Abstract
The gallmidge Aphidoletes aphidimyza is used commercially to control aphids infesting greenhouse crops such as sweet pepper and tomato. In this study we investigated several different ways of improving its use as a biocontrol agent. In the laboratory there was a very strong relation between the availability of spider's webs and successful mating. When mated in cages containing spider's webs a greater proportion of the females were mated and the females laid more eggs compared to the females in cages without spider's webs. As adults emerging from cocoons can crawl up through 15 cm of vermiculite it is possible to transport and release them from bottles, which can be placed open in a greenhouse instead of having to spread the material around the plants. Dispersal of adults from the bottles was measured by placing sentinel plants around a single release point. Eggs of the gallmidge were found on plants at distances up to 45 m from the release point. Intraguild predation of the eggs of the gallmidge by the mites Amblyseius degenerans and Amblyseius cucumeris was also assessed.
Highlights
The gallmidge Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Rondani) is sold by several producers of beneficial insects and used to control aphids infesting greenhouse crops
In order to improve the effec tiveness of the gallmidge as a biocontrol agent we studied its mating behaviour and fecundity, intraguild predation by predatory mites and release systems both in the labora tory and in commercial greenhouses
A fecundity test method was developed by the IOBC working group “Quality control of mass-reared arthro pods”
Summary
The gallmidge Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Rondani) is sold by several producers of beneficial insects and used to control aphids infesting greenhouse crops. The larvae of this midge eat many species of pest aphids. A fecundity test method was developed by the IOBC working group “Quality control of mass-reared arthro pods” (van Lenteren, 1996). After emergence gallmidges are allowed to mate in a cage for one day before placing the individual females in trays with aphid infested leaves. This method of assessing fecundity was used as part of our standard quality control procedure for two years. Dissection of females that did not oviposit revealed that eggs were present in their abdomens, which led to the conclusion that unsuccessful mating could be the reason for their not ovipositing
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
