Seasonal incidence of Liriomyza huidobrensis (Diptera: Agromyzidae) and its parasitoids on vegetables in Indonesia

Abstract The leafminer Liriomyza huidobrensis (Diptera: Agromyzidae) was first reported in Java, Indonesia in 1994. Since then it has invaded the major vegetable-producing regions of Java and Sumatra. Surveys indicate that this pest attacks over 20 species of vegetable, ornamental and weed hosts. The parasitoid Hemiptarsenus varicornis (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) was collected from L. huidobrensis -infested plant material in all the sites, and on 19 of the 20 cultivated species surveyed. Potatoes were the most severely attacked crop and nearly 100% yield reduction was observed in some fields. The seasonal activity of the leafminer and its parasitoids was monitored on potato, scallions, and broccoli by collecting weekly leaf samples and holding them in containers in the laboratory until the flies or parasitoids emerged. Leafminer populations were most severe in potato, especially towards the end of the wet season (March 1996). Scallions and broccoli produced higher numbers of H. varicornis than leafminers.