Dacnusa-System - reliable leafminer control with parasitic wasps
How does Dacnusa-System control leafminers?
- Targeted control – Dacnusa sibirica parasitises mainly first and second instar leafminer larvae, particularly Liriomyza trifolii and Liriomyza bryoniae.
- Effective at low pest pressure – thanks to its excellent searching capacity, this parasitic wasp quickly locates low-density infestations, making it ideal for early intervention.
- Performs well at lower temperatures – Dacnusa sibirica remains active from 15°C (59°F), making it particularly suitable for early-season introductions.
- Long-lasting control – a single female lays 40 to 200 eggs during her lifetime. The larva develops entirely inside the leafminer larva, which eventually dies.
- Ideal for IPM programmes – later in the season, combine Dacnusa-System with Diglyphus-System for even more effective leafminer control.
When should you introduce Dacnusa-System?
- Start at the first signs of leafminers – introduce Dacnusa-System as soon as the first leafminers or feeding galleries are detected.
- Begin early in the season – thanks to its activity at lower temperatures, Dacnusa-System is ideal for early introductions.
- Best suited to low pest pressure – the parasitic wasp performs best when leafminer populations are still low.
- Complement with Diglyphus-System – as temperatures increase, combine Dacnusa-System with Diglyphus-System for optimum control.
How do you release Dacnusa-System?
- Release in the morning or evening – these conditions allow the parasitic wasps to disperse more effectively throughout the crop.
- Allow the wasps to fly out naturally – hold the open tube low within the crop so the wasps can emerge and begin searching for leafminer larvae.
- Distribute according to pest pressure – release the wasps throughout the crop or concentrate releases around hotspots, depending on the level of infestation.
- Repeat the introductions – make 3 to 5 weekly releases to establish a strong and effective population.
Under which conditions should you use Dacnusa-System?
- Active from 15°C (59°F) – Dacnusa sibirica remains active at relatively low temperatures, making it ideal for early-season crops.
- Ideal for early-season programmes – when other beneficials are still less active, Dacnusa-System provides a strong first line of defence against leafminers.
- Monitor success through new growth – successful control is reflected by new leaves remaining free of feeding damage and mining galleries.
- Check parasitism levels – collect crop samples regularly to monitor parasitoid emergence. A successful introduction should result in a high percentage of parasitised leafminer larvae.