B3   >>   BCANZ home   ·   Search database   ·   Browse database

Biocontrol introduction

Target pest: Agromyzidae (Diptera: Agromyzidae), leaf miners

Agent introduced: Tetrastichus sp. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)

Imported:

1970-71

Import source:

Pakistan

Import notes:

Cameron et al. (1989) - because resources for mass-rearing in New Zealand were lacking, biocontrol agents for the biocontrol programme against agromyzids were reared in Pakistan and sent to New Zealand by the Commonwealth Institute of Biological Control in Pakistan. The host agromyzids in Pakistan from which all parasitoids for New Zealand were obtained were Chromatomyia horticola and Liriomyza brassicae. Between April and October 1970, 1,663 adult Tetrastichus sp. were sent in 11 consignments. All 228 adults in the last two shipments died in transit. Two further consignments totalling 152 adults were received during April 1971, but the 100 in the second shipment died in transit.

Released:

1970

Release details:

Cameron et al. (1989) - at least 957 of the imported Tetrastichus sp. adults [see Cameron et al. (1989) entry in ‘Import notes’ section above] were released at several sites in South Canterbury, South Island and at least 430 were released at Lincoln, Canterbury, South Island.

Establishment:

Cameron et al. (1989) – there we no recoveries of Tetrastichus sp.

General comments:

Cameron et al. (1989) - some species of Agromyzidae (leaf miner flies) present in New Zealand are serious pests overseas, but their pest status in New Zealand is uncertain. Liriomyza chenopodii may damage beet and spinach; Chromatomyia syngenesiae is mainly a pest in glasshouses, where it damages Asteraceae, especially chrysanthemums, though it has been regarded as not important in cultivated crops; Cerondontha australis is frequently found in many grasses, including cereals, though apparently does not cause significant damage. The cosmopolitan pest Liriomyza brassicae is not considered a significant pest in New Zealand. In the late-1960s reports of apparent agromyzid leaf miner damage to brassicas led to the instigation of the biocontrol programme against agromyzids. However, during the course of the programme it was discovered that the damaging leaf miners were not Agromyzidae but two species of Drosophilidae.

References

Cameron PJ, Hill RL, Bain J, Thomas WP (1989). A Review of Biological Control of Invertebrate Pests and Weeds in New Zealand 1874-1987. Technical Communication No 10. CAB International Institute of Biological Control. DSIR Entomology Division. 424p.