In a response, these wasps would be released to seek out and parasitize BMSB eggs. To enable the legal import of this wasp it is important to first understand its potential impact on the native shield bug populations.

Plant & Food Research, therefore, needs a supply of native shield bugs to test whether T. japonicus parasitizes them. Growers can help by sending in any shield bugs, in particular it needs Schellenberg’s soldier bug, Oechalia schellenbergii (see photo).

The CRI asks that the live insects, and some of the plant foliage on which they were found, be placed in a paper bag (or wrapped in paper towelling), then placed in a plastic bag. The plastic bag prevents everything from drying out and the paper absorbs excess condensation.

They can then be boxed (for protection) and couriered to:

Sophie Hunt

New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research

120 Mt Albert Road

Sandringham 

Auckland 1025.

Please include a note with collection data (where collected, name of collector etc.).

Source: NZ Avocado Growers Assn.