A population of the wasp would be released to seek out and parasitise BMSB eggs, reducing population pressure. In combination with chemical control, this would maximize the chances of eradicating BMSB before it became problematic.

To enable the import of T. japonicus, it is important to understand its potential impact on New Zealand’s current shield bug populations. Plant and Food research need a supply of shield bugs to test whether T. japonicus parasitises them as well as BMSB.

Horticulature New Zealand suggests that growers can help, if they detect any of the following (pictured above):

• Brown Shield Bug;
• Glossy Shield Bug;
• Spiny Shield Bug.

Contact Sophie Hunt for more details, including how to courier live bugs to her.

Source: HortNZ