Biological control of the blue gum psyllid proves economically beneficial

Abstract

In 1992, Psyllaephagus pilosus (a parasitoid native to Australia) was introduced in California, USA, in a biological control programme directed against the blue gum psyllid (Ctenarytaina eucalypti). Interviews with 13 baby blue gum eucalyptus [Eucalyptus pulverulenta] growers indicated that this programme had had a benefit cost ratio ranging from at least 9:1 to 24:1, based solely on the reduction of insecticide treatments. Additional economic benefits (greater foliage yield, reduced environmental and health effects and avoiding pesticide resistance) were not calculated, but would further increase this ratio.