Biocontrol introduction
Target pest: Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Agent introduced: Chrysopa sp. 3 (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)
Imported:
1927
Import source:
British Columbia, Canada
Import notes:
Cameron et al. (1989) - in October 1927, a consignment of 227 field-collected Chrysopa sp. 3 cocoons were received [presumably at the Cawthron Institute in Nelson] from the Department of Agriculture, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Adults emerged over the course of a full year and offspring larvae released.
Released:
1928
Release details:
Cameron et al. (1989) - larval offspring of imported adults were released onto pine trees amongst Chermes sp. [family Adelgidae, closely related to aphids] populations in Nelson, South Island [presumably in 1928]: 217 in March, 310 in April and 95 in May.
Establishment:
Cameron et al. (1989) - Chrysopa sp. 3 did not establish.
General comments:
Cameron et al. (1989) - of the large number of exotic aphids present in New Zealand, five important field and fruit crop species were initially considered as the targets for biocontrol in the second phase (from 1965) of introductions of beneficial insects, although it is recognised that many other species which attack host plants in New Zealand can be of sporadic or regional importance. Those five species are: Brevicoryne brassicae [cabbage aphid], Myzus persicae [green peach aphid], Rhopalosiphum padi [bird cherry-oat aphid], Sitobion miscanthi [Indian grain aphid] and Macrosiphum euphorbiae [potato aphid]. [Aphid pests that have been targeted by specific biocontrol agents in New Zealand are: Acyrthosiphon kondoi (bluegreen lucerne aphid), Acyrthosiphon pisum (pea aphid) Cavariella aegopodii (carrot-willow aphid), Eriosoma lanigerum (woolly apple aphid), Hyperomyzus lactucae (sowthistle aphid) Metopolophium dirhodum (rose-grain aphid), Myzus persicae (green peach aphid), Therioaphis trifolii (spotted alfalfa aphid), Tuberculatus annulatus (oak aphid) and Tuberolachnus salignus (giant willow aphid). See the introduction records for these target species 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.
