An Alternative Strategy for Lygus Management in Ontario Strawberries
abstract
The current distribution of P. digoneutis in Canada shows that the parasitoid is now well established in eastern Ontario in parts of southern Ontario. In the northeastern United States, it took almost ten years before a significant impact of P. digoneutis was recognized and Lygus populations collapsed. Thus, it is hoped that a continuous growth of P. digoneutis populations Ontario will have a similar long-term effect and lead to an area wide reduction of the pest. This also suggests that ongoing work to encourage population build up and assess impact is needed. In addition, surveys in other parts of Ontario would help to identify areas where the parasitoid is not yet present, and releases would help to accelerate the dispersion and establishment of P. digoneutis.