Successful establishment of Encarsia ?haitiensis Dozier (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) in Torres Strait, Queensland, for the biological control of Aleurodicus dispersus Russell (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

Abstract

Introductions of 'Encarsia?haitiensis' Dozier into Australia for the biological control of 'Aleurodicus dispersus' Russell were made directly into the field on Boigu Island, Torres Strait, Queensland. The methodology used to import the parasitoid and its subsequent release throughout the Torres Strait region is described. In all cases establishment of the parasitoid was recorded within 20 months of releases, commonly quite sooner. There appeared to be an inversely proportional relationship between the numbers of parasitoids released at a location and the time taken for the parasitoid to establish.