Population Dynamics of the Citrus Leaf Miner, Phyllocnistis citrella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) and its Parasitoids on Marsh Seedless Grapefruit in Algeria

Abstract

This study is the first report carried out on the plantation of Grapefruit in the region of Tizi Ouzou, intented to determine the fluctuations of the population of Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton, 1856 (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) and its parasitoids in Algeria. The citrus leaf miner develops three generations, mainly on summer and autumn flushes. We noted a severity of the attack during autumn. The first eggs were observed on the foliage at the beginning of July 2005, the vegetative growth stage of the plant. The centre of the tree is the preferred direction with 25 % of total egg number issued by the female. The larvae develop in greater numbers on the underside of the leaf, with a rate of 61 % against 39 % on the upper surface. The young green fruits of Grapefruit also attacked during September, a poor period in shoots. Three Hymenoptera Eulophidae associated to Phyllocnistis citrella were recorded: Pnigalio sp. and Cirrospilus pictus Nees, natives ectoparasitoids and Ageniaspis citricola Logvinovskaya, exotic endoparasitoid.