Influence of leaf tissue structure on host feeding selection by pea leaf miner Liriomyza huidobrensis (Diptera : Agromyzidae)

Host feeding selection by the female pea leafminer, Liriomyza huidobrensis, on 47 species of plants was studied. The leaves were sectioned by microtom e, and 15 characteristics of the leaf tissue structure were measured under a microscope. Correlation analysis between host feeding selection and leaf tissue structure indicated that the preference of host feeding selection wa s positively correlated with the percentage of moisture content of leaves a nd negatively with thickness of the epidermis wall, and densities of the pa lisade and spongy tissues of leaves. Leaf tissue structure was influential in feeding and probing behavior of female L. huidobrensis. So, thickness of epidermis wall, densities of the palisade and spongy tissues can act as a physical barrier to female oviposition. Furthermore, higher densities of pa lisade and spongy tissues can be considered a resistant trait which affects mining of leaf miner larvae as well. As a result, plants with lower leaf m oisture content may not be suitable for the development of L. huidobrensis.