Farm Forestry New Zealand
PESTS AND DISEASES OF FORESTRY IN NEW ZEALAND
Eucalypt psyllids in California
Scion is the leading provider of forest-related knowledge in New Zealand
Formerly known as the Forest Research Institute, Scion has been a leader in research relating to forest health for over 50 years. The Rotorua-based Crown Research Institute continues to provide science that will protect all forests from damage caused by insect pests, pathogens and weeds. The information presented below arises from these research activities.
From Forest Health News 113, November 2001.
Like their counterparts in New Zealand, eucalypt growers in California continue to experience problems with recurring introductions of Australian Eucalyptus psyllids. The blue gum psyllid, Ctenarytaina eucalypti, reached California in 1991 where it caused problems in ornamental eucalypts grown for the flower industry. Biological control was initiated using the same parasitoid that attacks this psyllid in New Zealand, Psyllaephagus pilosus. The red gum psyllid, Glycaspis brimlecombei, became established in California in 1998 (FHNews 91:1), and affected the widely planted Eucalyptus camaldulensis. Its impact on host trees was reminiscent of that made at about the same time by the brown lace lerp, Cardiaspina fiscella, on E. saligna and E. botryoides trees in this country. A biological control initiative has been launched against the red gum pysllid using an Australian parasitoid, Psyllaephagus bliteus. P. bliteus was found parasitising Glycaspis granulata in New Zealand in 1999, under the name P. quadricyclus (FHNews 96:1). A biological control programme has also been initiated against the latest arrival, Eucalyptolyma maideni, which builds lerps (protecting covers) on leaves of the bloodwood species Eucalyptus citriodora and E. maculata . Since reaching California in August 2000, this psyllid has caused extensive defoliation and has spread to a number of new areas. Californian entomologists will search for suitable host-specific parasitoid species in Australia, as part of the control programme. Eucalyptolyma maideni is also present in New Zealand, but has not caused significant health problems here.
Toni Withers, Forest Research
This information is intended for general interest only. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific specialist advice on any matter and should not be relied on for that purpose. Scion will not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or exemplary damages, loss of profits, or any other intangible losses that result from using the information provided on this site.
(Scion is the trading name of the New Zealand Forest Research Institute Limited.)
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