Published 2009-12-01
Abstract
The yellow-margined leaf beetle, Microtheca ochroloma Stål, is a native of South America, but is a pest of crucifer crops throughout the southern United States including Florida. Little information is available in the literature about natural enemies of this pest. Three generalist predators, Podisus maculiventris Say, Hippodamia convergens (Say), and Chrysoperla rufi labris (Burmeister), have been observed preying on the yellow-margined leaf beetle in the field and in the laboratory. In addition, an entomopathogenic fungus, Isaria fumosorosea Wize, has been observed infesting larvae of the yellow-margined leaf beetle in the laboratory. Therefore, more research is needed to evaluate the potential use of commercially-available native predators to effectively control this pest.