Biocontrol introduction

Target pest: Oemona hirta (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), lemon tree borer

Agent introduced: Steinernema feltiae (Rhabditida: Steinermatidae) = Steinernema bibionis

Import notes:

Cameron et al. (1989) - no species have been imported for the biocontrol of O. hirta (an endemic New Zealand species). The biocontrol potential of three species of parasitic nematodes already present in New Zealand has been investigated, although not implemented in the field [see Cameron et al. (1989) entry in ‘Impacts on target’ section below]. The three species chosen were Steinernema bibionis, S. feltiae and Heterorhabditis heliothidis [though note that S. bibionis is now considered a junior subjective synonym of S. feltiae and H. heliothidis renamed H. zealandica (Nemys, accessed 5 April 2025)].

Impacts on target:

Cameron et al. (1989) - in trials, spray inoculation of nematodes (S. feltiae and H. zealandica) reduced O. hirta numbers, but it is doubtful that benefits would outweigh costs, and nematode applications do not appear to be economically useful control measures.

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.

Nemys (). World Database of Nematodes. Bezerra TN, Vanreusel A (chief taxonomic editors), Ghent University https://nemys.ugent.be/