In this section:
Parasitic wasps with potential for biocontrol
We have identified wasps that have potential for biological control of pest thrips and leaf-mining flies.
A thrips parasitoid (thought to be Ceranisus sp.) has previously been recorded from saltbushes in the Virginia horticulture area in spring 2005. This tiny wasp (≈1mm) parasitises first instar WFT thrips larvae. We commenced fortnightly vacuum samples (for collection of adult wasps) from suites of mature saltbushes (Rhagodia parabolica, Enchylaena tomentosa and Atriplex semibaccata) in September 2007.
A range of potentially useful parasitoids were identified during spring and summer, including the thrips parasitoid. The thrips culture is being utilised to understand the basic biology of the parasitoid.
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| Native thrips parasitoid Ceranisus sp | Field sampling |
An additional wasp Hemiptarsenus varicornis (Fig.4) was recorded in reasonable numbers on native plant and grass species from October to December 2005 at Virginia. This wasp is of interest because it parasitises pest Agromyzid flies which are leaf-miners on vegetable crops.
To determine plant and fly hosts for H. varicornis, mined leaves from Rhagodia parabolica and R. candolleana have been sampled fortnightly at two sites and monitored for parasitoid and fly emergence.
Ten parasitoid families and three leaf-mining fly species have been identified, including two Agromyzidae that emerged from R.parabolica and R. candolleana leaf-mines.
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Leaf-mining fly parasitoid Hemiptarsenus varicornis |
Rhagodia candolleana and leaf mines | Leaf mining fly pupae |
Find out more about
The project
Benefits of revegetation
Abundance and diversity of natural enemies
Native plant screening system
Useful publications
Revegetation for Pest Management - 2008 Presentation (PDF)
