Hilgardia
Hilgardia
Hilgardia
University of California
Hilgardia

Biological control of the blue gum psyllid proves economically beneficial

Authors

Evan P. Hansen
Robert L. Zuparko
Richard B. Norgaard
Donald L. Dahlsten

Authors Affiliations

E.P. Hansen is a graduate student, Energy and Resources Group UC Berkeley; R. L. Zuparko is Postgraduate Researcher, College Of Natural Resources, Center for Biological Control UC Berkeley; R.B. Norgaard is Professor, Department of Agricultural and Resource Group, UC Berkeley; D.L. Dahlsten is Professor College Of Natural Resources, Center for Biological Control UC Berkeley.

Publication Information

Hilgardia 52(1):35-40. DOI:10.3733/ca.v052n01p35. January 1998.

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Abstract

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.

Hansen E, Zuparko R, Norgaard R, Dahlsten D. 1998. Biological control of the blue gum psyllid proves economically beneficial. Hilgardia 52(1):35-40. DOI:10.3733/ca.v052n01p35
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