October 2009. A member wrote asking about the results from the introductions of parasitoids in Hawaii to control the Erythina gall wasp.

The Biological Control Section Chief, Plant Pest Control, Hawaii, replied: Eurytoma erythrinae, the parasitoid released by HDOA against EGW by Hawaii Department of Agriculture has been rather successful. After releases on most of the major Hawaiian Islands, it has established and is spreading quite well. E erythrinae has been collected in Erythrina variegata, E sandwicensis, E crista-galli, E fusca, and a few other species. The trees are recovering, in some instances at rates of 80% or higher. The establishment of the parasitoid in trees that have been exposed to systemic insecticides is slower. It is still too early to determine what long-term effect the parasitoid will have on EGW populations. There is also the possibility that dormancy of E sandwicensis will affect E erythrina populations.

HDOA has a second biocontrol agent for future release.