Is the climate in Australia suitable for pest establishment?
Climate is not a limiting factor in Australia within current and potential potato production areas. CLIMEX modelling using the methods of Sutherst and Maywald (2003) indicates that climate is highly suitable in all potato, tomato and egg-fruit production areas (Section 4). However, climatic barriers may exist between production areas in Western Australia, the Eastern States, and the Northern Territory (see discussion on Spread Potential). Are there limiting factors to pest establishment? The absence of suitable host plants at a susceptible stage for infestation in the vicinity of likely points of introduction is a potential barrier to establishment. Is there a history of establishment of the pest in new environments overseas? The currently accepted hypothesis is that CPB originated in Mexico where it fed exclusively on buffalo burr, Solanum rostratum Ramur. The expansion of white civilisation in Central America and the United States resulted in development of cattle ranches and trade.
