Introduction, release and recovery of several exotic natural enemies for biological control of the citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella, in Israel

The citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton, was first discovered in citrus groves in Israel in 1994. A biological control project was launched immediately and six species of natural enemies of the pest were introduced from Thailand, China, Australia and Florida. These were reared and released in citrus groves. At present, most have been recovered from the release sites and some seem to have become established, with relatively high rates of parasitization. The current status of the pest and of its indigenous and introduced natural enemies is briefly discussed.