Biocontrol introduction

Target pest: Epiphyas postvittana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), light brown apple moth

Agent introduced: Voriella uniseta (Diptera: Tachinidae)

Imported:

1967, 1969

Import source:

Australia

Import notes:

Cameron et al. (1989) - parasitised E. postvittana larvae and pupae were collected in eastern Australia and Tasmania in 1967 and 1969 and imported into quarantine at Nelson. Eighty-one V. uniseta emerged in 1967, of which 50 were directly released; 224 emerged in 1969, of which 200 were directly released. Attempts to culture V. uniseta were unsuccessful.

Released:

1967

Release details:

Cameron et al. (1989) - 50 adults were released at Appleby, near Nelson in 1967 and 200 adults released at Appleby and Nelson in 1969. Releases were made into tree cages enclosing E. postvittana infestations.

Establishment:

Cameron et al. (1989) - adults of a new generation were observed at Appleby in September 1967 (following releases in April/May of that year), but V. uniseta failed to become established.

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.