The serpentine leafminer Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) is a significant worldwide pest of chrysanthemum and other greenhouse crops. The oligophagous larval ectoparasitoid Diglyphus isaea (Walker) is one of the most active leafminer biological control agents in greenhouses. However, problems associated with using Diglyphus as the sole control agent include the cost, the uncertainty regarding the number that needs to be released to provide control, and the time required to achieve control. In addition, D. isaea does not prevent mine production and this aesthetic damage is unacceptable in certain crops (such as potted chrysanthemums and other ornamentals). Studies were carried out in order to test the hypothesis that the combination of augmentative release of D. isaea together with sterile L. trifolii males (SIT) is compatible and more efficient than the use of either alone. In addition, we investigated the effectiveness of three different fertile-to-sterile male ratios (1:3, 1:5, & 1:10) to be used in this IPM program. In a large cage experiment both the combined methods and the release of D. isaea alone obtained full control of the pest population. However, the combined methods significantly reduced mine production compared to the release of D. isaea alone. In small cage experiments we found that all three fertile-to-sterile male ratios that were examined resulted in a similar degree of reduction in the reproductive capacity of L. trifolii females. Base on these data, we will continue research on the use of this IPM strategy against L. trifolii populations in greenhouse crops.
Species 1: Diptera Agromyzidae Liriomyza trifolii (leafminer)
Species 2: Hymenoptera Eulophidae Diglyphus isaea
Keywords: IPM
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