Challenges in assessing risk posed by new forestry incursions: Uraba lugens as a casestudy

摘要

Rapid determination of host range is a critical factor in risk assessment of new organisms. This challenging work requires knowledge of the organisms biology, behaviour and native host range. This information allows for appropriate selection of host range testing methods. The Australian nolid moth, Uraba lugens (gum leaf skeletoniser), was first found in New Zealand in 1992 and created challenges for host range testing research. This work concluded that although it poses a significant threat to a range of commercial and amenity Eucalyptus species exotic to New Zealand, it is not a significant threat to native tree species. Recent field observations of minor opposition and feeding by U. lugens on unrelated tree species are a timely reminder of the limitations of current host range testing methods.