A biological study of Phytomyza orobanchia Kalt on branched broomrape
(Orobanche ramosa L.) which infest tomato crop, in the coastal region of Syria, was
conducted during 2011/2012 growing season. It included a study of some biological
parameters:
The preoviposition, oviposition, post oviposition, total number of eggs laid
per female, and total developmental period, at 25 ± 1ºc, 30 ± 1ºc and 70±5% RH. The
results showed that the fertilized females insert their eggs singly in the flowers (seed
capsules) and sometimes in the shoots of O. ramosa. The average of the total number of
eggs per female was 12.90 ± 5.41, 13.50 ± 7.53 at 25 ± 1ºc, 30 ± 1ºc, respectively,
without significant differences. The preoviposition period was 3.60 ± 0.79 day at 25 ±
1ºc, and decreased to 1.90 ± 0.32 day at 30 ± 1ºc with significant differences. The
average values of other biological parameters (oviposition, post oviposition) were higher
at 25 ± 1ºc, without significant differences. This insect has three larval instars, and the
larvae complete its development and pupate inside seed capsules. the developmental
period of pupa for female was shorter than pupa for male, and the total developmental
period of P. orobanchia occupied 18.5 ± 3.49, 17.75 ± 2.99 day for male, and 17.7 ±
2.93, 16.7± 2.6 day for female at 25 ±1ºc, 30±1ºc respectively.
