This sap-sucking psyllid was released throughout Australia to help control mesquite.
Mesquite biocontrol with the sap-sucking psyllid, Prosopidopsylla flava
The sap-sucking psyllid, Prosopidopsylla flava was released in Australia as a biological control agent for mesquite.
- 3 May 2010 | Updated 14 October 2011
- Summary and current research
- Psyllid origin and lifecycle
- Host-specificity
- Mass-rearing and release
- Establishment, damage and impact
Summary and current research
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The sap sucking psyllid, Prosopidopsylla flava was released throughout Australia in 1998-2000. However, it has only tenuously established at two infestations, in north-west New South Wales and south-west Queensland, despite the release of over 180 000 insects.
These infestations have not been resurveyed since 2001, so it is uncertain whether populations still remain.
Available evidence suggests that ant predation, and possibly poor adaptation to climate in hotter regions, may be the key factor preventing establishment.
No current research is taking place on P. flava. Any future work on this insect would aim to test hypotheses as to why it failed to establish and/or result in impact, including climatic reasons, and predation, host quality, competition with Evippe (in the Pilbara), and inbreeding in laboratory cultures.
Learn more about Controlling mesquite in northern Australia.
References
van Klinken RD. 2000. Host-specificity constrains evolutionary host change in the psyllid Prosopidopsylla flava. Ecological Entomology. 25: 413-422.
van Klinken RD, Fichera G, Cordo H. 2003. Targeting biological control across diverse landscapes: the release, establishment and early success of two insects on mesquite (Prosopis) in rangeland Australia. Biological Control. 26: 8-20.
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Fast facts
- The sap-sucking psyllid, Prosopidopsylla flava was released in Australia to help control mesquite
- Prosopidopsylla flava failed to establish at most sites despite large-scale, multiple releases
- Evidence suggests ant predation and possibly poor adaptation to climate in hotter regions, may be the key factor preventing establishment
