Improved control of tomato potato psyllid with the parasitoid Tamarixia triozae: final report SFF 404861
The goal of the programme was to establish self-sustaining populations of Tamarixia triozae, in New Zealand to contribute to the control of the tomato potato psyllid (TPP, Bactericera cockerelli).
To support this goal, the aim of this project was to evaluate the establishment of T. triozae as a biological control agent (BCA) of TPP in horticultural environments where solanaceae crops are grown through post-release monitoring. Information from this research has been used to develop release and post-release survey guides to assist growers from all industries affected by TPP to integrate T. triozae into their pest management programmes.
The programme at a glance:
- The Tamarixia triozae SFF programme started on 1 July 2016 and finished on 30 June 2020.
- There were two main aspects to this programme: ▪ Grower led-releases to ensure the establishment of T. triozae in New Zealand horticultural environments.
- Releases by The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited (PFR) to evaluate the establishment of T. triozae as a BCA of TPP through post-release monitoring and for longitudinal study of T. triozae survival, persistence, and parasitism rates.
- Tamarixia triozae releases occurred for the last 3 years over the spring/summer period.
