Importation and establishment of<i>Heteropsylla spinulosa</i>(Homoptera; Psyllidae) for the biological control of<i>Mimosa invisa</i>in Papua New Guinea

Abstract

Abstract Mimosa invisa Mart. is a serious weed to range lands, plantations, subsistence gardens and non‐productive areas in Papua New Guinea. Recently a biocontrol agent, Heteropsylla spinulosa (Homoptera: Psyllidae) was imported and field releases were made in the Markham‐Ramu Valleys. Initial assessments indicated that the psyllid is becoming widely established in the field. Application of nitrogen fertilizer to M. invisa plants significantly increased H. spinulosa numbers.