CRC60056: White Fly Systematics - PhD
This project will examine the phylogenetic relationships of whiteflies and Acacia and establish the relative contributions of cospeciation and host shifting in driving evolutionary diversification in the Aleyrodidae-Phyllodenous Acacia system. Specifically, the present study will compare and contrast the patterns of diversity found between different trophic levels, and explore evolutionary interactions between them.
What is the biosecurity problem?
Whiteflies have been identified as a group that pose a biosecurity threat to Australia; in the past 20 years there have been at least four whitefly incursions and there is the potential of future incursions by recognised exotic whitefly EPPs. An understanding of whitefly systematics is a necessary first step before such knowledge can then be applied to manage current or future incursions.
Broadly, this research will:
- contribute to the development of a systematics capability in the Aleyrodidae
- enhance our understanding of the evolution and maintenance of Australia's biodiversity (endemic Acacia and whiteflies and their endosymbionts)
- be applicable to understanding the dynamics of invading plant pest species, and
- be applicable to management of phytophagous pests in our crops.
The main outputs of this project are:
- to provide detailed systematics of whiteflies and coevolution of their parasitoids and native hosts.
- to provide information about biodiversity and evolutionary processes in speciation of whiteflies that will build on our understanding of genetic and taxonomic diversity of whiteflies. This can be applied in future when using mechanisms of detection and surveillance to prevent incursions of exotic whiteflies. Information about the mechanism of host use and speciation processes will permit inferences about the likelihood of invasion, establishment and spread of exotic whiteflies and help inform management strategies for control of such pests in case of future incursion.
Who will be the end users of this research?
- DPI and government departments
- AQIS (for imported pest management)
- CSIRO Entomology and ANIC
