Tamarixia triozae A biological control agent of Tomato Potato - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Tamarixia triozae A biological control agent of Tomato Potato Psyllid Dr Stephen Ogden Market Access Solutionz Ltd

Application to release Tamarixia triozae  Why we are applying to release T. triozae  TPP – the problem  Researching the solutions  Why is Tamarixia needed?  How will Tamarixia be used?  Industry group perspectives  Response to submissions  Technical experts

TPP – the problem  TPP – Bactericera cockerelli  Detected in 2006 in a tomato greenhouse  Yellowing and curling of leaves  Psyllid yellows  Found to be widespread – not eradicated  TPP known to cause “Zebra chip” in potatoes in USA – but not why

Tomato Potato Psyllid (TPP) - Laid on stalks, leaf margins - 7 days to hatch J Clark, Univ. Calif Psyllid eggs W Stepman, BCP Ltd J Munyaneza, USDA Lifecycle 15-30 days, Psyllid nymph 3-5 generations on potato - 3-4mm long - Light yellow when emerge, 2-3 days brown or green - Adults banded grey or black/white - Phloem feeding J Munyaneza, USDA Psyllid adult

Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum  Identified from NZ tomato crops in 2008  New to science – not previously identified  Bacterium spread by TPP  Develops in phloem & psyllid  Interferes with transport of sugars into potato tubers  Leaf yellowing, curling, death  Zebra chip in potato tubers  IPM programmes lost – reversion to calendar spraying

Photo (& top right) courtesy of J Anderson

Researching solutions  Sustainable psyllid management (2009-12)  $990,000 (SFF and Industry)  IPM tools for psyllid management in potatoes (2011-14)  $274,000 (SFF and industry)  Assessing the potential for the psyllid parasitoid Tamarixia triozae to establish in New Zealand (2012)  $25,500 (SFF and industry)

Researching solutions  Plant & Food Research MBIE (2013 – 2019) $6,665,400  Sensory cues  Pheromone products  Improved monitoring tools and control  Population genetics  Seasonal and/or regional psyllid/Lso risk prediction  Insecticide resistance  Plant host responses to Lso and psyllid  Molecular and analytical markers  Resistant cultivars

Tamarixia triozae  A small parasitic wasp 2-3 mm in length  Eggs laid under the psyllid larvae  T. triozae develop as an external parasitoid beneath the body of TPP Photo: Plant & Food Research Photo: hydro-gardens.com

Why do we want T. triozae  Part of an IPM programme  Complements existing BCAs  Reduces pest pressure in and around crops  Reduces overwintering potential  Fits with use of newer, specific, agrichemicals  Reduces use of agrichemicals  Improved pest control outcomes

Release and use of T. triozae  Released as part of a research programme  PFR to import and rear  Release and monitoring of parasitism rates, rate of spread  Three year programme  Intends to “get it right”  Make available to growers in all regions  MPI SFF project subject to EPA release approval  “Improved control of tomato potato psyllid with the psyllid parasitoid Tamarixia triozae ”

Applicant presentation  Industry group representatives  Potatoes NZ  Tomatoes NZ  Heinz Wattie’s NZ Ltd  Vegetables NZ  Tamarillo Growers Association Inc  Response to submitters  Sally Anderson  John Charles (Plant & Food Research)  Chris Nixon (NZIER)