Issue No. 162
C. A. Musgrave, S. L. Poe, and H. V. Weems, Jr.
November, 1975
Introduction
Liriomyza species have periodically plagued Florida vegetable and ornamental growers since the late 1940’s. Although normally present in moderate numbers, populations in south Florida have reached epidemic proportions in the late 1940’s, early 1960’s, and early 1970’s. The insects there seem to have become resistant to the insecticides recommended for their control. Currently Liriomyza sativae Blanchard, the vegetable leafminer, is causing concern among Florida farmers because it is so destructive, numerous, and polyphagous. Distributed throughout Florida and collected in various regions of the American tropics and southern temperate regions, this insect has been reared from a number of both cultivated and wild hosts.