Biocontrol introduction
Target pest: Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Agent introduced: Chrysoperla carnea (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), common green lacewing
Imported:
1968, 1969, 1970
Import source:
California, USA (1968, 1970); Pakistan (1969)
Import notes:
Cameron et al. (1989) - eggs of C. carnea were imported from a laboratory colony in California, USA in October 1968 and April 1970, reared successfully at Nelson, Auckland and Lincoln (Canterbury) between 1968 and 1972 and released during this period. In 1969, small numbers of C. carnea were obtained from the Commonwealth Institute of Biological Control Pakistan Station and reared at Lincoln. Releases were also made from this colony.
Released:
1968
Release details:
Cameron et al. (1989) - many thousands (including eggs, larvae and adults) of the Californian strain [see the Cameron et al. (1989) entry in ‘Import notes’ section] were released 1968-72 at various locations in New Zealand. Releases of the Pakistan strain were made rear Lincoln, Canterbury in the South Island and in Auckland and North Auckland in the North Island.
Establishment:
Cameron et al. (1989) - neither the California nor Pakistan strain, nor a combination [Cameron et al. (1989) note they interbred, but whether in the laboratory or in the field is not stated] established, failing to survive more than one or two generations in the field.
General comments:
Cameron et al. (1989) - of the large number of exotic aphids present in New Zealand, five important field and fruit crop species were initially considered as the targets for biocontrol in the second phase (from 1965) of introductions of beneficial insects, although it is recognised that many other species which attack host plants in New Zealand can be of sporadic or regional importance. Those five species are: Brevicoryne brassicae [cabbage aphid], Myzus persicae [green peach aphid], Rhopalosiphum padi [bird cherry-oat aphid], Sitobion miscanthi [Indian grain aphid] and Macrosiphum euphorbiae [potato aphid]. [Aphid pests that have been targeted by specific biocontrol agents in New Zealand are: Acyrthosiphon kondoi (bluegreen lucerne aphid), Acyrthosiphon pisum (pea aphid) Cavariella aegopodii (carrot-willow aphid), Eriosoma lanigerum (woolly apple aphid), Hyperomyzus lactucae (sowthistle aphid) Metopolophium dirhodum (rose-grain aphid), Myzus persicae (green peach aphid), Therioaphis trifolii (spotted alfalfa aphid), Tuberculatus annulatus (oak aphid) and Tuberolachnus salignus (giant willow aphid). See the introduction records for these target species for details.]
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.
