Comparative impact of Spinosad and Malathion on the temporal evolution ofparasitism caused by Semielacher petiolatus Girault (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae),a specific parasitoid of the citrus leafminer

Abstract: The study of the effect of two insecticides (Malathion and Spinosad) used forchemical control of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann (Diptera :Tephritidae) in citrus orchards, on the parasite complex associated with the citrus leaf minerPhyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera : Gracillariidae) including Semielacher petiolatusGirault (Hymenoptera : Eulophidae), is shown in laboratory and field in Bou Argoub andZaouiet Djedidi at Cap Bon of Tunisia. Regular monitoring in citrus orchards of the twoinsecticides shows that the studied parameters, such as rates of parasitism and “host-feeding”generated by natural enemies and S. petiolatus, are greater in the Spinosad-treated orchardthan with Malathion-treated orchards, with a difference of up to 41%. Experimentsconducted in the laboratory showed that Malathion was probably more toxic than Spinosadto larvae and adults of S .petiolatus.