Infestation caused by the Agromyzid leafminer Liriomyza trifolii of bean crops in Kafr EL-Shiekh, Egypt

Abstract

Dipteran leafminers of the family Agromyzidae are polyphagous pests that evoke a severe worldwide threat to various vegetable crops. In Egypt, legume yields have recently been reduced due to intensive infestations by the leafminers. In the present study, we examined the composition of dipteran leafminers in two main leguminous crops, i.e., broad bean and snap bean, and evaluated the damage caused by them, in Kafr EL-Shiekh, Egypt. Liriomyza trifolii was the major leafminer species abundantly found on both crops while Melanagromyza phaseoli was found only in snap bean field with low density. Liriomyza trifolii was detected throughout the growing season of bean plants, though the population and infestation levels were significantly low in snap bean. A higher level of infestation on broad bean suggested the presence of host plant preference in the leafminer. Precipitation appeared to affect the infestation level of the leafminer. We discuss the importance of leafminer management in bean fields in Egypt.