New pest introductions into Australia
EPPO has been informed by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service that beside the introduction of Frankliniella occidentalis (94/004) two further pests have been recently introduced into the country.
Spiraling whitefly, Aleurodicus dispersus, has been detected on Boigu Island in the Torres Strait infesting ornamentals in 1991. Eradication was not considered feasible, but it was decided to attempt control on Boigu Island by introducing the biological control agent Encarsia haitiensis. The agent which was introduced from Fiji during 1992 failed to establish. Further outbreaks of the pest have been detected on other Torres Strait islands and further introductions of the biological control agent are planned.
Hibiscus erineum mite, Eriophyes hibisci, has been reported from Southport, Elanora and Tweed Heads on the Queensland coast south of Brisbane in 1992. It was thought that the infestation was about 18 months old and could not be eradicated. Internal official regulations to prevent a further spread have been adopted by the plant protection authorities of Australia.
Sources
Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, Canberra ;(1993-11)