July, 2014
NZFFA eucalypt tortoise beetle biocontrol progress
A parasitoid wasp of the spring-time larval stage of the eucalyptus leaf beetle Paropsisterna agricola in Tasmania has had its identity confirmed and is the most exciting potential biological control agent for New Zealands’ fight against the Eucalyptus Tortoise Beetle.
This agent is Eadya paropsidis, a braconid wasp. Scion has now applied to the Environmental Protection Authority, New Organisms Group, for permission to import the parasitoid into Containment for safety testing. The EPA will publicise its decision in mid August 2014.