Tetrastichus planipennisi is a parasitoid of Agrilus planipennis in China
Research is being carried out in China to identify parasitoids which may be used to control Agrilus planipennis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae – EPPO A1 List). During surveys done in different parts of China, several parasitoids were identified. An unknown Tetrastichus species (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) was commonly found parasitizing A. planipennis in northeast China. The species was identified as Tetrastichus planipennisi. This parasitoid develops from eggs to larvae within the A. planipennis larva, which remains alive until its last instar. The wasp larvae then emerge from their dead hosts and chew exit holes through the bark of the tree. In north-eastern China, four generations per year of the parasitoid have been observed. Although further studies are needed, it is felt that T. planipennisi has the potential to be an effective biocontrol agent. It can be recalled that during similar surveys another parasitoid, Spathius agrili (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), had also been identified in China (see EPPO RS 2006/206).
Sources
NAPPO Phytosanitary Pest Alert System
Alerts. Tetrastichus planipennisi Yang. Newly described parasite of Emerald ash borer (EAB) in China. http://www.pestalert.org/viewNewsAlert.cfm?naid=33
Yang ZQ, Strazanac JS, Marsh PM, Yao YX, Wang XY (2006) A new species of emerald ash borer parasitoid from China belonging to the genus Tetrastichus Haliday (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington 108(3), 550-558.