Development of a biocontrol program for managing American serpentine leafminer, Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess)

The American serpentine leafminer, Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) is a key pest of all vegetable crops in Southern Florida.  It attacks fruits, ornamentals and vegetables crops.  In the severe instance of infestation, it can cause total defoliation of its host crops.  Commecial vegetable growers use various insecticdes to control this pest.  Due to repeated exposure to insecticides belonging to same chemical class American serpentine leafminer has developed resistance to a number of insecticides.  In our present study, we recorded 13 species of hymenopteran parasitoids in bean and other vegetable crops.  All of these parasitoids are susceptible to chemical insecticides.  We also studied effectiveness of biological and botanical insecticides in controlling American serpentine leafminers.  Our future approach will be to study compatibility of these insecticides with hymenopteran parasitoids and incorporate both tools in our management program.