Non-chemical control of leaf curling midges and sawflies in berries and currants

The susceptibility of larvae of the leaf curling midge, Dasineura plicotrix, for entomopathogenic nematodes, predatory mites and rove beetles was studied in the laboratory. The results showed that the leaf curling midge larvae were unaffected by the nematodes Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, Steinernema carpocapsoe and S. feltiae. The predatory mite (Hypoaspis aculeifer) and the rove beetle (Atheta coriaria) were very effective in predating the larvae when continuously exposed. However, in a soil substrate the control of larvae was less successful. The vigorous burrowing behaviour of the larvae facilitates their escape from predators. This was enhanced by the formation of a cocoon consisting of soil and sand particles. The effects of the foliar fertilizer magnesium sulphate (bitter salt) were studied on gooseberry sawfty Nematus ribesii. The experiments showed that magnesium sulphate has a good residual action on eggs and neonate larvae. Also, an effect on the egg laying behaviour of the females was observed. The experiments showed that magnesium sulphate has a potential as a control agent for gooseberry sawflies.