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Biocontrol introduction

Target pest: Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Agent introduced: Scaeva pyrastri (Diptera: Syrphidae)

Imported:

1969, 1970, 1973

Import source:

Pakistan

Import notes:

Cameron et al. (1989) - the syrphid fly species Scaeva pyrastri, Metasyrphus confractor and Episyrphus ?balteatus were imported to New Zealand from Pakistan in October 1969 (494 pupae), March and April 1970 (275 pupae) and April 1971 (350 pupae). Parasitism of the pupae was high, few healthy flies were reared and they failed to breed successfully in quarantine.

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.