Biology and management of groundnut leafminer

The groundnut leafminer (Aproaerema modicella), has been reported from east African countries since 1998 and from South Africa since 2000. The study aimed at determining the biology and management of groundnut leafminer (GLM) in South Africa. In a survey, 10 parasitic Hymenoptera species were identified. Two hyperparasitoids were also recorded for the first time in South Africa. GLM flight activity patterns were studied using pheromone traps at the border of groundnut fields at four localities in South Africa. Research progress in pest behaviour was hampered because male and female moths could not be distinguished.. Morphological characteristics of both larvae and pupae were identified either by use of the naked eye or a stereomicroscope according to sex. Flight activity coincided with the peak production period of groundnut, with the highest number of moths recorded between January and May each year. The optimum time of insecticide application and the number of applications for GLM control were determined and significant differences in efficacy observed.