Seasonal biology of <i>Melanagromyza albocilia</i> (Diptera: Agromyzidae) and seasonal patterns of field bindweed infestation, under field conditions in Slovakia

Authors

• Peter Tóth
• Massimo Cristofaro
• Ludovít Cagán

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33338/ef.84269

Abstract

Melanagromyza albocilia Hendel, a stem borer of field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) was observed at three sites in Slovakia during 1999 and 2000. The insect overwintered as pupa. The first generation adults emerged in May and those of second during June—August. Percentage of infested field bindweed plants varied from 46.7% to 99.2% and number of infested stems from 4.1% to 37.2%. Infested stems contained an average of 0.84 ± 0.40 to 1.34 ± 0.50 specimens (larvae, parasitized larvae, pupae). The population of M. albocilia was the highest in 1999, with mean densities of 1.57 ± 1.01 to 3.21 ± 2.13 specimens/plant. All parasitoids emerged from larvae were identified as Bracon picticornis Wesmael.