The Red Gum Lerp Psyllid in California
Latest News
April 14, 2004
We present here updated graphs of psyllid and parasitoid populations at sample sites in California through 2003.
Sept. 20, 2002
We present here a map of parasitoid release
and establishment points in California, and updated
population graphs showing declining
numbers of psyllids in many areas.
Central Valley sample sites have now been confirmed to have parasitoid establishment in small numbers.
April 26, 2002
We present here graphs of psyllid and parasitoid populations at sample sites in California.
March, 2002
The number of confirmed counties with parasitoid natural enemy establishment has grown to eleven with the addition of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Imperial. We have preliminary indications of establishment in Fresno. During the fall and winter 2001-2002 it appears that the parasitoids are reducing psyllid populations in several coastal study areas compared to the same period in 2000-2001. Releases of insectary-reared natural enemies continues.
October, 2001
We have confirmed parasitoid natural enemy establishment in eight California counties: San Mateo, Alameda, Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Clara, Ventura, Monterey, and Orange. Releases of insectary-reared natural enemies continues.
August 9, 2001
We present here updated graphs of psyllid populations at sample sites in California.
July, 2001
We have confirmed parasitoid natural enemy establishment in four California counties: San Mateo, Alameda, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Releases of insectary-reared natural enemies continues at selected sites.
Feb. through June, 2001
In February we recovered another adult parasitioid natural enemy in a trap from Redwood City, San Mateo Co. This indicates successful overwintering of the parasitoid natural enemies which originally migrated naturally to this area by August 2000.
We released additional insectary-reared natural enemies in Huntington Beach, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Alameda during this period.
In June we helped establish an insectary-rearing operation for parasitoids and released parasitoids in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
January 8, 2001
We recovered three parasitized psyllid nymphs in foliage samples from Valley Village Park, Los Angeles. The samples were taken Oct. 11, 2000. This indicated successful establishment of the parasitoid natural enemies originally released here in June.
December 1, 2000
We have released parasitoid natural enemies in Fresno County, San Diego County, Orange County (Disneyland), and Monterey County in the last month.
October 12, 2000
We have released parasitoid natural enemies in Ventura, Tehema, and Sacramento Counties in the last three weeks.
September 15, 2000
A parasitoid has been recovered today from a trap set in Redwood City, San Mateo County. The parasitoid was trapped sometime during the week of August 24 - August 31. It's origin is most likey the release site in Ardenwood, Alameda County, about 11 miles directly or 16 miles by road from the Redwood City trap.
September 15, 2000
Parasitoids have been released today in the San Diego County area.
August 29, 2000
Parasitoids have been released today in Torrance, Los Angeles County. Releases were also made on 21 August at the Los Angeles Zoo, Griffith Park area.
August 9, 2000
The life cycle and pictures of the newly introduced parasitoid of the psyllid is presented here.
August 8, 2000
We present here updated graphs of psyllid populations at sample sites in California.
June 23, 2000
Another release of parasitoids was made today in the Woodland Hills area of Los Angeles.
June 14, 2000
The second release of parasitoids was made today in Alameda County, Ardenwood Park. Further releases will be made as wasp production proceeds.
June 7, 2000
The initial release of the parasitoid natural enemies of the psyllid was made today in the North Hollywood area of Los Angeles. Further releases will be made as wasp production proceeds. See the UC Berkeley press release for further details:
April 6, 2000
We are in the final stages of laboratory testing of one parasitoid natural enemy species (Psyllaephagus bliteus) for use as a biological control agent for the lerp psyllid.
During his recent sampling field trip, Dr. Dahlsten confirmed the death of some red gums in the Los Angeles area, with lerp psyllid damage being the suspected cause.
September 30, 1999
As of this date we have found 6 species of parasitoid natural enemies in the material collected by Dr. Dahlsten in Australia. Two of these species are successfully reproducing in Quarantine, with one being tentatively identified.
September 14, 1999
Dr. Dahlsten has successfully concluded an exploration trip to Australia in search of natural enemies of the psyllid. He has imported insect natural enemies which are now being evaluated in the U. C. Berkeley College of Natural Resources Quarantine Facility. Follow this link to view the insects in the quarantine facility.
Read the U. C. Berkeley Press Release on the discovery of these insects HERE.