To determine the susceptibility of important species of eucalypt trees in Chile to Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), an insect that was detected on Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn. in 2002 in Santiago, which causes defoliation of trees affected, and even their death in severe infestations, a field evaluation of an induced infestation was performed in 2004 of one-year-old plants of E. camaldulensis, E. nitens Deane & Maiden, and E. globulus Labill. Growths of infested plants were compared with uninfested controls, using destructive sampling at 15, 30, 45, and 60 days. Also, observations were made regarding the duration of the development stages of the insect during two generations. The only species that was susceptible to the psyllid was E. camaldulensis, while it did not develop on E. nitens and E. globulus. The plants of E. camaldulensis infested with adults of G. brimblecombei had small and not significant reductions in plant height, diameter at trunk base, and foliar area, in comparison with control plants after two months. In the Santiago bioclimatic zone, this insect completed the first generation in 30 days (February-March), and the second in 36 days (March-April).

Xanthogaleruca luteola (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is an aggressive defoliating pest on elms (Ulmus sp.) worldwide. We evaluated the antifeedant and insecticidal effects of ethanolic and aqueous extracts from Melia azedarach L. green fruits and leaves of Peumus boldus Molina, on X. luteola third instar larvae, the most harmful stage. Five doses of the extracts were applied to fresh elm leaves to determine antifeedant effect evaluating consumed foliar area at 24 h. Insecticidal activity was assessed through daily mortality for 14 d. For each extract an antifeedant index, relative to respective control, and mean lethal concentrations (LC₅₀) were calculated. We found a direct relationship between concentration and both antifeedant and insecticidal effects for all extracts. A dose of 6.1% w/v of ethanolic extract of M. azedarach green fruits significantly inhibited larvae feeding behavior by 91% with a LC₅₀ 1.49% at day 8. On the other hand, 3.4% w/v of ethanolic extract of P. boldus inhibited larvae feeding behavior by 81% and LC₅₀ at day 8 was 0.92% w/v. All extracts showed insecticidal effect on X. luteola larvae, and the highest mortalities observed were 79% and 71% with ethanolic and aqueous extracts of P. boldus, respectively. Antifeedant and insecticidal effects observed with M. azedarach green fruits and P. boldus leaf extracts on X. luteola third instar larvae, support the development of botanical insecticides from both tree species in order to contribute to its integrated management.

The red gum lerp psyllid, Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), was detected in Eucalyptus sp. foliage in Santiago, Chile, in 2002. The successful biological control results obtained in the US and México using Psyllaephagus bliteus Riek (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) prompted its use in Chile. After its introduction during 2003, it became established in two years. To assess its effectiveness on G. brimblecombei, the level of parasitism by P. bliteus was determined in four sampling sites in Santiago, where random samples of 50 lerps (carbohydrates and protein shelters) were collected per site on trees infested with the psyllid every other week, during a 4 month period in the spring-summer of 2008-2009. Also, natural enemies were sampled with sticky traps on ten trees at two sites, which were evaluated every 15 days. Results were compared with a previous evaluation. The density of nymphs of the psyllid was ostensibly reduced by the action of P. bliteus throughout the season. The biological control program of G. brimblecombei with P. bliteus is developing well when comparing results with the previous evaluation in 2005 in Santiago, with a significant increase in the rate of parasitism. Generalist predators had also interacting with P. bliteus and G. brimblecombei. These results indicate a promising use of this parasitoid to strengthen the integrated management of the red gum lerp psyllid in the central zone of Chile.