The Red Gum Lerp Psyllid in California
Biological Control Program
We have begun the following steps to develop effective biological controls for this psyllid:
1.Document the seasonal distribution and abundance of the different life stages of the red gum lerp psyllid and any endemic natural enemies on several species of Eucalyptus in California. Current graphs of psyllid distributions at many sample sites may be seen here.
2. Develop an efficient monitoring method to study population fluctuations and to evaluate control attempts.
3. Study the effect of temperature and rainfall on the seasonal fluctuations of G. brimblecombei and its endemic and introduced natural enemies.
4. Screen and select natural enemies from Australia for introduction and evaluate the impact of the selected natural enemies on G. brimblecombei . -- Natural enemies will be selected from a group of predators and parasitoids known to exist in Australia. Parasitoids specific to Glycaspis and to G. brimblecombei will be sought initially. Dr. Dahlsten has completed initial foreign exploration in August 1999 and has collected several candidate insect natural enemies (click here). We have now chosen one of these natural enemies, Psyllaephagus bliteus, that appears to be effective in controlling the psyllid.
5. Implement a statewide biological control program for G. brimblecombei. The natural enemy selected in step 4 (Psyllaephagus bliteus) is now being reared in our insectary and California Department of Food and Agriculture's insectary and is being released at our trap sites and other selected sites statewide (map). The natural enemies have spread effectively from release points in coastal areas during 2000-2001 and are now common in these areas. In inland areas they have been detected but are not as common as of spring 2002.
See pictures and life cycle of the encyrtid parasitoid wasp Psyllaephagus bliteus here.
Advice | Background | Life Stages | Natural Enemies | Map of Sample and Release Sites | Previous Work | References