Natural Abundance of the Larval Ectoparasitoid Diglyphus isaea Walker (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) on the Tomato Leaf Miner Liriomyza bryonia. (Diptera: Agromyzidae) On Some Summer Host Plants in Ojilate Region, Libya

Abstract

Natural abundance of the larval ectoparasitoid Diglyphus isaea walker was estimated on three summer host plants [tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), Bell peppers (Capsicum annuum), eggplants (Solanum melongena)] in Ojilate region. The parasitoid recorded low abundance in April on all studied host plants. Then developed high populations in May  and June, the population then decreased by the end of the successive season. The parasitoid D. isaea showed 2-3 peaks of abundance on all investigated host plants, the highest one recorded  36, 29, and 16 individuals/ 50 infested leaflets on tomatoes, eggplant, and  bell pepper  respectively. The highest monthly average numbers in June  on tomatoes recorded 26.25±3.86, in May  on eggplants recorded 20.25±6.50, and in June on bell pepper recorded (20.25±6.50 individuals/ 50 infested leaflets). Moreover the highest  average monthly percentages of parasitism occurred in May recorded  (45.71±27.66, 41.04±25.13 and 25.19±11.19) on tomatoes, eggplants and bell pepper respectively.