Reproductive Biology and Host-Preference of Liriomyza trifolii (Diptera: Agromyzidae) on Solanaceous Crops

Abstract

Liriomyza trifolii (Diptera: Agromyzidae) is a highly destructive leaf-mining pest affecting a wide range of vegetable and ornamental crops, particularly solanaceous plants. Understanding its reproductive biology and host preference is essential for improving pest management strategies and reducing crop damage. The present study investigated the reproductive characteristics and host-selection behavior of L. trifolii on major solanaceous crops under controlled laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Adult insects were reared on different host plants, and observations were recorded on mating behavior, fecundity, egg incubation period, larval development, pupation, adult emergence, longevity, and oviposition preference. Host preference experiments were conducted using both choice and no-choice tests to evaluate feeding and oviposition responses on selected solanaceous crops. The results demonstrated significant variation in reproductive performance and host suitability among the tested crops. Higher fecundity, survival, and faster developmental rates were observed on highly preferred host plants, indicating favorable nutritional and physiological conditions for pest development. Female adults showed clear oviposition preference toward tender leaves with suitable leaf morphology and nutrient composition. Host plant characteristics strongly influenced larval survival, mine formation, and adult emergence. Certain solanaceous crops supported greater population growth and reproductive success, suggesting increased susceptibility to L. trifolii infestation. Environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity also affected reproductive activity and developmental duration of the pest. The findings provide valuable insights into host–pest interactions and the ecological adaptability of L. trifolii in solanaceous cropping systems. This study contributes to the development of integrated pest management strategies through improved understanding of pest biology, host preference behavior, and crop susceptibility under protected and open-field cultivation systems.