Imported Wasps May Help Control Pine Tip Moth

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A moth that infests pine trees across the state may meet its match in a tiny wasp, thanks to New Mexico State University scientists. Anna María Pérez-Wright explains.

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A wasp the size of a pinhead may help New Mexico homeowners and foresters control pine tip moth, a pest that's maiming pine trees across the state. New Mexico State University's Agricultural Science Center at Los Lunas recently imported dozens of wasps from Georgia and Arkansas for release on moth-infected trees. Entomologist Mike English says the wasps are natural predators of the pine tip moth, so researchers are watching closely to see if the wasps will survive the winter.

"We released them in a caged area on our Scotch pines and we're taking a look at whether they're gonna be successful and make it here or not."

English says if the wasps become established, they could help reduce pesticide use against the pine tip moth.

"In the past, our recommendation for control has been the use of systemic insecticides. We'd like to do it from a biocontrol standpoint and a little less invasive method of controlling pine tip moth."

If the wasps survive, N-M-S-U will create an insectary at Los Lunas to introduce them across the state. For N-M-S-U's College of Agriculture and Home Economics, I'm Anna María Pérez-Wright.