California Agriculture (Jan 1998)

Biological control of the blue gum psyllid proves economically beneficial

  • Donald L. Dahlsten,
  • Evan P. Hansen,
  • Robert L. Zuparko,
  • Richard Norgaard

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3733/ca.v052n01p35
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 52, no. 1
pp. 35 – 40

Abstract

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In 1992 a parasitoid native to Australia was introduced into California in a biological control program directed against the blue gum psyllid from Australia. Interviews with baby blue gum eucalyptus growers indicate that this program has had a benefit-cost ratio ranging from at least 9:1 to 24:1, based solely on the reduction of insecticide treatments. Additional economic benefits, including greater foliage yield, possible reduced environmental and health effects, and avoided pesticide resistance, were not calculated, but would further increase this ratio.