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Leafminer Parasite
(Diglyphus isaea)
These small wasps parasitize leafminer larvae in field and greenhouse crops. The parasitic wasp lays its eggs in or next to leaf miner larvae of the second and third instar. The young parasite larvae hatch from these eggs, and will then feed on the body fluids of the larvae. Duration of development; egg-adult, at 68ºF (20ºC) ± 16 days.
Under optimum greenhouse conditions (68ºF/late Spring), each female Diglyphus kills about 360 leafminer larvae. Release rate: 500-1,000/acre every 2 weeks, 2-3 releases. Can also be used in conjunction with Beneficial Nematodes.
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