PARASITISM EFFICIENCY OF PARASITOIDS ON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS LEAF MINER

The objective of this research was to determine the role of parasites to regulate the population density of ornamental plants leaf miner Phytomyza horticola (Agromyzidae)for the period February - May/ 2008.The experiment was achieved at laboratories of Department Plant Protection /College of Agriculture, University of Baghdad. The results revealed, that higher infection percentage with pest was 66% in 15 March and lower infection 32% on 23 March.The population density of parasites of ornamental plants leaf miner,reached 8 parasites/insect in 10 March, whereas lower number was 3 individuals on 15 February. Six parasites were studied for first time as follows : Diglyphus iseae (Eulophidae), Cirrospilus vittatus (Eulophidae), Neochrysochairs formosa (Eulophidae), Pediobius acantha (Eulophidae), Diaeretiella rapae (Eulophidae)and Opius sp (Braconidae) on ornamental plants. Results showed that higher percentage of parasitism was with Pediobius acantha which reached 25% at middle regions of Baghdad.Lower percentage of parasitism was with Opius sp which reached 2%. The total percentage of parasitism was 62%. For that, we realize the importane of parasites for regulating the population density of pests and we recommend augmentation and release of the natural enemies.