Co-Authors:
Weintraub, P.G., Department of Entomology, ARO, Gilat Research Station, DN Negev 85280, Israel
Abstract:
The pea leaf miner, Liriomyza huidobrensis (Diptera: Agromyzidae), was first observed in Israel in February 1992 when field treatment for leafminers failed to achieve control, due to insecticide resistance in the adults. This study was performed to aid understanding of the biology and phenology of Liriomyza huidobrensis in potatoes, and the changes in the population dynamics as the fly becomes established in a new area. Liriomyza huidobrensis was monitored on potato crops from the autumn of 1994 until summer 1999. Monitoring (with yellow sticky traps and by vacuum sampling) was primarily carried out in fields in the western Negev, although for two spring seasons, two fields in the Tel Aviv area (central Israel) were also monitored. During this period, the population dynamics changed: Spring and autumn populations gradually increased until a year of severe heat (1998) caused the populations to plummet. No differences were observed in the population dynamics between the Negev and the centre of the country. During the course of monitoring the leafminer, its parasitoid, Diglyphus isaea (Hymenoptera: Enlophidae), was also encountered and observed.