Releases from 1994-1997 and recovery of the parasitic mite Hemisarcoptes coccophagus Meyer (Acari: Hemisarcoptidae) in Gisborne and Bay of Plenty

Abstract

Hemisarcoptes coccophagus Meyer, introduced to New Zealand in 1987 to control armoured scale insects (Diaspididae), was distributed in the Bay of Plenty and Gisborne between 1994 and 1997. A simple method for distributing them between orchards is described. In 2004/05 the distribution sites were surveyed for H. coccophagus establishment. The original release trees were re-sampled where possible. No mites were found at 8 sites in Gisborne. Hemisarcoptes coccophagus was discovered on latania scale (Hemiberlesia lataniae (Signoret)) on shelter trees at 2 of 8 sites in the Bay of Plenty. Further sampling of scale insects on shelter trees and kiwifruit vines at these sites demonstrated that the mites were present on the orchard shelter trees. A single mite was found in the kiwifruit crop. The implications of these findings for the biological control of armoured scale insects are discussed.