The Fruit Fly Research Laboratory

Alan Meats

DR ALAN W MEATS

BSc (Hons) Durham (1962)
PhD Newcastle upon Tyne (1966)

Honorary Reader, University of Sydney.

Phone Ph (+61) (2) 9351 2207
Fax (+61) (2) 9351 4119
Email: awm@bio.usyd.edu.au

INDEX

RECENT RESEARCH

2009 WORK IN PROGRESS

Production of better flies to be used in the Fruit Fly Production Facility. 
S Gilchrist and A Meats.

Funding: HAL industry grant and ARC Linkage with Riverina Citrus and Central Darling Shire and the DPIs of South Australia, Victoria and NSW.
Synopsis: Up until now, the strain used in the Factory has been quite inbred.  This inbreeding has been a problem even when new flies from the wild are bought into the Factory, as our DNA microsatellite studies have shown.
We are using traditional animal breeding techniques to show that it is simple to construct 4-way hybrids that perform better than the Factory flies.  The hybrids are as productive as the Factory flies but more hardy.  At the moment, we are doing mass-release trials to see how dispersal of the two types of fly compare.  With equivalent survival rates, dispersal becomes the next most important parameter for successful SIT.  At the same time, we are developing new genetic markers for future Factory strains that will speed up DNA identification of sterile and wild flies at least 10 times.

Push-pull behavioural control of tephritid fruit flies in domestic gardens and PNG village agriculture.
Farman Ullah, A. Meats and G.A.C. Beattie
Funding ; ACIAR and Baxter Charitable Trust

Synopsis: We have tested various attractants and repellants on Qfly in the laboratory using still and moving air olfactometry and EAG technology. Field trials have started using push-pull designs in all possible combinations on small tomato crops and we have established that some designs are remarkably effective. Further field trials are now under way and trials with other fruit crops will follow.

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2009 PAPERS PUBLISHED

Bacteria as food had no effect on fecundity during domestication of the fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni.

Meats A, Streamer K, Gilchrist AS (2009)  Journal of Applied Entomology 133: 633-639

Abstract: Adult Bactrocera tryoni from different generations of domestication were given various diets to determine whether either or both the bacteria Klebsiella oxytoca and Klebsiella pneumoniae could provide a source of proteinaceous material sufficient to allow the female flies to produce mature oocytes and eggs or alternatively, whether the bacteria could act as a beneficial supplementary food when given in addition to the usual laboratory proteinaceous food that consisted of a paste of sucrose and yeast autolysate. Overall, there was no evidence from any generation studied that female flies could produce eggs or mature oocytes on a bacterial diet above the levels attained with access to culture medium without bacteria. Similarly, there was no evidence that bacterial supplementation to a diet that included a paste of sucrose and yeast autolysate was more beneficial than when the paste was the sole source of proteinaceous food. There was an increase in mature oocytes per female with the number of generations of culture but the extent of increase was greater when sugar/yeast paste was included in the diet. There was no evidence that mixtures of either bacterium species in nutrient broth or the broth itself was attractive to female B. tryoni over a distance of a few centimetres when the tested flies were caged at low density but flies of later generations did feed when offered either type of food at very close range.

Dispersal of mass-reared sterile, laboratory-domesticated and wild male Queensland fruit flies.

Weldon CW & Meats A. (2009)  Journal of Applied Entomology doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0418.2009.01436.x

Abstract: Queensland fruit flies, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae) (‘Q-flies’) were released as sexually immature adults from a point within an orchard. Marked male Q-flies were recaptured in the trap furthest from the release point (1087m) by two weeks after release, although 98.25±1.04% of recaptured males were trapped less than 500m from the release point. Comparison of gamma-irradiated (sterile), laboratory-adapted and wild male Q-flies indicated that dispersal distance was not significantly affected by fly type. There was no significant correlation between temperature and mean dispersal distance, but total recaptures were significantly negatively correlated with increasing daily maximum, minimum, and average temperature.

Relative toxicity of nC24 agricultural mineral oil to Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae) and its relationship to egg ultrastructure.

Yingen Xue, G Andrew C Beattie, Alan Meats, Robert Spooner-Hart  and Grant A Herron (2009).  Aust J. Entomol. 48: 251-257.

Abstract: Two-spotted mite (TSM) Tetranychus urticae Koch is a major pest of agriculture and its predator Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot is used in farming systems for its control. However, effective predator / prey ratios often require adjustment with sprays and mineral oils are ideal for such use in sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Although mineral oils are used in IPM, the relative selectivity of mineral oils between TSM and P. persimilis is not well understood. Here, we evaluated the relative toxicity (LC50 values based on μg oil/cm2) of aqueous nC24 agricultural mineral oil (AMO) emulsions to the egg, six-legged nymph (larva), eight-legged protonymph and adult stages of TSM and P. persimilis in situ, on French bean Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Redlands Pioneer leaf discs, using a Potter spray tower to apply of the oil. The egg of P. persimilis was the least susceptible stage (LC50 444.84) and its LC50 was significantly higher than all other stages tested of either P. persimilis or TSM. The LC50 for adult female TSM (LC50 63.89) was significantly lower than the larva (LC50 93.86), however, there was no significant difference in response between the protonymph (LC50 70.44) and the larva, which were both higher than TSM eggs (LC50 17.55). LC50s for P. persimilis larva (LC50 43.87), protonymph (LC50 41.55) and adult female (LC50 53.34) were similar. Photomicrographs taken by an environmental scanning electron microscope showed that the egg surface of TSM is usually well covered with fine silk that may trap more oil and increase AMO efficacy. Other possible differences in AMO efficacy between TSM and P. persimilis may be due to differences in egg size, egg incubation period, egg surface structure and the presence of vulnerable respiratory cones in TSM eggs. We consider the most appropriate doses for nC24 AMOs for use against TSM in combination with P. persimilis in IPM programs would be 0.2-0.3% (w/w).

Impact of nC24 agricultural mineral oil deposits on the searching efficiency and predation rate of the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae).

 Yingen Xue, G Andrew C Beattie, Alan  Meats, Robert Spooner-Hart and Grant A Herron (2009).Aust J. Entomol. 48: 258-264.

Abstract: Walking activity, straightness, speed, and searching efficiency of the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot were measured on French bean leaf discs that were sprayed with either distilled water, or one of 0.25%, 0.50% and 1.00% w/w aqueous emulsions of an nC24 agricultural mineral oil (AMO). There was no significant difference in percentage of time that mites spent walking in the control (water sprayed) conditions and in any of the oil treatments. Walking straightness on control discs was significantly less than in the oil treatments, but differences among the oil treatments did not differ significantly. Walking speeds in the oil treatments were significantly slower in the oil treatments than in the control and decreased with increasing oil concentration. Deposits of oil at all concentrations significantly suppressed searching efficiency in comparison with control, and searching efficiency in the 1.00% oil treatment was significantly lower than in the 0.25% oil treatment. First predation of P. persimilis on AMO-contaminated eggs of two-spotted mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) (TSM) on unsprayed leaf discs, was significantly delayed in all oil treatments in comparison with the control. However there was no significant effect on the overall predation rate. In the tests of P. persimilis predation on AMO-contaminated TSM eggs on sprayed leaf discs, the number of first predation occurrences in the first hour was significantly lower in 0.50% and 1.00% oil treatments than in the control. Overall predation rates were significantly reduced by oil but they did not differ significantly among the oil treatments.

The influence of sublethal deposits of agricultural mineral oil  on the functional and numerical responses of Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae) to its prey, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae),

Yingen Xue, Alan  Meats G Andrew C Beattie, Robert Spooner-Hart and Grant A Herron (2009) Experimental and Applied Acarology 48, 291-302.

Abstract: The phytoseiid predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot exhibited Type II functional responses to adult two-spotted spider mite (TSM) Tetranychus urticae Koch adult TSM in both control conditions and in a treatment with a sub lethal dose of agricultural mineral oil (AMO) on excised leaf discs. The asymptote of the functional response was significantly higher in the AMO conditions but this was due to the fact that prey grew slower and reached a smaller size in this treatment. In terms of prey volume eaten, the satiation level of the predator was unchanged by the AMO deposits. The numbers of eggs produced by adult P. persimilis females at densities of 4, 8 and 16 TSM adult females/disc in the control were significantly more than those in the AMO treatment, but were similar for the higher density levels, 32 and 64 prey per disc.

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2008 PAPERS PUBLISHED

Relation of constant, daily fluctuating, and ambient feeding temperature to daily and accumulated consumption of yeast autolysate and sucrose by female Queensland fruit fly.

Meats, A; Kelly, GL (2008) Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata. 129, 87-95.

Abstract: Intake rates by the Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae), of yeast autolysate and sucrose were clearly related to temperature in constant thermal regimes, but consumption occurred only in light. In regimes of fluctuating temperature, rates of consumption were not necessarily related to the temperatures that prevailed during the photophase, but were more consistently related to daily mean temperature and best related to day degrees per day above the gonadotrophic threshold of 13.5 degrees C. Day degrees per day could be related to age-specific changes in the daily rate of yeast autolysate and sucrose consumption, the rate of accumulated consumption of these foods, and thus the time taken to consume the amount of yeast autolysate known to be required for the attainment of sexual maturity. Consumption rate changed within 1 or 2 days of a change between a gonadotrophic regime and a non-gonadotrophic one (or vice versa), which is consistent with the known rapid effects of temperature change on ovarian maturation.

Short- and long-range dispersal of the Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni and its relevance to invasive potential, sterile insect technique and surveillance trapping.

Meats A, Edgerton JE  (2008). Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 48, 1237-1245.

Abstract: Dispersal of immature and sexually mature Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) from releases made at a single point was assessed from recapture rates obtained by using arrays of traps. The recapture data (pertaining to distances up to 480 m) fitted both logarithmic and Cauchy models although the fits for the releases of immature flies were inferior because of high variability in catches at certain distances. When combined with data previously published for longer distances, a Cauchy model fitted data for releases of immature flies well and indicated that the median distance dispersed after emerging from the puparium was similar to 120 m and that 90% of flies would displace less than 800 m despite the fact that a consistent trend in declining catch rates can be obtained up to at least 85 km. This is consistent with the tail of the Cauchy distribution having a slope congruent with a negative power curve and thus being scale invariant for longer distances. The distribution of recaptured flies that were released as adults also fitted a Cauchy model with a tail of the same slope, suggesting that the spatial distribution of long-distance dispersers is not only scale invariant but also age invariant. This has significance to the ability of surveillance trapping arrays to detect infestations and also to methods of distributing insects for the sterile insect technique. Whereas the spread of invading propagules in the first generation is likely to be limited by a decline to non-viable density within 1 km or less of the incursion point, the influence of larger infestations on nearby uninfested regions would be limited by the longevity of the dispersers.

Seasonal dynamics, dispersion, sequential sampling plans and treatment thresholds for the citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera : Gracillariidae), in a mature lemon block in coastal New South Wales, Australia.

Liu, ZM; Meats, A; Beattie, GAC (2008). Australian Journal of Entomology 47, 243-250.

Abstract: Studies of citrus leafminer in a coastal orchard in NSW, Australia indicated that an increase in abundance to about one mine per flush was followed during the midseason flush by a rapid increase in population that was related to an increase in the percentage of leaves infested within flushes and the number of mines per leaf. The fits of frequency distributions and Iwao's patchiness regression indicated that populations were highly contagious initially, and as the exponent k of the negative binomial distribution increased with increasing population density, the distribution approached random. Concurrently, the coefficient of variation of mines per flush (which was strongly related to the proportion of un-infested flushes) decreased to about unity as the proportion of un-infested flushes reached zero and fell further as the number of mines per flush increased. Both numerative and binomial sequential sampling plans were developed using a decision threshold based on 1.2 mines per flush. The binomial sampling plan was based on a closely fitting model of the functional relationship between mean density and proportion of infested flushes. Functional relationships using the parameters determined from Iwao's patchiness regression and Taylor's power law were equally satisfactory, and one based on the negative binomial model also fitted well, but the Poisson model did not. The three best fitting models indicated that a decision threshold of 1.2 mines per flush was equivalent to 50% of flushes infested. From a practical point of view, the transition from 25% infestation of flushes through 50% is so rapid that it may be prudent to take action when the 25% level is reached; otherwise, the 50% may be passed before the crop is checked again. For valuable nursery stock should infestation be detected in spring, it may be advisable to apply prophylactic treatment as the midseason flush starts.

Distribution and eradication of an exotic tephritid fruit fly in Australia: relevance of invasion theory.

Meats, A; Fay, HAC; Drew, RAI (2008) Journal of Applied Entomology. 132,  406-411.

Abstract: Data from the eradication of the incursion of Bactrocera papayae Drew and Hancock (Dipt.: Tephritidae) in Australia (1995-1998) are used to assess the significance of various aspects of invasion theory, including the influence of towns on establishment, influence of propagule pressure on the pattern of establishment, and the existence of source-sink dynamics. Because there were no sentinel traps in place, considerable spread had occurred before the eradication campaign started. The distribution of fly density around the epicentre in the town of Cairns and a transect along the main traffic routes to the north and south fitted a Cauchy model with a tail having the same slope as a power model with an exponent of -2.4 extending to 160 km. The Cauchy model indicated that 50% of the flies on the transect would have occurred within 3.2 km of the epicentre, 90% within 13.2 km, and 99% within 60 km. The two major satellites at Mareeba (35 km from the epicentre in Cairns) and Mossman (65 km) were not used for the transect data and had respectively 15 and 30 times the density predicted by the model. The proportion of traps that caught flies (a measure of site occupancy) fell with distance from the epicentre. B. papayae was trapped consistently on only three of the 16 rainforest transects that were surveyed and these were relatively close to urban areas where eradication efforts were intense. Despite there being no eradication effort in the rainforest, the trends to extinction were similar to those in adjacent areas. The strategy of initially concentrating eradication efforts on the core and major satellites while maintaining a quarantine barrier at the airport and the boundaries of the infested area appears to be the key to the containment and rapid eradication of the incursion.

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2007 PAPERS PUBLISHED

Short-range dispersal of recently emerged males and females of Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera : Tephritidae) monitored by sticky sphere traps baited with protein and Lynfield traps baited with cue-lure.

Weldon, C; Meats, A  (2007) Australian Journal of Entomology  46: 160-166.

Abstract: Dispersal of immature male and female Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae), was assessed over a period of 1 week from a single release point on three separate occasions using an array of Lynfield traps baited with cue-lure and odouriferous yellow or black sticky spheres baited with food lure (protein autolysate). Lynfield traps recaptured males; yellow or black spheres recaptured both sexes in approximately equal proportions, although at a much lower rate. As a percentage of the recapture rate for males by Lynfield traps, the mean recapture rate for yellow spheres ranged from 1.0% to 7.5% for males and 0.7% to 4.0% for females, whereas the recapture rates for black spheres ranged from 0.4% to 3.6% and 0.6% to 1.8%, respectively. The rate of recapture of sterile male flies was greater than that of unsterilised flies; this may have been due to a faster maturation rate in sterile males or because a greater proportion of them remained within the trap array rather than dispersing. There was no significant trend in recapture rate with distance from the release point to the edge of the array (88 m), except in the case of females on sticky traps where no trend was detected between 19 and 88 m. These results lend support to assumptions made about the distribution of males and females with respect to the minimum breeding density of fruit fly propagules invading a fly-free zone, and the method chosen to distribute sterile B. tryoni for the sterile insect technique.

Impact on soil-dwelling arthropods in citrus orchards of spraying horticultural mineral oil, carbaryl or methidathion.

Liang, WG; Beattie, GAC; Meats, A, et al (2007).Australian Journal of Entomology 46: 79-85:

Abstract: Impacts of an nC24 horticultural mineral oil (HMO) and two synthetic insecticides (carbaryl and methidathion) on the abundance and species diversity of soil-dwelling arthropods were evaluated in two citrus orchards in the coastal region of New South Wales, Australia. In the first orchard, mature Valencia orange trees were sprayed in summer with one of HMO, carbaryl or methidathion delivered at low (2000 L/ha) or high (10 000 L/ha) volumes; the sprays were applied either once (February) or twice (December and February). HMO had no significant impact but the synthetic insecticides, irrespective of spray frequency or spray volume, significantly reduced the abundance and species diversity of the arthropods including springtails and generalist predators, such as spiders, staphylinid beetles and mesostigmatid mites. In the second orchard, blocks of Washington navel and Valencia orange trees were sprayed with either HMO or methidathion; sprays were applied twice, 2 weeks apart, in late summer (February), first at a rate of 6500 L/ha and second at 5500 L/ha. Results were similar to those in the first orchard, except that the effect of methidathion on carabid beetles and ants was not significant.

Short- and long-range dispersal of medfly, Ceratitis capitata (Dipt., Tephritidae), and its invasive potential.

Meats, A; Smallridge, CJ (2007) Journal Of Applied Entomology  131: 518-523.

Abstract: Data were obtained from mark recapture trials pertaining to the dispersal of medfly, Ceratitis capitata (Dipt., Tephritidae), over both short (10-160 m) and very long distances (0.5-9.5 km) within the surveillance trapping array in Adelaide, Australia. They could be related to previously reported data sets by expressing the capture rates of each set in common terms that corrected for differences in recapture rate resulting from type of trap, season or climate. The mean capture rate at each distance from the point of release in each data set was expressed as a percentage of the real or inferred rate of that set at a distance of 100 m. The resulting distribution of dispersal distances conformed to both an inverse power model and a modified Cauchy model regardless of whether the present and previous data were combined or not. The modified Cauchy model inferred that the median distance flown was extremely short and 90% of flies displaced only 400-700 m despite the fact that a consistent trend in declining catch rates was obtained up to 9.5 km. The spread of invading propagules in quarantined zones in the first generation is likely to be limited by a decline to non-viable density within 1 km or less of the incursion point and the spread of larger infestations could be limited by the longevity of the dispersers. The results also have significance to the ability of surveillance trapping arrays to detect infestations and also to methods of distributing insects for the 'sterile insect technique'.

Behavioural responses of female Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni, to mineral oil deposits.

Nguyen, VL; Meats, A; Beattie, GAC, et al. (2007) Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata. 122: 215-221.

Abstract: Behavioural responses of Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae), females to fruit dipped in water and fruit dipped in 0.5% (vol/vol) aqueous emulsions of a mineral oil were determined and analysed. The mineral oil was an nC20-22 distillation fraction of the base oil used to produce an nC23 horticultural mineral oil. Females caged with oil-treated fruit had significantly longer prelanding intervals than females caged with water-dipped fruit. The latter was attacked immediately or shortly after being caged with flies whereas some oil-dipped fruit was not attacked within 180 min. The percentage of landings that led to oviposition on water- and oil-treated fruit were 58 and 13%, respectively, and the percentages ovipositing after probing were 74 and 25%, respectively. Likewise, average times spent probing were 7 vs. 31 s whereas average times spent ovipositing were 321 vs. 223 s. Females spent less than half as much time on oil-treated fruit than on water-treated fruit. Transition probabilities of rejection, when applied to the behaviour sequence indicated that oil-treated fruits are about nine times less likely to be infested with B. tryoni.

Dispersion of fruit flies (Diptera : Tephritidae) at high and low densities and consequences of mismatching dispersions of wild and sterile flies

Meats, A (2007) Florida Entomologist  90: 136-146.

Abstract: Both wild and released (sterile) Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae) and wild Bactrocera papayae (Drew and Hancock) in Australia had patchy distributions and comparisons with predictions of the negative binomial model indicated that the degree of clumping was sometimes very high, particularly at low densities during eradication. An increase of mean recapture rate of sterile B. tryoni on either of 2 trap arrays was not accompanied by a reduction in its coefficient of variation and when recapture rates were high, the percentage of traps catching zero decreased only slightly with increase in recapture rate, indicating that it is not practicable to decrease the heterogeneity of dispersion of sterile flies by increasing the number released. There was often a mismatch between the dispersion patterns of the wild and sterile flies, and the implications of this for the efficiency of the sterile insect technique (SIT) were investigated with a simulation study with the observed degrees of mismatch obtained from the monitoring data and assuming the overall ratio of sterile to wild flies to be 100:1. The simulation indicated that mismatches could result in the imposed rate of increase of wild flies being up to 3.5 times higher than that intended (i.e., 0.35 instead of 0.1). The effect of a mismatch always reduces the efficiency of SIT. The reason for this asymmetry is discussed and a comparison made with host-parasitoid and other systems. A release strategy to counter this effect is suggested.

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2006 PAPERS PUBLISHED

Attributes pertinent to overwintering potential do not explain why Bactrocera neohumeralis (Hardy) (Diptera : Tephritidae) does not spread further south within the geographical range of B-tryoni (Froggatt)

Meats A  (2006) Australian Journal of Entomology 45, 20-25.

Abstract: The geographical range of Bactrocera neohumeralis does not extend as far south as that of its sibling species, B. tryoni. However, there was no evidence of any difference between the two species in terms of physiological limitation to southerly spread when comparisons were made of low temperature torpor thresholds of adults, survival time of adults at -4 degrees C and development rates of all stages in either warm or cool regimes. The survival schedule of the two species was similar in the laboratory and also in the moderately cold conditions experienced by caged cohorts that were exposed to winter field temperatures between late April and early November at Richmond, New South Wales (500 km south of the usual southerly limit of B. neohumeralis). Overwintered cohorts of both species laid similar numbers of eggs in September in terms of eggs per emerged female (an indicator of the reproductive potential). However, because the proportion of B. tryoni surviving to the period of 1-15 September was less than half that for B. neohumeralis, the production per surviving female was more than double in B. tryoni. The possibility of the southerly spread of B. neohumeralis being limited by an Allee effect is discussed.

Modification of host finding and oviposition behaviour of the citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella, by horticultural mineral oil.

Liu ZM, Meats A, Beattie GAC (2006) Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 121: 243-251.

Abstract: Horticultural mineral oil (HMO) deposits affect postlanding searching behaviour and contact evaluation of oviposition substrates by females of the citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae). Both unsprayed and sprayed lemon trees were equally capable of arresting randomly moving female moths by eliciting kinetic responses. The presence of HMO deposits did not affect the approach of female moths to flushes (shoots with immature leaves suitable as oviposition sites), and female moths were equally likely to land on sprayed and unsprayed immature flushes provided mature leaves were not sprayed. The presence of HMO on both the mature leaves and the flushes caused shorter residence and search times within trees and also resulted in fewer immature leaves visited. The HMO-sprayed flushes were also more likely to be rejected for oviposition after contact. Nevertheless, eggs were sometimes deposited on sprayed flushes between residues of the oil droplets.

(2006) Dispersion theory and the sterile insect technique: application to two species of fruit fly.

Meats A, Smallridge CJ, Dominiak BC Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 119: 247-254.

Abstract: Dispersion theory is applied to the distribution of two kinds of sterile insect, Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), and Queensland fruit fly (Qfly), Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae). Dispersion theories are an essential basis of sampling theory and sampling plans, but this paper looks at them from another direction and uses data from arrays of sterile insect technique (SIT) monitoring traps to compare the utility of different measures such as coefficient of variation (CV), the exponent b of Taylor's power law, and exponent k of the negative binomial distribution and also derives predictions pertaining to the density (and hence release rate) of sterile insects that would be required to achieve effective coverage of the target area. This is far more useful than reliance on just the mean values of trap catches because such reliance takes no account of the fact that sterile flies distribute themselves unevenly with many patches inadequately covered despite the impression given by the mean. Data were used from recapture rates following either 'roving releases' of Medfly or releases from fixed points of Qfly. The relation of recapture rate to CV indicated that a doubling of release rate in order to double average recapture rate from 150 per trap per week to a value of 300 would have very little effect in terms of reducing CV and that there appears to be no practical prospect of reducing CV to below unity with the current methods of release without incurring a manifold increase in cost. Similarly, models derived from the negative binomial equation indicated that a law of diminishing returns applies in terms of the increase in the amount of adequate coverage (such as the percentage of traps catching > 50 flies per week) that can be obtained by increasing release rates.

Optimum sample size and spatial dispersion of red scale, Aonidiella aurantii on an orange orchard in Australia.

Song, J. H.  Meats, A.; Riu, K. Z.; Beattie, G. A. C. (2006)J ournal of Asia-Pacific Entomology. 9: 49-54.

Abstract: Two-stage sampling and geostatistical techniques for cost-effective and precise sampling were examined using red scale data that were collected from a commercial orange orchard in Kulnura, Australia in mid-summer, 2004 and 2005. The distribution pattern of red scale on a twig and a fruit well followed the negative binomial, and the degree of aggregation was higher on a fruit than a twig. The analysis of variance and two-stage sampling were used to obtain the suitable sample unit (a leaf, a twig including 2 leaves and 15 cm branch and a fruit in this study) and optimum sample size. A fruit was the most suitable than any other sample units, and a twig was better than a leaf. The optimum sample size for twigs and fruits per tree was 4 twigs (2 leaves and 15 cm branch) and 4 fruits (2 directions), respectively. The variance of primary sample unit for fruits was higher than that of secondary sample unit, but that was reversed for twigs. There was a non-linear relationship between 2 years for the density on 40 fruits of the same tree, because the Spearman rank correlation coefficient (0.84) was much higher than the Pearson's (0.29). The spatial continuity for directions of 0 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 135 degrees, and omni-direction was similar except 90 degrees in which trees were touched with together. The autocorrelation analysis showed that omnidirectional 10m apart from each sampled tree was needed to obtain the independent data.

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2005 PAPERS PUBLISHED

Zero catch criteria for declaring eradication of tephritid fruit flies: the probabilities.

Meats A, Clift AD (2005) Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture  45: 1335-1340. 

Abstract: We examine procedures for declaring an area free of pest fruit flies following an eradication campaign. To date, the acceptable period of trapping zero flies has been calculated without an estimate of the probability of being wrong. The zero trapping periods are usually shorter when declaring local 'area freedom' from an endemic fly, than when claiming eradication of an exotic species. We use a model to calculate the probability of zero trap captures and therefore the probability of trapping further flies. The latter probability is always finite. A zero trapping result does not indicate the absence of flies. There must also be evidence of what constitutes a non-viable density, as indicated by the trapping rate. The non-viable densities of certain pest fruit fly species are known from decades of managing small incursions in fly-free zones. There is no need for implementation of eradication procedures if the trapping rate is sufficiently low, in these areas. For a given density of flies (defined in terms of expected mean catch per trap per week), the probability of zero trap captures reduces with time and the number of traps employed. If the model calculations use a non-sustainable density (inferred from trapping rate) then we may declare the actual density of flies to be less if the trapping result is zero for a given number of weeks with a given number of traps when the model predicts the probability of such a result to be sufficiently low, according to a criterion that is selected at a level suited to the purpose of the declaration.

Use of a Bayesian Belief Network to identify situations that favour Fruit Fly incursions in inland SE Australia.

Clift A. & Meats A. (2005)  In: Zerger, A. and Argent, R.M. (eds) MODSIM 2005, pp. 170-176.

Procedures for declaring pest free status

Barclay, H. J, Hargrove, J. W., Clift, A., Meats, A (2005).Sterile Insect Technique: Principles and Practice in Area-Wide Integrated Pest Management. Editor(s): Dyck, VA; Hendrichs, J; Robinson, AS, Pages: 363-386

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2004 PAPERS PUBLISHED

Genetic relations between outbreaks of the Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera : Tephritidae), in Adelaide in 2000 and 2002

Gilchrist AS, Sved JA, Meats A . (2004)  Australian Journal Of Entomology  43: 157-16. 

Abstract: The Queensland fruit fly (Q-fly), Bactrocera tryoni, is a serious horticultural pest throughout eastern Australia, and apart from isolated outbreaks, is absent from Adelaide and South Australia. Considerable resources are put into preventing the entry of Q-fly into South Australia and the eradication of any outbreaks. Nevertheless, some flies are still trapped in Adelaide and, because known permanent populations are too distant for unaided dispersal, these flies must arrive as larvae in infested fruit. To provide authorities with more information on the nature of and the extent of outbreaks, the authors used 26 microsatellite markers to test the relationships between outbreak flies caught in Adelaide in 2000 and 2002. Groupings between individuals were tested using both a model-based clustering method (implemented in the Structure program) and relatedness testing, using both simple exclusion tests and relatedness coefficients. While many flies appeared unrelated, one group of at least six full sibs was detected, all of which were trapped in the same month. Unexpectedly, these six flies were trapped at sites separated by distances greater than the unaided dispersal distance of Q-fly, implicating human-aided dispersal of infested fruit within Adelaide. Thus simultaneous trappings of flies separated by kilometres are not necessarily separate outbreaks as has been assumed. The implications for current outbreak control strategies are discussed.

Laboratory adaptation of Bactrocera tryoni (Diptera : Tephritidae) decreases mating age and increases protein consumption and number of eggs produced per milligram of protein

Meats A, Holmes HM, Kelly GL. (2004) Bulletin of Entomological Research 94: 517-524:

Abstract: A significant reduction in age of mating occurred during the first four generations (G1-G4) of laboratory adaptation of wild Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) and this was associated with the earlier attainment of peak egg load although no significant differences were detected in the peak egg load itself. A long term laboratory (LTL) strain had a significantly earlier mating age and higher peak egg load than flies of wild origin or those from the first four laboratory generations. The amount of protein consumed by females in the first week of adult life was significantly higher in the LTL strain than in flies of wild origin or G1-G4 but there were no significant changes (or only slight changes) with laboratory adaptation in the amounts of protein consumed up to the ages of mating and peak egg load. Laboratory adaptation resulted in no significant changes in egg size, egg dry weight, puparial fresh weight and the dry weight of newly emerged females. The large increase in fecundity with laboratory adaptation is associated with a 4- to 5-fold increase in the rate of conversion of dietary protein to eggs (i.e. eggs produced per mg of protein consumed).

When does zero catch in a male lure trap mean no tephritid flies in the area?

Clift, A.; Meats, A. (2004) Proceedings of the 6th International Symposium on fruit flies of economic importance, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 6-10 May 2002, pp 183-188 Editor(s): Barnes, BN.

Abstract: Outbreaks of economically important fruit flies frequently occur in Australia. These outbreaks are eradicated as quickly as possible and a code of practice has been established to manage eradication programmes. The code presently specifies that eradication can be claimed three generations plus 28 days after the last fly has been trapped. To determine how closely this requirement fits real fruit fly outbreak trapping records, the complete trapping record from a large outbreak of the exotic fruit fly Bactrocera papayae Drew & Hancock was examined. Trapping in this case was carried out using methyl-eugenol baited traps. The observed record was compared to the output from a simulation model and discussed in relation to the code of practice.

Protein consumption by mated, unmated, sterile and fertile adults of the Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni and its relation to egg production

Meats A, Leighton SM (2004) Physiological Entomology 29: 176-182

Abstract: Female adults of Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae) at 25 degreesC require more than 0.1 mg of yeast autolysate per day to mature their oocytes to the vitellogenic stage and mate. Those given 0.2 mg per day from day 2 of adult life mated (when given the opportunity between 11 and 13 days) and each laid approximately 100 eggs (just over one egg per ovariole) by day 56. Females allowed to feed ad libitum from day 2, then 0 or 0.2 mg per day from day 14, laid approximately 75 and 100 eggs, respectively (after mating), whereas those fed ad libitum from day 2 to day 56 laid approximately 540 eggs after mating (averaging just over six eggs per ovariole). The developmental pattern of intake of normal females when on an ad libitum diet showed a rise to a peak at 5-7 days, followed by a decline to sustained low levels if not mated, but rising to a lower peak if mated between days 11-13 followed by a steady decline. Female flies that had been sterilized by 80 Gy gamma irradiation at the puparial stage had a pattern of food consumption similar to that of normal females mated at 7 days but they produced no yolky oocytes and had a darkened fat body. Normal and irradiated males had a feeding pattern similar to that of unmated nonirradiated females but at a lower level. The results are discussed in terms of the control of protein intake and the rate of its conversion to yolk.

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2003 PAPERS PUBLISHED

Trials on variants of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) for suppression of populations of the Queensland fruit fly in small towns neighbouring a quarantine (exclusion) zone

Meats A, Duthie R, Clift AD, Dominiak BC (2003) Australian Journal Of Experimental Agriculture 43: 389-395.

Abstract: Seven small unquarantined towns in the central western district of New South Wales were used to compare variants of the sterile insect technique with respect to their suitability for suppression of populations of the Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt). Two towns were treated with weekly releases of immature sterile flies at rates varying from 48000 to 115000 sterile males per km(2). Evidence for suppression was poor (from comparison with 2 untreated towns) and the ratio of sterile to wild flies caught in monitoring traps never exceeded 80: 1 in the last 4 weeks of any season or 40: 1 during other parts of any season. However, the recapture rates of the sterile flies and estimates of their survival rates were often as good as the best that have been reported previously. Two other towns were treated with weekly releases of mature flies at rates of 5000-12000 sterile males per km(2). The recapture rates and estimates of survival rates of flies released when mature were unexpectedly low and the ratios of sterile to wild flies were often less than 1: 1 and never exceeded 12:1. The results are discussed in terms of the relatively harsh climate of these towns (located in a region of average annual rainfall of 450-600 mm) and lack of quarantine.

Incipient founder populations of Mediterranean and Queensland fruit flies in Australia: the relation of trap catch to infestation radius and models for quarantine radius

Meats A, Clift AD, Robson MK (2003) Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 43: 397-406.

Abstract: We examined data from 75 infestations of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly) and 286 of the Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) that have occurred in quarantined and normally fly-free zones in Australia from 1974 to 2000. The radius of occurrence of both adult male flies and infested fruit was almost always less than 1 km. The rare cases where there was an isolated occurrence beyond 1 km of an epicentre were most likely due to (and can be treated as) separate introductions. Our analysis shows that effective quarantine radii for suspension of fly-free status should be related to the number of flies trapped around the epicentre and the density of the trap array ( if the appropriate code of practice is applied). Most detections of fruit flies involve the trapping of very few flies and 18% of Medfly infestations and 71% of Qfly infestations that are detected are not classified as outbreaks and are left to die out without any treatment. For each species, we have used 3 alternative methods to calculate confidence limits for infestation radii. The upper limits could also serve as quarantine radii. These limits increase with the rate of trapping of male flies and have a theoretical probability of 3/100000 (i.e. probit 9) of being exceeded. The quarantine radii for most declared outbreaks, when calculated with any of our methods, would be small because the number of flies detected is usually only just above the threshold for such a declaration. If our methods were used for beneficial species or for re-introductions of endangered species, the lower confidence limits could be used to calculate the size of inoculum required for a high probability of initial establishment.

The effects of selection for early (day) and late (dusk) mating lines of hybrids of Bactrocera tryoni and Bactrocera neohumeralis

Meats A, Pike N, An X, Raphael K, Wang WYS (2003) Genetica 119: 283-293.

Abstract: Bactrocera neohumeralis and Bactrocera tryoni are closely related tephritid fruit fly species. B. neohumeralis mates throughout the day ( in bright light) and B. tryoni mates at dusk. The two species can also be distinguished by the colour of their calli ( prothoracic sclerites) which are brown and yellow, respectively. The F-1 hybrids can mate both in bright light just before dusk and during dusk and have calli that are partly brown and partly yellow. The F-2 hybrids have a wider range of callus patterns and mating occurs more widely in the day as well as at dusk. We directly selected hybrid stocks for mating time, creating 'early' (day-mating) and 'late' (dusk-mating) lines. As an apparently inadvertent consequence, the two types of line respectively had predominantly brown and predominantly yellow calli and thus came to closely resemble the original two species in both behaviour and appearance. Lines that were evenly selected (half for day and half for dusk) essentially retained the mating pattern of F-2 hybrids. Selection for callus colour alone also affected the distribution of mating times in a predictable way. We propose a genetical model to account for the results and discuss them in the light of the apparent maintenance of species integrity in nature.

The likely fate of hybrids of Bactrocera tryoni and Bactrocera neohumeralis

Pike N, Wang WYS, Meats A (2003) Heredity 90: 365-370 .

Abstract: Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) and B. neohumeralis (Hardy) (Diptera: Tephritidae) are sympatric species which hybridise readily in the laboratory yet remain distinct in the field. B. tryoni mates only at dusk and B. neohumeralis mates only during the day, but hybrids can mate at both times. We investigated the inheritance of mating time in successively backcrossed hybrid stocks to establish whether mating with either species is more likely. The progeny of all backcrosses to B. tryoni mated only at dusk. The majority of the progeny of the first and a minority of the progeny of the second backcross to B. neohumeralis also mated at dusk, but the third successive B. neohumeralis backcross produced flies that mated only during the day. This trend towards dominance of the B. tryoni trait was also reflected in a diagnostic morphological character. We discuss the possible genetic background for these phenomena and propose that unidirectional gene flow might explain how the two species remain distinct in the face of natural hybridisation.

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LIFETIME RESEARCH ACHIEVEMENTS

(numbers refer to items in publication list)

Predictive population models with innovative features

Pioneered experimentally based, demographically constructed, climate-driven models for local and biogeographical dynamics of Palaearctic tipulids (35,36,37) and the Queensland fruit fly (7,11,46, 47,48,49). First to derive and use a relation between conventional actuarial notation and the probit transformation, especially the use of Abbott's correction for simultaneous mortality factors (35). First to discover and derive a relationship between the growth and fecundity rates of soil animals (tipulids) and soil water tension (SWT) and a submodel for climate and SWT at levels both above and below wilting point (24,25,36). The relation of SWT to egg deposition, development rate and survival in locusts (29).

Acclimation physiology

First to derive predictive models for field acclimation rate in insects (6,38,39,40). First to quantify developmental acclimation and define critical periods for this in metamorphosis (45). Application of these findings to Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) – preconditioning of mass-reared insects (42,43,44).

SIT (Sterile Insect Technique) – Preconditioning and demography

Preconditioning (see above) and competitiveness of mass-reared insects used against target populations in spring (43,49,50,51,52). Actuarially based monitoring and eradication protocols (12,14,56). A new demographic statistic: expectation of mating life (61).

SIT - Mating competitiveness and field quality of released insects

Developed the concept and protocol for assessing total field competitiveness of sterile flies so that it was possible to measure the relative survival and mating competitiveness of over-wintered wild and cultivated released insects (14,52).  Developed the concept and protocol for measuring total field quality of released insects on a real-time basis enabling constant updates (61, 79).

SIT - Release techniques and dispersion

Devised complete models for dispersal of sterile insects (i.e. with survival component) (62). Established that the relation between release rate, population density and degree of dispersion could not guarantee evenness of coverage by increasing release rate and highlighted the need for methods to overcome this problem (88,92).

SIT - Laboratory adaptation in mass cultures. 

Established the number of generations required for laboratory adaptation and that the major determinant was change to the rate of conversion of dietary protein to eggs (84,85).

Population biology

Behaviour of egg parasitoids and the model of ratio dependence in host - parasitoid interactions: a practical test of ratio theory for parasitoid/ host interactions (74). Population dynamics of invading propagules (B. papayae, B. tryoni and C. capitata) and survival of populations at low density: population viability of incipient founder populations of Mediterranean and Queensland fruit flies (59,78). 

Risk analysis, quarantine, market access and proof of area freedom.

Risk analysis applied to quarantine problems of fruit flies, especially when applied to market access regulations and area freedom status for production areas (15,16,17,21,23,78,96,94).

Genetics and Evolution.

Contribution to genetic sexing research (75). Problems of sibling species and hybrids, pleiotropic effects of selection: hybridization and segregation of characters of B. tryoni and B. neohumeralis. and their relevance to species integrity, evolution and geographical distribution (73, 80, 82, 87).

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RECENT INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

United Nations FAO/IAEA Cooperative Research Programme on Molecular and Genetic Approach to Develop Sexing Strains for Field Application in Fruit Fly SIT Programmes  1996-2001

United Nations FAO/IAEA Cooperative Research Programme on Quality Assurance of mass-produced and released Fruit Flies 1999-2005.

United Nations FAO/IAEA Cooperative Research Programme on Development of Mass Rearing for New World and Asian Fruit Flies 2005-2009

International consultant's meeting (by special invitation) on minimum area SIT. FAO/IAEA Vienna, April 2006.

RECENT FUNDING

ARC Linkage Grant  2006-2009

The future of fruit fly control: making the Sterile Insect Technique work for Queensland fruit fly

Chief investigators; A Meats and J Sved.  Partner Investigators (and funding contributors); Department of Primary Industries and Resources South Australia, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Victoria Department of Primary Industries, Murray Valley Citrus Board and Central Darling Shire Council.

Baxter Foundation (Perpetual Trust) to 2012.

Testing and improving methods of behavioural control of the Queensland Fruit Fly.

Chief Investigator, A Meats.

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REFEREED PUBLICATIONS

REFEREED CHAPTERS IN BOOKS

  1. MEATS, A.  1977  Evaluating effects of acclimation on mating propensity and mating competitiveness in Dacus species.  In:  Quality control, an idea book for Fruit Fly workers, (eds. E.F. Boller and D.L. Chambers), IOBC, Vienna.  pp. 104-106.
  2. MEATS, A.  1977  Monitoring spatial and temporal aspects of visual acuity in laboratory-reared fruit flies.  In:  Quality control, an idea book for Fruit Fly workers, (eds. E.F. Boller and D.L. Chambers), IOBC, Vienna.  pp. 152-153.
  3. MEATS, A.  1977  Monitoring responses to certain climatic variables.  In:  Quality control, an idea book for Fruit Fly workers, (eds. E.F. Boller and D.L. Chambers), IOBC, Vienna.  pp. 154-156.
  4. MEATS, A.  1987  Pests and population models: fluctuations, equilibrium and persistence.  In: Pest control: Operations and Systems Analysis in Fruit Fly Management, (ed. M. Mangel), Springer Verlag, pp. 339-359.
  5. MEATS, A.  1989  Abiotic mortality factors: temperature.  In:  Fruit Flies: Biology, natural enemies and control.  (eds. A.S. Robinson and G.H.S. Hooper)  Elsevier World Crop Pest Series, Rotterdam.  Vol 3B 229-239.
  6. MEATS, A.  1989  Acclimation, activity levels and survival.  In:  Fruit Flies: Biology, natural enemies and control.  (eds. A.S. Robinson and G.H.S. Hooper)  Elsevier World Crop Pest Series, Rotterdam.  Vol 3A 231-237
  7. MEATS, A.  1989  Bioclimatic potential.  In:  Fruit Flies: Biology, natural enemies and control.  (eds. A.S. Robinson and G.H.S. Hooper)  Elsevier World Crop Pest Series, Rotterdam.  Vol 3B 241-252.
  8. MEATS, A.  1989  Water relations of Tephritidae.  In:  Fruit Flies: Biology, natural enemies and control.  (eds. A.S. Robinson and G.H.S. Hooper)  Elsevier World Crop Pest Series, Rotterdam.  Vol 3A 241-246.
  9. BARCLAY HJ, HARGROVE JW, CLIFT, AD, MEATS A. (2005) Procedures for declaring pest-free status. pp. 363-386 In V. A. Dyck, J. Hendrichs and A. S. Robinson (eds.), Sterile insect technique. Principles and practice in area-wide integrated pest management. Springer, Dordrecht, The Netherlands.

    10. REFEREED CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS

  10. MEATS, A.  1971  Quantitative analysis of data on population growth.  In Nix, HA (ed) Quantifying Ecology: Proceedings of the Ecological Society of Australia,  6: 76-83.
  11. MEATS, A.  1981  The bioclimactic potential of populations of the Queensland fruit fly (Dacus tryoni) in Australia. In:  Littlejohn, MJ and Ladiges, PY (eds)  Ecological Gradients and Boundaries: Proceedings of the Ecological Society of Australia,  11: 151-161.
  12. MEATS, A.  1983  Strategies for maximising the potential of the sterile insect release method: Experiments with Dacus tryoni.  In:  Fruit Flies of Economic Importance, (ed. R. Cavolloro), Balkema, Rotterdam.  pp. 371-377.
  13. MEATS, A.  1983  The response of the Queensland fruit fly, Dacus tryoni to tree models. Fruit Flies of Economic Importance, (ed. R. Cavolloro), Balkema, Rotterdam.  pp. 285-289.
  14. MEATS, A., FLETCHER, B.S. & FAY, H.A.C 1988  Environmental assessment of the quality of mass reared sterile insects.  In:  Fruit Flies of Economic Importance, (ed. A.P. Economopoulos), Elsevier pp. 201-208. 
  15. CLIFT, A.D.& MEATS,A. (1997). Using the negative binomial distribution and risk analysis software to simulate Bactrocera papayae Drew and Hancock (Diptera: Tephritidae) metapopulations in an eradication context.  Modsim 97: Proc.Int.Congress on Modelling and Simulation. 12. 792 –795. 
  16. CLIFT, A.D., MEATS, A. & GLEESON, P.J. (1998) A dispersal model for papaya fruit fly, Bactrocera papayae Drew and Hancock and its application to treatment priorities in an eradication protocol. In: Zalucki, M.P., Drew, R.A.I. & White, G.G. (eds) Pest Management - Future Challenges, pp. 27-31.Sixth Australasian Applied Entomology Research Conference, Brisbane, 1998.
  17. CLIFT, A.D GLEESON, P.J. & MEATS, A. (1999)  Risk analysis studies on banana fruit fly, Bactrocera musae , recolonising an area near Cairns, North Queensland, after area-wide insecticide treatments had ceased.  Modsim 99, Proceedings of International Congress on Modelling and Simulation. 13, 649-653.
  18. BAGGEN, L.R., GURR, G.M. and MEATS, A (2000)  Field observations on selective food plants in habitat manipulation for biological control of potato moth by Copidosoma koehleri Blanchard (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)  in Hymenoptera : evolution, biodivesrity and biological control.  (eds. A.D. Austin and M. Dowton)  CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne.pp 388-395.
  19. CLIFT A. D. and MEATS, A.  (2001)  Why model tephritid fruit fly incursions in agricultural production areas? Modsim 2001: Proceedings of the International Congress on Modelling and Simulation. 14; 4, 1835 - 1840.
  20. LIANG WG, BEATTIE GAC, MEATS A, SPOONER-HART R, JIANG L. (2002) Efficacy of a horticultural mineral oil for control of purple scale and white louse scale in orange orchards. In: Beattie GAC, Watson DM, Stevens ML, Rae DJ, Spooner-Hart RN (eds). Spray Oils Beyond 2000. University of Western Sydney. 444-450.
  21. CLIFT A D, MEATS A. 2004. When does zero catch in a male lure trap mean no tephritid flies in the area? In 'Proceedings of6th International Symposium on Fruit Flies of Economic Importance', Stellenbosch, RSA (Ed. BN Barnes) pp. 183-188.  Isteg Scientific Publications, Irene, RSA.
  22. GILCHRIST, S., CAMERON, E. AN, X., MEATS, A. FROMMER M. & RAPHAEL, K. (2005) The tryoni complex of tephritid flies in Australia. Proceedings of 2nd FAO/IAEA International Conference on Area-Wide Control of Insect Pests: Integrating the Sterile Insect and Related Nuclear and Other Techniques, IAEA, Vienna Austria, May 9-13, 2005.
  23. CLIFT A. & MEATS A. (2005) Use of a Bayesian Belief Network to identify situations that favour Fruit Fly incursions in inland SE Australia. In: Zerger, A. and Argent, R.M. (eds) MODSIM 2005, pp. 170-176. International Congress on Modelling and Simulation; Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand.

    24. REFEREED JOURNAL ARTICLES

  24. MEATS, A.  1967  The relation between soil-water tension and growth rate of larvae of Tipula oleracea  and Tipula paludosa  (Diptera) in turf.  Ent. exp. & appl.,  19: 312-320.
  25. MEATS, A.  1967  The relation between soil-water tension and rate of development of the eggs of Tipula oleracea and Tipula paludosa  (Diptera). Ent exp. & appl.,  19: 394-400.
  26. MEATS, A.  1967  The relation between survival and water loss in larvae of Tipula oleracea and Tipula paludosa (Diptera) on exposure to unsaturated air.  J. Insect Physiol.,  13: 1119-1131.
  27. MEATS, A.  1968  The effect of exposure to unsaturated air on the survival and development of eggs of Tipula oleracea  and Tipula paludosa  Meigen.  Proc. R. Ent. Soc. Lond. (A).,  43: 85-88.
  28. MEATS, A.  1970  Susceptibility of the leatherjackets Tipula oleracea  and Tipula paludosa  to soil flooding.  Ann appl. Biol.,  65: 25-38.
  29. MEATS, A.  1970  The relation of water availability and osmotic gradients to egg development in the locusts, Locusta migratoria migratoroides  and Schistocerca gregaria.  Proc. R. Ent. Soc. Lond. (A).,  53-66.
  30. MEATS, A.  1971  The relative importance to population increase of fluctuations in mortality, fecundity and the time variables of the reproductive schedule.  Oecologia,  6: 223-237.
  31. MEATS, A.  1972  The effect of soil flooding on the survival and development of the eggs of Tipula oleracea  L.  and Tipula paludosa  Meigen.  J. Ent. (A).,  46: 99-102.
  32. MEATS, A.  1973  Rapid acclimatisation to low temperature in the Queensland fruit fly Dacus tryoni.  J. Insect Physiol.,  19: 1903-1911.
  33. MEATS, A.  1973  The abolition by low ambient temperature of tarsal inhibition of flight in certain Diptera.  Search,  34: 496-497.
  34. MEATS, A.  1974  An apparatus for the exposure and observation of insects at known constant or changing temperatures, humidities and wind speeds.  Lab. Practice  23: 119.
  35. MEATS, A.  1974  A population model for two species of Tipula  (Diptera, Nematocera) derived from data on their physiological relations with their environment.  Oecologia,  16: 119-138.
  36. MEATS, A.  1974  Simulation of the population trends of Tipula paludosa  using a model fed with climatological data.  Oecologia,  16: 139-147.
  37. MEATS, A.  1975  The developmental dynamics of Tipula paludosa  and the relation of climate to its growth pattern and flight season.  Oecologia,  19: 117-128.
  38. MEATS, A.  1976  Developmental and long term acclimation to cold by the Queensland fruit fly (Dacus tryoni) at constant and fluctuating temperatures.  J. Insect Physiol.,  22: 1013-1019.
  39. MEATS, A.  1976  The relation between thresholds for cold-torpor and cold-survival in the Queensland fruit fly (Dacus tryoni) and the predictability of the rates of change in survival threshold.  J. Insect Physiol.,  22: 1505-1509.
  40. MEATS, A.  1976  Seasonal trends in acclimation to cold in the Queensland fruit fly (Dacus tryoni) and their prediction by means of a physiological model fed with climatological data.  Oecologia,  26: 73-87.
  41. MEATS, A. & KHOO K.C.  1976  The dynamics of ovarian maturation and oocyte resorption in the Queensland fruit fly (Dacus tryoni) in constant and rhythmic temperature regimes.  Physiological Ent.,  1:213-221.
  42. MEATS, A. & FAY H.A.C.  1976  The effect of acclimation on mating frequency and mating competitiveness in the Queensland fruit fly (Dacus tryoni) in optimal and cool mating regimes.  Physiological Ent.,  1: 207-212.
  43. MEATS, A. & FAY H.A.C.  1977  The importance of cold-acclimation and stage in the release of sterile flies for population suppression in spring.  A pilot caged experiment with the Queensland fruit fly (Dacus tryoni).  J. Econ. Ent.,  70: 681-684.
  44. FAY H.A.C. & MEATS, A. 1983  The effect of age ambient temperature, thermal history and mating history on mating frequency in males of the Queensland fruit fly, (Dacus tryoni).  Ent. exp. et appl.,  35: 273-276.
  45. MEATS, A.  1983  Critical periods for developmental acclimation to cold in the Queensland fruit fly, Dacus tryoni.  J. Insect Physiol.,  29: 943-946.
  46. O'LOUGHLIN G., EAST R. & MEATS, A.  1984  Survival, development rates and generation times of the Queensland fruit fly, Dacus tryoni in a marginally favourable climate: experiments in Victoria.  Aust J. Zool.,  32: 353-361.
  47. MEATS, A.  1984  Thermal constraints to successful development of the Queensland fruit fly in regimes of constant fluctuating temperature.  Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata,  36: 55-59.
  48. MEATS, A.  1987  Survival of step and ramp changes of temperature by adults of the Queensland fruit fly (Dacus tryoni).  Physiological Entomology, 12: 165-170.
  49. MEATS, A. & FITT, G.P.  1987  Survival of repeated frosts by the Queensland fruit fly, Dacus tryoni: experiments in laboratory simulated climates with either step or ramp fluctuations of temperature. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, 45: 9-16.
  50. MEATS, A. & FITT, G.P.  1987  Times for recovery from cold torpor in the Queensland fruit fly, Dacus tryoni: the relation to temperature during and after chilling. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, 45: 3-8.
  51. FAY, H.A.C. & MEATS, A.  1987  Survival rates of cold acclimatised wild Queensland fruit flies and irradiated warm- or cold-acclimated laboratory flies during field cage studies in spring.  Aust J. Zool., 35: 187-195.
  52. FAY, H.A.C. & MEATS, A.  1987  The sterile insect release method and the importance of thermal conditioning before release:  field cage experiments with Dacus tryoni in spring weather.  Aust. J. Zool., 35: 197-204.
  53. FROMMER, M., MEATS, A., SHARKEY, D., SHEARMAN, D., SVED, J. AND TURNEY, C. (1996).  Sequences from eye colour genes, chorion gene and mariner-like transposable elements in the Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni.  In Fruit Fly Pests: A World Assessment of Their Biology and Management, B. A. McPheron and G. J. Steck (eds.). St. Lucie Press, Delray Beach, Florida, pp. 209-220.
  54. CANT, R.J., SPOONER-HART, R.N., BEATTIE, G.A.C. AND MEATS, A. (1996).  The biology and ecology of the Bronze Orange Bug, Musgraveia sulciventris (Stål).  II. Feeding, control, defensive secretions, pheromones, reproduction and aggregation.  Gen. Appl. Entomol.  27, 19-29.
  55. CANT, R.J., SPOONER-HART, R.N., BEATTIE, G.A.C. AND MEATS, A. (1996).  The biology and ecology of the Bronze Orange Bug, Musgraveia sulciventris (Stål).  I. Description, biology, host species and distribution.  Gen. Appl. Entomol. 27, 30-42.
  56. MEATS, A. (1996).  Demographic analysis of sterile insect trials with the Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae).  Gen. Appl. Entomol. 27, 2-12
  57. OSBORNE, R., MEATS, A., FROMMER, M., SVED, J.A., DREW, R.A.I. AND ROBSON, M.K. (1997).  Australian distribution of 17 species of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) caught in cue lure traps in February 1994.  Aust. J. Entomol. 36, 45-50.
  58. CLIFT, A.D.& MEATS, A. (1998) The relation of 'percentage positive traps' to the negative binomial distribution and to progress in the eradication of Bactrocera papayae  Drew and Hancock (Diptera:Tephritidae) in northern Queensland.  General and Applied Entomology   28, 61-64.
  59. MEATS, A, (1998). Cartesian methods of locating spot infestations of the Papaya fruit fly Bactrocera papayae Drew and Hancock within the trapping grid at Mareeba, Queensland, Australia. Gen. Appl. Entomol. 28, 57 –60.
  60. MEATS, A. (1998) The power of trapping grids for detecting and estimating the size of invading propagules of the Queensland fruit fly risks of subsequent infestation. Gen. Appl. Entomol. 28, 47 –55.
  61. MEATS, A. (1998). A quality assurance measure for field survival rates of released sterile flies based on recapture rates. Gen. Appl. Entomol. 28, 39 –46.
  62. MEATS, A. (1998). Predicting or interpreting trap catches resulting from natural propagules or releases of sterile fruit flies.  An actuarial and dispersal model tested with data on Bactrocera tryoni.  Gen. Appl. Entomol. 28, 29 – 38.
  63. BAGGEN, L.R., GURR, G.M., & MEATS, A. (1999), Flowers in tri-trophic systems: mechanisms allowing selective exploitation by insect natural enemies for conservation biological control. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata  91 : 155-161.
  64. MEATS, A, & HARTLAND, C.L. (1999) Upwind anemotaxis in response to cue-lure by the Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni.  Physiological Entomology  24, 90-97.
  65. THOMAS, B.J., & MEATS, A. (1999) The effect of simulated ‘wash off ’ from spot-sprays containing either Malathion or Phloxine B on ground-dwelling arthropods in an orchard. Agricultural & Forest Entomology.1, 55-60.
  66. MEATS, A, and FAY, H.A.C. (2000) Distribution of mating frequency among males of the Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni, in relation to temperature, acclimation and chance. General & Applied Entomology. 29, 27-30.
  67. MEATS, A, and OSBORNE, A.  (2000)  Dose-related upwind anemotaxis and movement up odour gradients in still air by the wild tobacco fly, Bactrocera cacuminata . Physiological Entomology 25, 41-47.
  68. THOMAS, B.J., & MEATS, A.  (2000) The relation of dose rate and light intensity to the effect of bait spray formulations with the photo-insecticide Phloxine B on the Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni  (Diptera: Tephritidae )  General & Applied Entomology  29,  1-4
  69. DALBY-BALL, G. and MEATS, A (2000)  Influence of the odour of fruit, yeast and cue-lure on flight activity of the Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni  (Diptera: Tephritidae). Aust. J. Entomol. 39, 195-200.
  70. DALBY-BALL, G. and MEATS, A (2000)  Effects of fruit abundance within a tree canopy on the behaviour of wild and cultured Queensland fruit flies, Bactrocera tryoni  (Diptera: Tephritidae). Aust. J. Entomol. 39, 201-207.
  71. YU, H., FROMMER, M.K., ROBSON, M.K., MEATS, A.W., SHEARMAN, D.C.A. and SVED, J.A. (2001)  Microsatellite analysis of the Queensland fruit fly indicates spatial structuring:  implications for population control. Bulletin of Entomological Research  91, 139-147.
  72. NICETIC, O., WATSON, D. M., BEATTIE, G. A. C., MEATS, A., and ZHENG, J.  (2001)  Integrated pest management of two-spotted mite Tetranychus urticae on greenhouse roses using petroleum spray oil and the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis.  Experimental & Applied Acarology. 25, 37-53.
  73. PIKE, N., and MEATS, A.  (2002) The potential for mating between Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) and B. neohumeralis (Hardy) (Diptera: Tephritidae). Australian Journal of Entomology  41: 70-74.
  74. MEATS, A, and CASTILLO PANDO, M.S. (2002)  Ratio-dependent parasitism with Trissolcus basalis (Wollaston) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) on egg rafts of Nezara viridula (Linnaeus) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae): effect of experimental variables and compatiblity of 'ratio' and 'Holling' models.  Australian Journal of Entomology  41, 243-252.
  75. MEATS, A.,  MAHESWARAN, P., FROMMER ,M., and SVED,  J.  (2002)  Towards a male-only release system for SIT with the Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni, using a genetic sexing strain with a temperature-sensitive lethal mutation.  Genetica 116:  97-106.
  76. MEATS, A., CLIFT, A. D., & PEREPELICIA, N. (2002)  Performance of permanent and supplementary traps for Mediterranean and Queensland fruit flies in South Australia 1975-2001: comparison of male lure and food lure traps. General and Applied Entomology  32:  53-57
  77. DALBY-BALL, G. and MEATS, A (2002)  The role of foliage in differential landing of the Queensland fruit fly,Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae) on odoriferous and odourless fruit models. General and Applied Entomology 32:  29-34.
  78. MEATS, A., CLIFT A. D. and ROBSON, M. K. (2003)  Incipient founder populations of Mediterranean and Queensland fruit flies in Australia: the relation of trap catch to infestation radius and models for quarantine radius. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture  43: 407-417.
  79. MEATS, A., DUTHIE, R,. CLIFT, A. D., & DOMINIAK, B. C.  (2003)  Trials with variants of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) for suppression of populations of the Queensland fruit fly in small towns neighbouring a quarantine (exclusion) zone. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture  43: 389-395.
  80. PIKE, N., WANG, W.Y.S. & MEATS, A.  (2003)  The likely fate of hybrids of Bactrocera tryoni and Bactrocera neohumeralis  Heredity  90, 365-370.
  81. PIKE, N., & MEATS, A.  (2003) Tendency for upwind movement in the sibling fruit fly species, Bactrocera tryoni and B. neohumeralis and their hybrids (Diptera: Tephritidae): influence of time of day, sex and airborne pheromone  Bulletin of Entomological Research  93: 173-178
  82. MEATS A., PIKE, N., AN, X, RAPHAEL, K. &. WANG, W. Y. S. (2003)  The effects of selection for early (day) and late (dusk) mating lines of hybrids of Bactrocera tryoni and B. neohumeralis. Genetica 119: 283-29).
  83. GILCHRIST AS, SVED JA & MEATS A.  (2004) Genetic relations between outbreaks of the Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae), in Adelaide in 2000 and 2002.  Australian Journal of Entomology 43, 157-163
  84. MEATS A, & LEIGHTON SM  (2004)  Protein consumption by mated, unmated, sterile and fertile adults of the Queensland Fruit Fly, Bactrocera tryoni and its relation to egg production. Physiological Entomology  29, 176-182.
  85. MEATS A, HOLMES HM. & KELLY G.L  (2004)  Laboratory adaptation of Bactrocera tryoni (Diptera: Tephritidae) decreases mating age and increases protein consumption and number of eggs produced per mg of protein. Bulletin of Entomological Research 94, 517-524.
  86. MEATS A, & CLIFT, AD  (2005)  Zero catch criteria for declaring eradication of tephritid fruit flies: the probabilities. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture  45,1335-1340
  87. MEATS A, (2006)  Attributes pertinent to over-wintering potential do not explain why Bactrocera neohumeralis (Hardy) (Diptera: Tephritidae) does not spread further south within the geographical range of B. tryoni (Froggatt). Australian Journal of Entomology 45, 20-25.
  88. MEATS A, SMALLRIDGE CJ & DOMINIAK BC (2006) Dispersion theory and the sterile insect technique: application to two species of fruit fly. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 119, 247-254
  89. LIU ZM, MEATS A  & BEATTIE GAC  (2006) Modification of host finding and oviposition behaviour of citrus leafminer Phyllocnistis citrella by horticultural mineral oil. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 121 : 243-251.
  90. SONG JH, MEATS A, RIU KZ, BEATTIE GAC. (2006) Optimum sample size and spatial dispersion of red scale, Aonidiella aurantii on an orange orchard in Australia Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology 9: 49-54.
  91. WEIGUANG LIANG, G ANDREW C BEATTIE, ALAN MEATS, & ROBERT SPOONER-HART (2007) Impact on soil dwelling arthropods in citrus orchards of spraying horticultural mineral oil, carbaryl or methidathion Australian Journal of Entomology 46: 79-85
  92. NGUYEN VL, MEATS A, BEATTIE GAC, SPOONER-HART R, LIU ZM & L JIANG (2007) Behavioural responses to mineral oil deposits of female Queensland fruit fly Bactrocera tryoni. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 122: 215-221.
  93. WELDON CW & MEATS A (2007)  Short range dispersal of recently emerged males and females of Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae) monitored by sticky sphere traps with protein odour and pot traps with male lure. Australian Journal of Entomology 46: 160-166.
  94. MEATS A, SMALLRIDGE CJ (2007) Short and long range dispersal of Medfly, Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) and its invasive potential Journal of AppliedEntomolgy 8, 518-523
  95. MEATS A,  2007 Dispersion of fruit flies (Diptera : Tephritidae) at high and low densities and consequences of mismatching dispersions of wild and sterile flies Florida Entomologist  90, 136-146.
  96. ZM LIU, A MEATS & GAC BEATTIE  (2008) Seasonal dynamics, dispersion, sequential sampling plans and treatment thresholds for the citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) in a mature lemon block in coastal NSW, Australia. Australian Journal of Entomology 47: 243-250.
  97. MEATS A, FAY HAC. DREW RAI. 2008  Distribution and eradication of an exotic tephritid fruit fly in Australia: relevance of invasion theory. Journal of Applied Entomology 132, 406-411.
  98. MEATS, A; KELLY, GL (2008) Relation of constant, daily fluctuating, and ambient feeding temperature to daily and accumulated consumption of yeast autolysate and sucrose by female Queensland fruit fly Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 129 87-95.
  99. MEATS, A; EDGERTON, JE (2008) Short- and long-range dispersal of the Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni and its relevance to invasive potential, sterile insect technique and surveillance trapping  Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 48, 1237-1245.
  100. XUE Y, MEATS  A BEATTIE GAC, et al. (2009) The influence of sublethal deposits of agricultural mineral oil on the functional and numerical responses of Phytoseiulus persimilis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) to its prey, Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) Experimental and Applied Acarology 48, 291-302.
  101. XUE Y, BEATTIE GAC, MEATS A, et al. (2009 ) Relative toxicity of nC24 agricultural mineral oil to Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae) and its possible relationship to egg ultrastructure. Aust J. Entomol. 48: 251-257
  102. XUE Y, BEATTIE GAC, MEATS A, et al (2009 ) Impact of nC24 agricultural mineral oil deposits on the searching efficiency and predation rate of the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae). Aust J. Entomol. 48: 258-264.
  103. MEATS, A; STREAMER, K; GILCHRIST, AS (2009) Bacteria as food had no effect on fecundity during domestication of the fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni Journal of Applied Entomology 133, 633-639.
  104. WELDON CW & MEATS A. (2009)  Dispersal of mass-reared sterile, laboratory-domesticated and wild male Queensland fruit flies. Journal of Applied Entomology, doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0418.2009.01436.x
  105. LIANG WG, MEATS A, BEATTIE GAC, SPOONER-HART R AND JIANG L (2009) Conservation of natural enemy fauna in citrus canopies by horticultural mineral oil: comparison with effects of carbaryl and methidathion treatments for armoured scale insects.

 

The School of Biological Sciences A12, University of Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia.
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