Mr Md Sahadat Hossain1, Ms Sanjana Akter1, Mr Loknath Aryal1, Dr Bishwo Mainali1, Dr Soo Jean Park1

1Applied BioSciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, Australia

Biography:

Sahadat is a PhD 2nd year student in the department of applied biosciences at Macquarie University, Sydney. His PhD project investigates the chemically mediated behaviour of adult pest Liriomyza leafminers in protected cropping systems.

Abstract:

Liriomyza leafminers pose a significant threat to horticultural crops, diminishing productivity and quality through creating mines and thereby impairing the plant’s photosynthetic processes. Traditional management strategies heavily rely on high-residual broad-spectrum synthetic pesticides, yet leafminers are well-known for developing resistance to these insecticides over time. Utilizing host plant volatiles, leafminers locate their hosts or mating sites, presenting an opportunity for alternative management strategies. Certain essential oils (EOs) have shown attractiveness while others exhibit repellent effects against leafminers. This study aims to identify specific compounds within host plant volatiles and their EOs to develop tools for attracting or repelling L. huidobrensis in protected cropping systems. Oviposition and stippling preference assays were conducted, revealing significantly stronger preference for oviposition on lychnis, petunia and cucumber plants among the nine tested plants, with bean serving as a positive control. Similarly, L. huidobrensis significantly preferred petunia and cucumber for feeding. Conversely, salvia and Russian sages were not attractive for oviposition or feeding, suggesting potential repellent properties. Analysis of the host plant volatiles and their essential oils was performed using GC-MS. Electrophysiological assays are underway to assess individual compounds that may trigger behavioural responses. The results suggest lychnis, petunia and cucumber as promising sources for isolating attractant compounds, while salvia and Russian sages may yield repellent compounds. These findings offer valuable insights for the development of effective L. huidobrensis management tools.