Egg parasitoid complex of Leptoglossus zonatus Dallas (Hemiptera: Coreidae) in Florida

Monday, November 11, 2024

8:36 AM – 8:48 AM MST

Location: Phoenix Convention Center, 127 C, PCC

Presenting Author(s)

Md Tafsir Nur Nabi Rashed

Graduate Student
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida

Co-Author(s)

ET

Elijah Talamas

Florida State Collection of Arthropods
Gainesville, Florida
Adam Dale

Associate Professor
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
NB

Nicole D. Benda

Research Scientist
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Gainesville, Florida
Amanda C. Hodges

DPM Director
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida

Leptoglossus zonatus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Coreidae) is a significant pest of satsuma mandarin in Louisiana and Alabama. Additionally, it is emerging as a key pest of almond and pistachio in the southwestern United States. This species is presently managed exclusively through insecticidal control. Understanding the impact of potential alternative management strategies, such as biological control, would improve the sustainability of L. zonatus management. Egg parasitoids are one of the most effective biological control agents for leaffooted bugs. However, the native egg parasitoid complex of L. zonatus is not fully characterized in Florida and, indeed, in much of the United States. This is essential information for beginning a biocontrol strategy for long-term management. In order to ascertain the species composition of egg parasitoids and assess the predation of L. zonatus eggs, a survey was conducted over the course of fall 2023 by deploying sentinel egg masses on 14 agricultural farms in Florida. This study provides valuable information about the egg parasitoid complex of L. zonatus in Florida, which will facilitate the development of an augmentative biological control strategy for this emerging pest.