Biocontrol introduction

Target pest: Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), tomato fruitworm

Agent introduced: Trichogramma brassicae (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) = Trichogramma maidis

General comments:

The biocontrol agent imported as Trichogramma evanescens was qualified by Cameron et al. (1989) as Trichogramma evanescens (sens. lat.) because a 1980 publication by Pintureau & Voegelé showed that in Europe it included a second species, T. maidis [subsequently synonymised with T. brassicae (Noyes 2019) (Universal Chalcidoidea Database - accessed 7 November 2022)]. Therefore, T. brassicae was potentially included in the 'T. evanescens' importations and releases. See the Trichogramma evanescens (sens. lat.) introduction record 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.

Noyes JS (2019). Universal Chalcidoidea Database Natural History Museum. Last updated March 2019. http://www.nhm.ac.uk/chalcidoids