Introduction of a parasitoid for mealybug biocontrol a case study under new environmental legislation

Abstract

Pseudaphycus maculipennis is one of the few known encyrtid parasitoids of the obscure mealybug (Pseudococcus viburni) It was released in New Zealand on 14 February 2001 The importation process under changing environmental legislation over an 8 year period is detailed and the implications of the new legislation for future classical biocontrol programmes is discussed