Gonipterus. As the global spread and economic impact of Gonipterus spp. continue, understanding their relationships with host plants and natural enemies in light of newly revealed taxonomic complexity is important for establishing management and biosecurity strategies.
This thesis investigated Gonipterus species with the broad objective of understanding their chemo‐ecological relationships with eucalypts, a task which required addressing ongoing taxonomic difficulties. The studies included: (1) chemical analysis for species differentiation; (2) field surveys in South East Queensland (SEQ) to understand Gonipterus spp. ecology, host associations and diversity; (3) chemical and proteomic analyses to assess utilisation and metabolism of plant-borne compounds; the composition and origin of the weevils’ frass and egg capsules; and (4) morphological analyses to enable species differentiation and identification, to produce new host, natural enemy, and geographic distribution records.
Details
- Title
- Gonipterus weevils and their chemo-ecological relationships with eucalypt hosts
- Authors
- Natalia Medeiros De Souza
- Contributors
- Helen Nahrung (Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Forest Industries Research Centre
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00025
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; USC Business School - Legacy; Forest Industries Research Centre; Forest Research Institute
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99504908702621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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