Biocontrol introduction

Target pest: Phthorimaea operculella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), potato tuber moth

Agent introduced: Agathis sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Imported:

1964

Import source:

Northern Argentina and southern Brazil via California, USA

Import notes:

Cameron et al. (1989) - in December 1964, two shipments, one of approximately 100, the other approximately 50 Agathis sp. in host larvae were imported from the Commonwealth Institute of Biological Control station at Fontana, California, USA to Nelson, New Zealand. The Agathis sp. material had been originally sourced from northern Argentina and southern Brazil in 1963-64 and cultured at the Californian Station of CIBC prior to shipment to New Zealand. Both shipments arrived in good condition. The fate of the imported individuals was not recorded.

Released:

1964? [see Cameron et al. (1989) entry in 'Release details' section]

Release details:

Cameron et al. (1989) - records do not indicate if releases were made.

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.