The prediction and monitoring of lucerne aphids (Acyrthosiphon spp.) in New Zealand (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Abstract

Experience with outbreaks of 2 new pests — blue green lucerne aphid (BGA), Acyrthosiphon kondi Shinji, and pea aphid, A. pisum (Harris) — in the lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) crops of the southern North Island, provides an example of the value of extensive regional monitoring programmes to assess rapidly the spread of pest species, their likely importance, and the worth and timing of control methods. These studies have enabled an effective programme for lucerne aphid control to be rapidly developed. The use of this has allowed the production of the susceptible local cultivar ‘Wairau’ to be economically maintained in the face of aphid attack. Reasons for the choice of extensive monitoring at the expense of alternative approaches to the development of pest control programmes are discussed.

Keywords:

• Hemiptera
• Aphididae
• lucerne aphids
• control
• methods
• North Island