Larval Performance and Adult Attraction ofDelia platura(Diptera: Anthomyiidae) in a Native and an Introduced Crop

Abstract

Delia platura Meigen is an important pest in crops around the world. Its host range includes almost 50 species and it can develop in soil organic matter. In Ecuador, D. platura is a serious problem for the crop, Lupinus mutabilis Sweet (Chocho) and it also attacks broccoli (Brassica oleracea). After broccoli is harvested, crop residue is mixed with soil or collected and stored close to Chocho fields. The objectives of this study were to determine the adaptive responses of larvae reared on different hosts and whether D. platura females are preferentially attracted to germinating L. mutabilis seeds or broccoli residue. Accordingly, larval performance and attraction of female D. platura reared on broccoli residue and L. mutabilis seeds were evaluated. The number of larvae, pupae and adults were higher when reared on broccoli. Conversely, pupal weight was higher and time from larva to pupa, pupa to adult and total life cycle were longer in flies reared on L. mutabilis.Although D. platura developed more quickly on broccoli, L. mutabilis was also a good host since pupae were heavier compared with flies reared on broccoli. Delia platura females reared on broccoli preferred broccoli residue to L. mutabilis in an olfactometer. Volatiles from broccoli residue in soil may attract D. platura females and stimulate oviposition on L. mutabilis seeds. Environmentally benign production of L. mutabilis crops with minimal insecticide applications may require the elimination of fresh broccoli residue as fertilizer in soils where L. mutabilis is cultivated.

Oviposition, Feeding Preferences and Distribution of Delia Species (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) in Eastern Canadian Onions

“…Other species within the genus, e.g., Delia platura (Meigen), the seedcorn maggot, and Delia florilega (Zetterstedt), the bean seed maggot, are considered generalists. Delia platura can develop on over 40 host plants in multiple families [ 4 , 5 ]. Delia florilega is polyphagous with the ability to feed and develop on legumes, garden crops and cereals [ 4 , 6 ].…”

Pesticide misuse among small Andean farmers stems from pervasive misinformation by retailers

“…Pest complexes damaging maize (Zea mays) included the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and the corn earworm (Heliothis zea) [40,41]. Finally, pest complexes for Andean lupine (Lupinus mutabilis), an important crop in Ecuador [42], included the Seedcorn maggot (Delia platura) and a stem borer (Anthomyiidae) [43,44].…”

Methyl jasmonate‐induced resistance to Delia platura (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) in Lupinus mutabilis

“…2 Delia platura larvae destroy seedlings by feeding on and tunneling in cotyledons and newly emerged roots, thereby preventing successful germination. 4,5 It is estimated that in Ecuador over 60% of the seedlings are lost to D. platura. 4 Chemical control is the primary strategy used by Ecuadorian farmers for lupin pest management.…”

“…4,5 It is estimated that in Ecuador over 60% of the seedlings are lost to D. platura. 4 Chemical control is the primary strategy used by Ecuadorian farmers for lupin pest management. 2 Yet efforts have been redirected into finding chemical-free alternatives as incorrect pesticide application may promote the emergence of insect resistance and may negatively impact the environment and farmers' health.…”