Evaluation of the establishment of Aphidius ervi Haliday (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in lucerne aphid populations in New South Wales

The aphid parasitoid Aphidius ervi was released in the major lucerne‐growing areas of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, between 1978 and 1981. With the collaboration of district agronomists of the New South Wales Department of Agriculture, five State‐wide surveys were conducted in 1982–1983 to determine the success of the release program. In each survey, the distribution of the parasitoid was checked in relation to populations of the aphids Acyrthosiphon kondoi Shinji and Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). The surveys confirmed the successful dispersal and establishment of A. ervi in the major lucerne‐growing areas of NSW. They demonstrated its ability to survive and recover rapidly after a severe and widespread drought.