Acceptability and suitability of three Liriomyza species as host for the endoparasitoid Phaedrotoma scabriventris: Implication for biological control of leafminers in the vegetable production system of Kenya

Abstract

The biological performance of the exotic solitary endoparasitoid Phaedrotoma scabriventris (Nixon) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) was studied on three important Liriomyza hosts (Liriomyza huidobrensis, Liriomyza sativae and Liriomyza trifolii), found in the vegetable production system of Kenya. All Liriomyza species tested were successfully parasitized by P. scabriventris. But, L. huidobrensis was the most preferred host with 92.2% of the females tested ovipositing in L. huidobrensis vs. 58.9% in L. sativae and 60% in L. trifolii. Within 24h of oviposition, P. scabriventris laid 1.5times more eggs in L. huidobrensis than L. sativae and L. trifolii and the average parasitoids emergence was 1.5times higher in L. huidobrensis compared to L. trifolii and L. sativae. There was no difference in the developmental period of P. scabriventris reared on the three Liriomyza species, however, the parasitoid mortality was 11.6times higher in L. sativae and L. trifolii compared to L. huidobrensis. Adult parasitoids reared on L. huidobrensis, were 1.3times bigger than P. scabriventris reared on L. sativae and L. trifolii, indicating that host size affect parasitoid development and survival. But, our findings suggested that host quality will not be a limiting factor for the development and establishment of P. scabriventris in the vegetable production system of Kenya.