New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research abstracts
A review of the role of predatory mites in the biological control of
lucerne flea Sminthurus viridis (L.) (Collembola: Sminthuridae) and
their potential use in New Zealand
N. L. Bell
B. E. Willoughby
AgResearch
Ruakura Research Centre
Private Bag 3123
Hamilton, New Zealand
Abstract Research on the role of predatory mites as
biological control agents for the lucerne flea, Sminthurus viridis,
is reviewed and their potential use in New Zealand pastoral systems is discussed.
Three predatory mites are considered, the pasture snout mite (Bdellodes
lapidaria), the spiny snout mite (Neomolgus capillatus), and the
French anystis mite (Anystis wallacei). Of these, only B. lapidaria
is already present in New Zealand but climate may limit its effectiveness
in areas of New Zealand north and west of Palmerston North. Both N. capillatus
and A. wallacei are established in Australia but data currently available
suggest that the importation of only N. capillatus should be considered,
subject to quarantine requirements. N. capillatus has been a particularly
effective predator of lucerne flea in areas of Tasmania with a similar climate
to the northern and western areas of the North Island. A survey of potential
mite predators that already exist in New Zealand pastures should also be
undertaken.
Keywords lucerne flea; predators; mites; CLIMEX; biological
control
A02025 Received 8 April 2002; accepted 23 December 2002; published 30
June 2003
New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 2003, Vol. 46: 141-146
0028-8233/03/4602-0141 $7.00/0 © The Royal Society of New Zealand
2003
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