BIOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT OF MELANAGROMYZA-OBTUSA (MALLOCH) (DIPTERA, AGROMYZIDAE)

Melanagromyza obtusa (Malloch) (Diptera:Agromyzidae), the pigeonpea po d fly, is a key pest of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] through out south and south-east Asia. Females deposit eggs in the green pods of pigeonpea and other host plants, and the developing larva feeds on and destroys the unripe seed. Substantial yield losses have been attri buted to this pest in several countries. Pest management strategies fo r the pigeonpea pod fly have emphasized chemical control and host-plan t resistance. This paper reviews the literature on the distribution, h ost plants, biology, natural enemies and control strategies for this p est. Priorities for future research are also suggested. (C) 1998 Elsev ier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.