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Host specificity testing and suitability of the parasitoidMicroctonus hyperodae (Hym.: Braconidae, Euphorinae) as a biological control agent ofListronotus bonariensis (Col.: Curculionidae) in New Zealand

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Abstract

The behaviour of the parasitoidMicroctonus hyperodae Loan was studied under quarantine conditions to determine its likely host range in New Zealand. The species was imported from South America as a potential biological control agent of Argentine stem weevil,Listronotus bonariensis (Kuschel).

The study involved systematic evaluation of the parasitoid's behaviour when exposed to 24 non-host weevil species; all but three of these were native to New Zealand. Of those tested, four were found to sustain someM. hyperodae development. However, further examination showed that in all but one species,Irenimus aequalis (Broun), parasitoid development was impeded, with up to 50% of the larvae becoming encapsulated. Overall, those weevil species that were attacked produced only 19% of the parasitoids derived fromL. bonariensis controls.

As an adjunct to this quarantine study, a review of the habitats of the native weevil and target pest populations indicated that refugia would probably exist for native alpine species.

I. aequalis was not considered to be threatened byM. hyperodae as this weevil has benefited from the advent of European agricultural systems to the extent that it is now recognised as a minor pest. In view of its relatively oligophagous behaviour, the parasitoid was recommended as suitable for release.

Résumé

Le comportement du parasitoïdeMicroctonus hyperodae a été étudié en quarantaine afin de déterminer sa gamme d'hôtes potentiels en Nouvelle-Zélande.

L'espèce a été importée d'Amérique du Sud comme agent potentiel de lutte biologique contre le Charançon d'ArgentineListronotus bonariensis.

L'étude comprenait une évaluation systématique du comportement du parasitoïde vis-à-vis de 24 espèces de charançons non encore connues comme hôtes et dont 3 seulement étaient originaires de Nouvelle-Zélande. Un certain développement deM. hyperodae a été observé chez 4 espèces sur la totalité testée. Cependant il s'avère après examen approfondi que chez toutes ces espèces, à l'exception deIrenimus aequalis le développement du parasitoïde a été entravé, avec une encapsulation pouvant atteindre 50%. Au total, ces charançons qui étaient attaqués produisaient seulement 19% des parasitoïdes provenant desL. bonariensis témoins.

En complément de cette étude, un examen des habitats du charançon indigène et des populationscibles de ravageurs a montré que des zones refuges existeraient probablement pour les espèces alpines indigènes.I. aequalis n'a pas été considéré comme menacé parM. hyperodae, vu que ce charançon a bénéficié de l'avancée des systèmes agricoles européens au point qu'il ne constitue plus qu'un ravageur secondaire.

En raison de son régime relativement oligophage, le lâcher de ce parasitoïde est recommandé.

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  1. MAF Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Lincoln, PO Box 24, Canterbury, New Zealand

    S. L. Goldson, M. R. McNeill, C. B. Phillips & J. R. Proffitt

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  1. S. L. Goldson
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  3. C. B. Phillips
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Goldson, S.L., McNeill, M.R., Phillips, C.B. et al. Host specificity testing and suitability of the parasitoidMicroctonus hyperodae (Hym.: Braconidae, Euphorinae) as a biological control agent ofListronotus bonariensis (Col.: Curculionidae) in New Zealand. Entomophaga 37, 483–498 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02373121

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