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Larval parasites ofOulema melanopus in Europe and their colonization in the United States

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Abstract

The cereal leaf beetle,Oulema melanopus (L.), of minor economic importance in Europe, was found in Michigan, USA, in 1959, and has caused increasing damage to small grains. Studies in Europe prompted the introduction into the United States, of 3 hymenopterous parasites of the larval stage:Tetrastichus julis (Walker),Diaparsis carinifer (Thomson), andLemophagus curtus Townes, as a multiplespecies biological control attempt.

From 1964 to 1970, field collections in 10 European countries showed that parasitism averaged 12.3% byD. carinifer, 10.4% byT. julis, and 5.6% byL. curtus. Parasites are discussed with respect to life-history, distribution, constancy, hostrange, synchrony with host, and effects of encapsulation by the host larva. Techniques are described for parasite collection, rearing, shipment, overwintering in quarantine, field release, and recovery.

Adult parasite releases in the USA (1964–1971) totaled 43,054D. carinifer, 31,123T. julis, and 3,109L. curtus. BothD. carinifer andT. julis are known to be established at several sites in Michigan, andT. julis is also established in Ohio.Lemophagus curtus was recovered in Michigan in 1972.

Résumé

Oulema melanopus, Chrysomélide d'importance économique mineure en Europe, fut découvert aux États-Unis en 1959 dans l'État de Michigan et cause aux céréales des dégâts allant croissant.

Des études entreprises en Europe ont activé l'introduction aux États-Unis de 3 hyménoptères parasites du stade larvaire,Tetrastichus julis (Walker),Diaparsis carinifer (Thomson), etLemophagus curtus Townes, dans le but d'un contrôle biologique par plusieurs espèces.

De 1964 à 1970, des prélèvements dans les champs de 10 pays européens ont montré que le parasitisme moyen atteignait 12,3% parD. carinifer, 10,4% parT. julis, et 5,6% parL. curtus. Des études ont été faites sur la biologie de ces parasites, leur distribution, leur régularité, leur synchronisation par rapport à l'hôte, et les effets de leur encapsulation. Des techniques sont décrites pour l'élevage des parasites, leur expédition, leur hivernage en quarantaine, leur libération dans les champs et leur recouvrement.

Les libérations de parasites adultes aux États-Unis (1964–1971) ont totalisé 43.054D. carinifer, 31.123T. julis, et 3.109L. curtus. Il est établi queD. carinifer etT. julis sont implantés en différents points dans l'État de Michigan, etT. julis également dans l'Ohio. En 1972,L. curtus a été retrouvé dans l'État de Michigan.

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Author notes

  1. R. J. Dysart

    Present address: European Parasite Laboratory, USDA, ARS, P. O. Box 150, 08057, Moorestown, N. J.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cereal Leaf Beetle Parasite Rearing Station, USDA, APHIS, 2534 So. 11th St., 49120, Niles, Michigan

    H. L. Maltby

  2. Introduced Beneficial Insects Laboratory, USDA, ARS, P. O. Box 150, 08057, Moorestown, N. J.

    M. H. Brunson

Authors
  1. R. J. Dysart
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  2. H. L. Maltby
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  3. M. H. Brunson
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Dysart, R.J., Maltby, H.L. & Brunson, M.H. Larval parasites ofOulema melanopus in Europe and their colonization in the United States. Entomophaga 18, 133–167 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02372026

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