First Record of the Broomrape Miner Phytomyza orobanchia (Diptera: Agromyzidae) in Morocco: Field Infestation Levels, Biological Control Potential Against Orobanche crenata, and Low Parasitoid Pressure
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15377/2409-9813.2026.13.5Keywords:
Crenate broomrape, Host-specific herbivore, Biological control agent, North African agroecosystem, Integrated weed management (IWM).Abstract
Field surveys conducted from January to April 2026 in the Zemamra area (Morocco) assessed the infestation of legume fields by the holoparasitic plant Orobanche crenata Forssk and its associated insect fauna. Twelve lentil, chickpea, and faba bean fields were surveyed. Severe infestations of broomrape were recorded across all sites. Parasitism by the agromyzid fly Phytomyza orobanchia Kaltenbach (Diptera: Agromyzidae) was consistently observed on broomrape plants, affecting tubercles, shoots, and floral structures. A single broomrape plant contained 1 to 10 larvae, with infestation levels reaching 80–90% of population. Larval mining resulted in tissue destruction, reduced seed production, and weakening or death of host shoots. Developmental stages, including larvae and pupae, were recorded, confirming successful completion of the insect life cycle under both field and laboratory conditions. Population dynamics showed low abundance in February, followed by a steady increase and a peak in early April, consistent with patterns reported in Mediterranean environments. This study represents the first record of P. orobanchia in Morocco, extending its known distribution in North Africa. Although the species is widely distributed and reported on more than 20 Orobanche species worldwide, its occurrence in Moroccan agroecosystems had not previously been documented. Natural parasitism by Tetrastichus phytomyzae Kost. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) was low (<4%), indicating limited regulation of fly populations by parasitoids under field conditions. Overall, the results highlight the potential of P. orobanchia as a promising biological control agent of broomrape in Morocco, particularly if its early establishment is enhanced before peak parasitoid activity.
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