Classical Biological Control of Root Maggots

Researcher:

Dr. N.J. Holliday, Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University of Manitoba

Project Code:

CARP 2002-26

Final Report:

November 2003

Summary:

The effect of root maggots feeding on canola roots has not been fully quantified, but it is clear that large numbers of maggots reduce yield, and can cause plant death. No insecticides are available to control root maggots in canola, so this project focused on the potential for using classical biological control of cabbage root maggots in canola on the Canadian Prairies and to begin detailed studies on them. After comparing parasitoids in Europe and Canada, the European Aleochara bipustulata was selected as a promising candidate for introduction to Canada for classical biological control of root maggots.