Prospects for Biological Control of the Yellow-margined Leaf Beetle, Microtheca ochroloma Stal

摘要

The yellow-margined leaf beetle, Microtheca ochroloma Stal, is a native of South America, but is a pest of crucifer crops throughout the southern United States including Florida. Little information is available in the literature about natural enemiesof this pest. Three generalist predators, Todisus maculiventris Say, Hippodamia convergens (Say); Chrysoperla rufilabris (Burmeister), have been observed preying on the yellow-margined leaf beetle in the field and in the laboratory. In addition, an entomopathogenic fungus, Isaria fumosorosea Wize, has been observed infesting larvae of the yellow-margined leaf beetle in the laboratory. Therefore, more research is needed to evaluate the potential use of commercially-available native predators to effectively control this pest.