![]() ![]() Burkholder, in Encyclopedia of Insects (Second Edition), 2009 Preadaptations and Natural Habitats Molds damage specimens and introduce foreign DNA that may lead to significant errors in analyses of host DNA. In humid climates, molds may grow on herbarium specimens unless proper precautions are taken. It is terribly disheartening to find that collections have been destroyed by insects before they could be studied. Although freezing or fumigation of specimens often is delayed until field work is completed, it must be done as soon as possible after collection. Prompt processing and care of field collections is important. Methyl bromide fumigation should be carried out as necessary, if it is permitted by the institution and local environmental laws. In that case, good ventilation in work areas is needed to reduce the health hazard to staff. If air conditioning is not available, pesticides or repellents (e.g., naphthalene, paradichlorobenzene) should be placed in each herbarium cabinet. Herbaria should be well ventilated and air conditioned. Commonly, specimens are frozen to kill eggs, larvae, and adults (see “Incoming Specimens,” earlier). Before being incorporated into an herbarium, all specimens, including returned loans, should be treated for insect contamination. Pest monitoring and control, using a combination of methods including visual inspections and traps with insect hormone attractants, should be carried out as a routine herbarium activity ( Hall 1988). Such pests include silverfish, booklice, spider beetles, cockroaches, ants, and carpet beetles. Insect pests that feed on molds or detritus can be merely a nuisance or, at high numbers, can cause serious damage. Such insects include deathwatch beetles ( Xestobium rufovillosum), drywood termites ( Crytptermes species and Kalotermes species), and furniture beetles ( Anobium punctatum). Insect pests that eat wood can destroy the substratum portion of wood-inhabiting fungus specimens. ![]() ![]() Fleshy mushrooms and polypores, which are particularly prone to such infestations, are destroyed by these creatures. Drugstore beetles ( Stegobium paniceum, also known as biscuit beetles or herbarium beetles) and cigarette, or tobacco, beetles ( Lasioderma serricorne) feed on dried fungus, paper, and adhesives. PFISTER, in Biodiversity of Fungi, 2004 PEST CONTROLīy far the most common problem encountered by curators of fungus collections is insect infestation. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |