Biocontrol introduction
Target pest: Dasineura pyri (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), pear leafcurling midge
Agent introduced: Inostemma boscii (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae)
Imported:
1925-26?
Import source:
France (1925-26), England (1926)?
Import notes:
Cameron et al. (1989) - in 1925 three consignments were sent from France with material potentially containing D. pyri parasitoids, including one, collected near Paris, of D. pyri-infested leaves from which the parasitoids Platygaster demades, Torymus chloromerus and Isostemma boscii had been reared. In 1926, five consignments of parasitised D. pyri were sent to New Zealand; one from England, three from France and one originating from both countries. No I. boscii were recorded emerging from any of these importations, but the subsequent detection of this parasitoid in the field in New Zealand [see Cameron et al. (1989) entry in ‘Establishment’ section] raises the question of whether it was, in fact, imported with this material.
Release details:
Cameron et al. (1989) - there were no records of I. boscii being released in New Zealand.
Establishment:
Cameron et al. (1989) - although there were no records of I. boscii being released in New Zealand, a single specimen was collected in Henderson, Auckland in 1938, where the original imported material [see Cameron et al. (1989) entry in ‘Import notes’ section] had been reared approximately 10 years previously. Further specimens have been collected in 1981 from Kumeu and Mt Albert in Auckland. It appears I. boscii has established in New Zealand.
Impacts on target:
Cameron et al. (1989) - although I. boscii appears to have established in New Zealand, there is too little information available to be able to speculate on its impact on Dasineura spp. populations.
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.
