Biocontrol introduction
Target pest: Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Agent introduced: Oenopia sauzeti (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Imported:
1968-76
Import source:
Pakistan
Import notes:
Cameron et al. (1989) - a consignment of O. sauzeti was received from the Commonwealth Institute of Biological Control, Pakistan Station in December 1968. This was the first of many consignments from Pakistan between 1968 and 1976. During that period, many thousands of eggs, larvae and adults were reared from the imported material on various aphid species.
Released:
1968
Release details:
Cameron et al. (1989) - a total of approximately 20,000 O. sauzeti (all stages) were released during 1968-76 in the vicinity of Christchurch, Canterbury, South Island. More than 15,000 eggs, larvae and adults were released in Northland (Kerikeri and Paihia) and near Auckland, in the North Island.
Establishment:
Cameron et al. (1989) - although populations persisted for several generations following release, O. sauzeti failed to establish.
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.
