The distribution of Liotryphon caudatus, a parasitoid of codling moth (Cydia pomonella) in Hawke's Bay apple orchards

Abstract

The ichneumonid parasitoid Liotryphon caudatus was introduced into New Zealand in 1906 for biological control of codling moth, Cydia pomonella, a pest of pipfruit. Following release, it was found in the Auckland area, with only isolated recoveries in the 1970s in Waikato and Hawke's Bay. In 2010, 9.6% parasitism of codling moth by L. caudatus in larvae collected from a Hawke's Bay orchard was recorded. Liotryphon caudatus harvested from this collection were used to establish a laboratory colony for behavioural observations. In 2011, 15 sites across Hawke's Bay comprising abandoned, organic and Integrated Fruit Production apple orchards were surveyed for the presence of L. caudatus. Cocooned codling moth larvae in corrugated cardboard bands were placed at each site for 3 weeks and assessed for parasitism. Liotryphon caudatus was recovered from four of five abandoned orchards with up to 13% parasitism, but was not found in either organic or IFP orchards.