Progress towards biological control of Bactericera cockerelli in covered cropsin New Zealand

Abstract: Bactericera cockerelli is a North American pest species known in New Zealand as thetomato/potato psyllid (TPP). First reported in New Zealand in 2006, it has now become a majorpest on both greenhouse and outdoor solanaceous crops in New Zealand. Effective biologicalcontrol agents are urgently needed to increase and improve control options for growers. Searchesconducted within New Zealand have identified a number of psyllid predators that are potentialbiocontrol agents for TPP. In addition, in 2009 a North American parasitoid, Tamarixia triozae,was imported into quarantine facilities at Plant & Food Research, Auckland, for assessment as abiological control agent for TPP.