Biocontrol introduction

Target pest: Dasineura pyri (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), pear leafcurling midge

Agent introduced: Torymus chloromerus (Hymenoptera: Torymidae)

Imported:

1925-26

Import source:

France (1925-26), England (1926)

Import notes:

Cameron et al. (1989) - in 1925 three consignments were sent from France with material potentially containing D. pyri parasitoids. One T. chloromerus emerged from the second consignment, collected near Paris, of D. pyri-infested leaves from which the parasitoids Platygaster demades, T. chloromerus and Isostemma boscii had been reared. In 1926, five consignments of parasitised D. pyri were sent to New Zealand; one from England, three from France and one originating from both countries. Twelve T. chloromerus emerged from these shipments.

Released:

Cameron et al. (1989) - Torymus chloromerus was probably not released.

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.