Biocontrol introduction

Target pest: Cytisus scoparius (Fabales: Fabaceae), Scotch broom, broom

Agent introduced: Leucoptera spartifoliella (Lepidoptera: Lyonetiidae), broom twig miner

Import source:

Gourlay (2009) - L. spartifoliella is native to Europe.

Import notes:

Harman et al. (1996), Gourlay (2009), Landcare Research (2014c) - accidental introduction.

Released:

Harman et al. (1996) - first recorded in New Zealand in 1950.

Establishment:

Harman et al. (1996) - is common on broom in New Zealand.

Gourlay (2009), Landcare Research (2014c) - now commonly found throughout New Zealand.

Impacts on target:

Harman et al. (1996) - kills broom twigs, causing considerable damage to the broom bushes.

Gourlay (2009) - Some large outbreaks have caused severe damage to broom infestations.

Landcare Research (2014c) - often causes obvious damage.

References

Gourlay H. (2009). The biological control of broom (Cytisus scoparius). IUFRO International Forest Biosecurity Conference, 16-20 March 2009, Rotorua, New Zealand. Popular Summaries. Compiled by Richardson M, Hodgson C and Forbes A. New Zealand Forest Research Institute Limited. 230-232

Harman HM, Syrett P, Hill RL, Jessep CT. (1996). Arthropod introductions for biological control of weeds in New Zealand, 1929 - 1995. New Zealand Entomologist, 19(1): 71-80

Landcare Research (2014c). Who's who in biocontrol of weeds? What's new in biological control of weeds? 69: 10-11 http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/publications/newsletters/biological-control-of-weeds/issue-69