The gracillariid leafminers, Phyllonorycter robiniella and Parectopa robiniella, which are native to eastern North America, have become established in Europe, where they injure the introduced black locust. In Europe, many parasitoids attack immature leafminers, but they apparently do not effectively suppress their populations. This project was undertaken to determine if any North American parasitoids of Phyllonorycter robiniella might be suitable for release in Europe to suppress the pestiferous leafminer. During 2001 and 2002, leafminers were sampled in New York, Connecticut, and New Hampshire to determine their identity and impact. Immature leafminers were attacked by 13 species of primary or secondary parasitoids, of which 69% were eulophids. Between 32 and 85% of the larval and pupal leafminers were killed during two detectable generations in each year. Generally, the amount of parasitism was higher in the second than in the first generation. Three primary parasitoids accounted for most of the parasitism, but their suitability for release will depend upon their host range, which apparently is too broad in two of the species.
Species 1: Lepidoptera Gracillariidae Phyllonorycter robiniella
Species 2: Hymenoptera Eulophidae
Keywords: Biological Control
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