THE DEVELOPMENT OF SUPPRESSION TACTICS FOR BIPRORULUS-BIBAX (HETEROPTERA, PENTATOMIDAE) AS PART OF AN INTEGRATED PEST-MANAGEMENT PROGRAM INCITRUS IN INLAND SOUTH-EASTERN AUSTRALIA

Suppression tactics for the citrus stink bug pest, Biprorulus bibax Br eddin, were developed and implemented during 1987-1992 in four lemon o rchards in southern New South Wales, Australia. Tactics were based on introduction and conservation of natural enemies (principally egg para sitoids), physical or chemical treatment of overwintering populations and strategic low rate applications of a selective insecticide. Estima ted adult populations of 10-35,000/1.5 ha and 70-90% fruit damage in u ntreated crops were reduced to < 5 0011.5 ha and < 5%, respectively, f ollowing full implementation of the management programme. Integrated m anagement of B. bibax removes the need for broad-spectrum insecticides to control this pest and lessens the risk of disruption to biological control of other citrus pests.