Ophelimus maskelli (Ashmead) et son parasitoïde Closterocerus chamaeleon (Girault) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) au Maroc |
| |
| Authors: | K Kissayi S Benhalima |
| |
| Affiliation: | 1. Département de Développement forestier, Ecole Nationale Forestière d'Ingénieurs, Salé, (Maroc);2. Laboratoire de Géo‐Biodiversité et Patrimoine Naturel, (GEOBIO), Institut Scientifique, Centre de Recherche (GEOPAC), Université Mohammed V, Rabat, (Maroc) |
| |
| Abstract: | Leaf galls causing severe damage were observed on Eucalyptus camaldulensis in the Gharb‐Maâmora region in 2002 due to Ophelimus maskelli (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) reported for the first time in Morocco. Since then, this pest has spread to other eucalyptus stands nationwide. During field investigations, the authors noted that the degree of infestation of Eucalyptus camaldulensis differs from one region to another and were classified on a three‐level scale: low, moderate or high. The study of the life cycle of the insect in the field and in the laboratory revealed the presence of two generations per year. This work has shown that Closterocerus chamaeleon (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), a parasitoid used successfully in other EPPO countries as a biological control agent, is present in Morocco. The rate of parasitism was very high, which consequently resulted in the lack of damage caused by the gall pest on Eucalyptus camaldulensis in Morocco. |
| |
| Keywords: | |
|
|
