Development and application of an integrated pest management programme for the psyllid, Ctenarytaina thysanura on Boronia megastigma in Tasmania

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Abstract
An integrated pest management programme for control of the psyllid, Ctenarytaina thysanura (Ferris & Klyver) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) in commercial boronia plantations was developed and implemented from 1986–1989. The programme involved spraying boronia stems only with the systemic organophosphate mevinphos at peak incidence of late stage nymphs. At this time, the majority of parasitoids were pupating within mummified hosts. Consequently, actively feeding nymphs were potentially susceptible to mevinphos but the parasitoids were not. Stem application negated any contact effect on parasitoids and predators. The conservation of natural enemies subsequently reduced psyllid numbers and no insecticide has been required since 1989. In economic terms the benefit to cost ratio of the IPM programme was 22.40: 1.0 and this was 40 times greater than the conventional 10 demeton‐S‐methyl sprays used by growers prior to the study.