Classical biological control of the cabbage root fly, Delia radicum , in Canadian canola: an analysis of research needs.

Abstract

The cabbage root fly (=cabbage maggot), Delia radicum, has increased in importance over the past two decades as a pest of canola (oilseed rape) in Canada. Although D. radicum has been a part of the North American insect fauna for some time, it is not native, so the introduction of natural enemy species from Europe is being considered for integration with existing management strategies. The biology of D. radicum, the injuries it causes to the crop, and strategies already available for its control are briefly reviewed, followed by the process by which Aleochara bipustulata, a predator and parasitoid of D. radicum, was identified as the most promising candidate for introduction in a classical biological control programme. The literature on A. bipustulata and other species in the same genus is then brought together to illustrate the importance of studies to evaluate the potential of A. bipustulata to provide control, and its effects on non-target species.

The positive contribution of invertebrates to sustainable agriculture and food security.

“…Aleochara spp. (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) are semi-specialist parasitoids of small flies including the anthomyiid cabbage root maggot, Delia radicum (Linnaeus), and burrow in soil in search of prey [103].…”

Behavioural responses to dimethyl disulphide by Aleochara bilineata and Aleochara bipustulata

“…A better understanding of how chemical cues affect host‐ and prey‐finding by A. bilineata and A. bipustulata could lead to reliable methods of enhancing natural biological control of D. radicum . Such an understanding would also allow for a more informed assessment of the nontarget risks of introducing Aleochara bipustulata into Canada, where it is a candidate agent for classical biological control of D. radicum (Andreassen et al ., , ). Therefore the present study investigates the biological significance of DMDS for larvae and adults of A. bipustulata and A. bilineata .…”