Biocontrol introduction
Target pest: aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Agent introduced: Sympherobius barberi (Neuroptera: Hemerobiidae)
Imported:
pre-1895
Import source:
USA
Import notes:
Cameron et al. (1989) - there is very little information available with respect to the introduction of S. barberi as a biocontrol of aphids, except that an 1895 publication points to the fact that beneficial insects were collected in the USA for transfer to New Zealand as aphid biocontrol agents. [Note that S. barberi was imported for control of mealybugs in 1925, but not released. See the S. barberi introduction entries for the target species Pseudococcus viburni, P. calceolariae and P. longispinus.]
Release details:
Cameron et al. (1989) - it is probable S. barberi from the pre-1895 importation/s were released but no records exist.
Establishment:
Cameron et al. (1989) - there is no record of S. barberi establishment.
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.
