Biocontrol introduction

Target pest: Pseudococcus calceolariae (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) = Pseudococcus citrophilus, Pseudococcus fragilus, Pseudococcus gahani, Pseudococcus similans, citrophilus mealybug

Agent introduced: Diplosis sp. (Diptera: Cecidomyidae)

Imported:

1928

Import source:

Australia, Australia via California, USA

Import notes:

Cameron et al. (1989) - between August 1927 and February 1928, natural enemies of Pseudococcus calceolariae were collected in Australia for the Citrus Experimental Station in California, USA. In February 1928, en route back to the USA, individuals of some of the species collected, including Diplosis sp., were left in New Zealand. They were taken to the Cawthron Institute in Nelson, but were not released. In December 1928, a consignment of Diplosis sp. was sent to the Cawthorn Institute in Nelson from California, USA, originating from the material collected in Australia between August 1927 and February 1928. There were no releases from this consignment and by October 1929 all had died.

Released:

Cameron et al. (1989) - not released.

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.