The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) of New Zealand has approved a type of parasitic wasp as a biological control agent to combat the tomato potato psyllid, which attacks potatoes, tomatoes, capsicums and tamarillos in the country.
Biological control agents are natural enemies of a plant or insect pests, and are released to reduce, control or supress those pests.
The wasp (Tamarixia triozae) will be introduced and released to kill the tomato potato psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli). The psyllid, which has impacted crops in several countries, was first discovered in New Zealand in 2006.
The psyllid spreads a bacteria (Candidatus Liberibacter) that causes zebra chip disease in potatoes, which affects crop yields.
The wasp is a psyllid parasitoid, which means it attaches to or within a single host, eventually killing it. It is a black, winged red-eyed wasp normally found in North America and Mexico. The wasp lays its eggs on the surface of the psyllid nymphs. The eggs develop into larvae that feed on the nymphs, killing them.
“The parasitic wasp will be introduced as part of a pest management program, in combination with other beneficial insects and chemical control strategies,” said Ray McMillan, EPA’s acting general manager of hazardous substances and new organisms.
“The psyllid is a significant horticultural pest with wide-ranging effects on crops. However, once it’s established, the wasp will create significant benefits for growers of potatoes, tomatoes and other food crops, and for our New Zealand economy.”
To learn more, visit Potato Pro.
