When rainforest insects become horticultural pests


When rainforest insects become horticultural pests

Understanding the biology of dacine fruit flies for sustainable pest management

16:15 ‐ 17:15

  • Seminar

Anthony Clarke, Professor, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia Visiting Professor to Boku, supported by an OECD Co-operative Research Programme Fellowship (1st of August until end of November 2022).

The fruit fly genus Bactrocera is a superdiverse clade of approximately 500 species endemic to the monsoonal rainforests of South-east Asia and the western Pacific. Females lay into the fleshy fruits of rainforest trees, where the subsequent larvae feed. Most Bactrocera species remain restricted to rainforests, but a small number, such as Oriental fruit fly, peach fruit fly and Queensland fruit fly have left the rainforest and are now invasive horticultural pests of international significance. This talk will give an overview of work undertaken on Bactrocera by the QUT Fruit Fly Group, with a focus on how basic science questions support quarantine and pest management.

Tony Clarke research focuses on entomology and biosecurity. He is a recognized expert in tephritid fruit flies, which are global pests in agriculture. He has mentored 11 postdoctoral fellows and graduated 22 PhD students. He has participated in numerous international fruit fly projects which have seen him work with colleagues throughout the world, including hard to get to countries such as Papua New Guinea and Bhutan. Anthony is the author of over 160 refereed publications. He is a Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society and a holder of the prestigious Australian Entomological Society’s Mackerras Medal for Excellence in Entomology.

Picture of Anthony Clarke
Event location
Übungsraum IFFF, Franz-Schwackhöfer-Haus, 1.OG, Raum 01/112
Organizer
Institute of Forest Entomology, Forest Pathology and Forest Protection
Contact
christian.stauffer(at)boku.ac.at
Language: English
Public: Yes
Entrance fee: No