Biocontrol introduction
Target pest: Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Agent introduced: Chrysoperla plorabunda (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), weeping green lacewing
Imported:
1922, 1925, 1926
Import source:
Kansas, USA (1922); California, USA (1925); USA (1926)
Import notes:
Cameron et al. (1989) - in April 1922, 25 C. plorabunda were received at the Cawthron Institute in Nelson from Kansas, USA. The four surviving females produced eggs but cannibalism led to the demise of the colony and none were released. Two further consignments were received (90 adults from California in November 1925 and 15 adults from the USA in January 1926) but all individuals were dead on arrival.
Released:
Cameron et al. (1989) - not released.
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.
