Parasitoid associated with Liriomyza huidobrensis (Diptera: Agromyzidae) outbreaks in tomato fields in Brazil. (16th April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lopes, Mayara C.; Costa, Thiago L.; Ramos, Rodrigo S.; Farias, Elizeu S.; Arcanjo, Lucas P.; Ribeiro, Arthur V.; Santos, Abraão A.; Picanço, Marcelo C.
• Is Part Of: Agricultural and forest entomology. Volume 22:Number 3(2020:Aug.)
• Page Start: 224
• Page End: 230
• Publication Date: 2020-04-16
• Subjects: Biological control -- natural enemies -- Opius sp. -- pea leaf miner -- phenological growth stage -- Solanum lycopersicum; Insect pests -- Control -- Periodicals; Agricultural pests -- Control -- Periodicals; Forest insects -- Control -- Periodicals; 632.7
• DOI: 10.1111/afe.12375
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1461-9555

Abstract

Abstract: The knowledge of natural factors that affect pest populations is essential in predicting the occurrence of pest outbreaks and in developing integrated pest management programmes. Natural enemies, climatic elements and host plants are among the most important factors affecting pest dynamics. Tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum ) is the second most consumed vegetable worldwide. The pea leaf miner Liriomyza huidobrensis (Diptera: Agromyzidae) is a major pest to the tomato in Brazil. This study aimed to determine the main natural factors that regulate L. huidobrensis populations in tomato fields in Brazil. Liriomyza huidobrensis densities were evaluated by directly counting the number of active mines on the basal leaf of the middle section of the plant canopy, and predators and parasitoids were assessed using the leaf‐beating‐against‐a‐tray technique. Eight commercial tomato fields were assessed over two years. The phenological growth stages of the tomato plants (vegetative and reproductive) were noted during the assessments. Liriomyza huidobrensis populations peaked between the middle and end of the planting season. Opius sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) was the main natural enemy of L. huidobrensis . Our results suggest that phenological growth stage and Opius sp. are associated with population dynamics of L. huidobrensis in tomato fields. Therefore, integrated pest management programmes should aim to preserve populations of the parasitoid Opius sp.