Quadrastichus mendeli IN MEXICO: ¿THE BEGINNING OF AN IMP AGAIN Leptocybe invasa sensu lato AT THIS COUNTRY? (HYMENOPTERA: EULOPHIDAE)

Resumen

Leptocybe invasa is a worldwide pest of eucalypts in many forestry regions. This wasp causes galls, weakening and even killing young trees. Classic biological control with parasitoids is developed in some countries, but in Mexico is a slow process introducing them. We report the presence of the parasitoid Quadrastichus mendeli in Mexico, a biocontrol agent used against L. invasa that has spread naturally. Biology of both species, in addition to other studies, suggest the possibility of implement an Integrated Pest Management in Mexico’s urban areas, as a preventive way before the pest arrival and infests the eucalypts forestry zones.