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Some observations on a Tylenchid nematode Howardula sp. parasitizing the mushroom phorid Megasalia halterata (Phoridae, Diptera)
Author(s) -
RIDING IRENE L.,
HAGUE N. G. M.
Publication year - 1974
Publication title -
annals of applied biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.677
H-Index - 80
eISSN - 1744-7348
pISSN - 0003-4746
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-7348.1974.tb01499.x
Subject(s) - phoridae , biology , mushroom , biological pest control , nematode , host (biology) , zoology , parasitism , botany , ecology
SUMMARY Howardula sp. parasitizes the Mushroom phorid fly Megasalia halterata destroying the fat body and follicular membrane of the fly, decreasing copulation and egg output. With increasing hyperinfestation the fly is rendered sterile. Howardula sp. is host density dependent and reaches a maximum incidence in September and October. Under laboratory conditions fly populations were eliminated in three to five generations. The implications for possible biological control of M. halterata are discussed.