Biocontrol introduction

Target pest: Panonychus ulmi (Acariformes: Tetranychidae), European red mite

Agent introduced: Typhlodromus pyri (Parasitiformes: Phytoseiidae) = Galendromus pyri

Imported:

Unknown -accidental introduction

Import source:

Europe?

Import notes:

Cameron et al. (1989) - Typhlodromus pryi was probably accidentally introduced into New Zealand with early European settlement.

Released:

Unknown - accidental introduction

Establishment:

Cameron et al. (1989) - Typhlodromus pryi is common in most orchard areas in New Zealand.

Impacts on target:

Cameron et al. (1989) - Typhlodromus pryi is the most important mite predator of P. ulmi in New Zealand. It is resistant to many orchard insecticides and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programmes for P. ulmi based on T. pyri effectively regulate the pest at low levels in commercial orchards, provided pesticides toxic to the predator are avoided. In unsprayed habitats T. pyri is assisted by a range of insect predators to maintain P. ulmi at very low levels which do not damage the crop.

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.