Nationwide survey of arthropods and molluscs on cut flowers in New Zealand

Abstract

Abstract During a nationwide survey, 88 320 plants from eight cut‐flower species at 345 sites located in 13 districts in New Zealand were examined for arthropods and molluscs from December 1994 to June 1995. One hundred and eighty‐six new arthropod and mollusc records were found on the eight cut‐flower species and 114 of these were considered to be potential primary pests. Most new records were for calla ( Zantedeschia spp.) (92) and 50 of these were potential primary pests including 10 species of thrips. Western flower thrips ( Frankliniella occidentalis ) was found in Auckland on calla, rose ( Rosa spp.), carnation ( Dianthus caryophyllus L.), and chrysanthemum ( Chrysanthemum x morifolium ). Twospotted spider mite ( Tetranychus urticae ) was a significant potential pest of cymbidium ( Cymbidium spp.), carnation, gypsophila ( Gypsophila spp.), and rose. Onion thrips ( Thrips tabaci ) was a significant potential pest of calla and New Zealand flower thrips ( Thrips obscuratus ) was a significant potential pest on calla and rose. The oleander scale ( Aspidiotus nerii ) was found at half the cymbidium sites surveyed.