The biology and control of Liriomyza Lrifolii(Burgess) (Diptera: Agromyzidae) on tomatoes
Abstract
The study of the life history of the American
serpentine leaf miner Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess)
has been carried out both in the field and in the
laboratory. The life cycle was found to be
depenpent on temperature and relative humidity.
In the field the duration was 27 days as compared
to 16.4 days in the laboratory at 79+(-) 2% R.H.
and 25 +(-) 1 C.
Host range surveys were done at several
locatio~s in the country. A total of 43 plant
species in 13 plant families were found to be
hosts of L. trifolii. There was a definite host
preference for Compositae, Solanaceae,
Cucurbitaceae and the Leguminosae families in ail
the areas visited. Four indigenous agromyzid
species were also found mining leaves of various
host plants. Four species of parasites of L.
trifolii were reared from the larvae and pupae of
L. trifolii. Two species were dominant in all
areas while the other two occurred in very small
numbers.
Six inseticides were evaluated for their
effects on L. trifolii and its parasites on
tomatoes. The insecticides were in two groups:
Systemics and non-systemic sprays. Triazophos
which was outstanding in the control of the leaf
miner was found to have adverse effect on the
parasites. The systemics: oxamyl and disyston
were found to be ideal both for controlling L.
trifolii and preserving the parasite complex.
Correlation between damage caused by L.
trifolii and yield was not significant. Thus, it
was noted that application of insecticide
treatments should relate to the marketable yield
and the extent of damage in any given situation
Citation
M.Sc.Publisher
School of Biological and Physical sciences, University of Nairobi
Description
Master of Science(Entomology)