The cypress aphid in Chile: A review of the current situation and preliminary data of the biological control

Abstract

The cypress aphid Cinara cupressi is considered one of the most important exotic invasive species in the world and now is present in all the national continental territory, affecting native forest species like ciprés de la cordillera (Austrocedrus chilensis) and alerce (Fitzroya cupressoides), as other exotic species used for ornamental trees in the urban area. The forest area of Chile has promoted and privileged the use of biological controls as part of the integrated pest management; so has Pauesia juniperorum been used to control C. cupressi; however, low levels of parasitism have been detected. Some aspects about the biology and behavior of C. cupressi and the biological control identified in our country are analyzed and discussed, as well as the measures implemented by the government considering that this was the first detection of a significant exotic pest associated with native forest species. It is proposed to assess, in the future, timing and level of parasitism of the biological control P. juniperorum, to determine if the parasitoid has been established in the whole territory or it is necessary to complement with other agents such as Lecanicillium lecanii or other biocontrol agents as Xenostigmus bifasciatus, which could be alternatively evaluated in order to reach a better control to reduce the populations of this aphid that threatens forest species of great value to our national heritage and some species used as ornamentals trees.