Story: Agricultural and horticultural research

Biological control

Biological control

In the late 19th century the cottony cushion scale (Icerya purchasi Maskell) was widespread on orange and lemon trees, where it decimated fruit production. It was also found on gorse, broom, rose bushes, pines, cypresses and grass. The pest was later controlled by a self-introduced ladybird from Australia (Rodalia cardinalis Mulsant). This promoted public confidence in biological control, which helped to reduce the use of toxic chemicals to control insect pests. In this letter in the Wanganui Herald of 22 June 1893, entomologist W. W. Maskell comments on the presence of Icerya purchasi, and also of Vedalia cardinalis (now called Rodalia cardinalis) at Whanganui.

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National Library of New Zealand, Papers Past
Reference: Wanganui Herald, 22 June 1893, p. 2

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How to cite this page:

Ross Galbreath, 'Agricultural and horticultural research - Advances in plant science', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/document/19681/biological-control (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Ross Galbreath, published 24 Nov 2008