Biocontrol introduction

Target pest: Ulex europaeus (Fabales: Fabaceae), gorse

Agent introduced: Dictyonota strichnocera (Hemiptera: Tingidae)

Imported:

1982

Import source:

England

Import notes:

Cameron et al. (1989) - Dictyonota strichnocera was assessed, in England 1978-82 and in New Zealand 1982-84, as a potential biocontrol agent for U. europaeus in New Zealand [indicating it was imported into New Zealand in 1982, at least]. As D. strichnocera developed on Cytisus proliferus (tagasaste) in the laboratory, it cannot be released in New Zealand without further study.

Landcare Research (2007a) - specimens of D. strichnocera from England, dated 1982, are present in the Biological Control Voucher Collection of the New Zealand Arthropod Collection [indicating an importation from England in that year].

Released:

Cameron et al. (1989), Gourlay (2007i) - not released.

Impacts on non-targets:

Cameron et al. (1989) - in laboratory tests, D. strichnocera developed on Cytisus proliferus (tagasaste), which may become an important forage shrub in New Zealand in the future.

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.

Gourlay H (2007i). Progress Towards Biological Control of Gorse in New Zealand http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/research/biocons/weeds/gorse/biocontrol_progress.asp

Landcare Research (2007a). New Zealand Arthropod Collection (NZAC) Biological Control Voucher Collection. Landcare Research website [Updated 2020] https://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/tools-and-resources/collections/new-zealand-arthropod-collection-nzac/databases-and-holdings/new-t2-landing-page/