Biocontrol introduction
Target pest: Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Agent introduced: Harmonia dimidiata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Imported:
1974, 1976
Import source:
Swat, Pakistan
Import notes:
Cameron et al. (1989) - adult H. dimidiata were collected near Swat in Pakistan, reared in the laboratory, and “many” shipped to New Zealand in four consignments: July and November (two shipments) 1974, and in 1976. They were easily reared and releases were made from the laboratory colony.
Released:
1974
Release details:
Cameron et al. (1989) - first generation laboratory-reared adults and several thousand eggs were released at Lincoln, Canterbury, South Island in September 1974. During the next two years releases were made at Kerikeri, Auckland, Tauranga, Palmerston North and Woodhill in the North Island and Nelson and Canterbury in the South Island.
Establishment:
Cameron et al. (1989) - overwintering aggregations of H. dimidiata were found on trees at Lincoln in 1975 and again in 1976. However, despite many thousands of individuals being released in various parts of the country, this species has not become established.
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.
