Systematics and coevolution of insect herbivores on casuarinas: testing phylogenetic congruence for selection of plant biocontrol agents

木麻黄（sheoaks）是澳大利亚花卉景观的重要组成部分。与它们相关的是许多共同进化的昆虫，其中一些可能被证明是对木麻黄杂草有用的生物防治剂。利用形态分类学和新的分子方法，我们将比较木虱、鳞瘿昆虫和象鼻虫与木麻黄的共同进化。该项目将对澳大利亚木麻黄的保护和再生以及对木麻黄作为环境杂草的特定生物防治剂的选择具有重要意义。

The casuarinas (sheoaks) are a significant component of the Australian floral landscape. Associated with them are many co-evolved insects, some of which may prove useful as biocontrol agents against Casuarina weeds. Using morphological taxonomy combined with a novel molecular approach, we will compare the co-evolution of psyllids, scale and gall insects, and weevils with that of the casuarinas. This project will have significant implications for conservation and regeneration of casuarinas in the Australian context and the selection of specific biocontrol agents against casuarinas as environmental weeds.