Accidental introduction into Italy and establishment of Aprostocetus fukutai (Hym.: Eulophidae) in citrus longhorned beetle infestations

Authors: HERARD, FRANCK - European Biological Control Laboratory (EBCL); MASPERO, MATEO - Fondazione Minoprio; BON, MARIE-CLAUDE - European Biological Control Laboratory (EBCL)

Submitted to: International Symposium on Biological Control of Arthropods
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/11/2017
Publication Date: 9/18/2017
Citation: Herard, F., Maspero, M., Bon, M. 2017. Accidental introduction into Italy and establishment of Aprostocetus fukutai (Hym.: Eulophidae) in citrus longhorned beetle infestations. 5th International Symposium on Biological Control of Arthropods, Langkawi Island, Malaysia, Sept. 11-16, 2017. pp. 15-18.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Citrus longhorned beetle, Anoplophora chinensis (CLB), was accidentally introduced from Asia into 11 European countries, putting at risk a wide range of broadleaf trees. It was eradicated in 9 countries, but Italy still has residual populations. The gregarious egg parasitoid Aprostocetus fukutai, which is native to Asia, was discovered in CLB infestations near Parabiago, Italy in 2002. Biomolecular data indicates that Japan is the country of origin of the parasitoid. We present data on the geographical distribution in Italy, development cycle, impact on the host in the field, and tests of host specificity. A. fukutai has features of good biocontrol agent, buta moderate dispersal ability that led us to develop a release technique to artificially spread the parasitoid to isolated pest populations.