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ALFALFA BLOTCH LEAFMINER, AGROMYZA FRONTELLA (DIPTERA: AGROMYZIDAE), EFFECTS ON ALFALFA IN VERMONT1

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 May 2012

G. B. MacCollom
Affiliation:
Vermont Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Vermont, Burlington 05405
G. L. Baumann
Affiliation:
Vermont Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Vermont, Burlington 05405
N. L. Gilroy
Affiliation:
Vermont Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Vermont, Burlington 05405
J. G. Welch
Affiliation:
Vermont Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Vermont, Burlington 05405

Abstract

Seven years of field evaluation has shown the alfalfa blotch leafminer, Agromyza frontella (Rondani), to be of minor economic importance in Vermont. Although response to certain insecticidal treatments resulted in highly significant reduction in leaf mining at time of cut, no other differences were shown. Analyses of fiber content as measured by lignin, cell wall constituents, acid detergent fiber, quality as measured by % protein and % digestibility, and yields in dry weight (kg/ha) showed no significant differences. Comparison of leaflet dehiscence from field-cured and baled samples failed to indicate differences between blotched and healthy alfalfa.

Two imported parasite species, Chrysocharis punctifacies Delucchi and Dacnusa dryas (Nixon), are established within the state; we predict that these parasites combined with native species will effect a decline in alfalfa blotch leafminer levels below any conceivable economic threshold.

Résumé

Après sept ans d'évaluation sur le terrain, la mineuse virgule de luzerne Agromyza frontella (Rondani) Diptera : Agromyzidae, parait être d'incidence économique mineure au Vermont. Bien que certains traitements insecticides aient été suivis de réductions significatives du minage des feuilles au moment de la coupe, aucune autre différence n'est apparue. Des analyses de la teneur en fibre mesurée par la lignine, les constituants des parois cellulaires, et les fibres obtenues au détergent acide, de la qualité mesurée par les pourcentages de protéines et de digestibilité, et des rendements en poids sec (kg/ha), n'ont montré aucune différence significative. Une comparaison de la dehiscence des folioles sur des échantillons séchés au champ et balles n'a pas montré de différence entre de la luzerne minée et de la luzerne intacte.

Deux espèces de parasites introduits, Chrysocharis punctifacies Delucchi, et Dacnusa dryas (Nixon), sont établis dans l'état; nous prévoyons que ces parasites en conjonction avec les espèces indigènes abaisseront les niveaux de population de la mineuse en dessous d'un quelconque seuil de nuisibilité.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Entomological Society of Canada 1982

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