Biocontrol introduction

Target pest: Mayetiola destructor (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), hessian fly

Agent introduced: Aprostocetus zosimus (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)

Import source: Self imported, European species

Release details: Possibly included in 1893 and 1894/5 importations of Platygaster hiemalis and Pediobius epigonus

Establishment: Cameron et al. (1989) - Geraldine. Withers et al. (1995) - present in Manawatu. Prestidge (unpub. data, in Withers et al. (1995)) - recorded previously from both Lincoln (Canterbury) and Hamilton (Waikato).

Impacts on target: Withers et al. (1995) - 1% parasitism of 2nd post-winter generation Hessian fly pupae by A. zosimus; not detected in the 1st generation.

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.

Withers TM, Harris MO and Davis LK. (1995). The incidence of Hessian fly and other pests in New Zealand wheat crops. New Zealand Plant Protection 48: 165-169