AgronomyInsectsWasp released in NZ to control Tomato Potato Psyllid

Wasp released in NZ to control Tomato Potato Psyllid

-

A new biocontrol, Tamarixia trioaze, a parasitoid wasp which destroys the tomato potato psyllid (TPP) pest, has been released in Hawke’s Bay and Canterbury, New Zealand.

These initial releases are the start of a wider planned release and monitoring program that is being supported with funding through the government of New Zealand’s Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF).

The tomato potato psyllid has caused enormous problems for the potato, tomato, capsicum and tamarillo growers in New Zealand since it was discovered in that country in 2006.

Since then, the industry has been waging a battle to control this insect pest.

Tamarixia, a tiny wasp that lays its eggs on the psyllid, which then hatch and eat the psyllid, is a biological control option. Tamarixia is found in the U.S. and Mexico as a naturally-occurring parasitoid of tomato potato psyllid.

The Tamarixia were released onto African boxthorn – a TPP overwintering host, as there are currently no host crops such as potatoes or tomatoes in the ground.

The industry groups involved are now looking at ways of ensuring a supply of Tamarixia will be available for release by commercial growers this summer.

Source: thecountry.co.nz

Trending This Week

Potato harvest 2017 copy

What Ignoring Your Stored Spuds Until the End of Harvest Could Cost You

Do you have bin management plan to support your potatoes from load-in through suberization? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve asked various producers...
Under the Hill Farms harvest

Manitoba Storage Potato Harvest in Full Swing

0
The Manitoba potato harvest for storage is in full swing with about a third of potatoes having been harvested, the Sept. 15 provincial potato report...
Daikon Radish

North American Potato Research Bulletin: PAA Meeting Highlights

0
A highlight reel of the latest potato research projects presented at the 2023 PAA annual meeting. Potato researchers across North America are working every day...
Bayer CropScience Canada logo

New Bayer Fungicides Receive Canadian Registration

0
Emesto Complete fungicide and insecticide seed-piece treatment and Velum Rise fungicide/nematicide have received registration in Canada, a Sept. 19 news release from Bayer Crop Science...
Potato harvest 2017 copy

Ontario Storage Potato Harvest Well Underway

0
The harvest of the storage potato crop is in full swing near Alliston, Ont., a Sept. 21 email update from Eugenia Banks said. "The area was...