Olfactory Response and Feeding Preference of Liriomyza huidobrensis (Diptera: Agromyzidae) to Potato Cultivars

Liriomyza huidobrensis (Blanchard) is a serious invasive pest of potato in Korea. In sessile insect herbivores like leafminer flies, host plant choice is a critical decision made by adults for offspring survival, and one that is often influenced by host plant quality. In annual host plants like potato, leafminer choice is sometimes influenced by cultivar characteristics. To determine the basis of host selection, the odor and feeding preferences of adult L. huidobrensis were examined using a five-arm olfactometer offering a choice of five different potato cultivars: 'Chubeak', 'Seohong', 'Goun', 'Dejima', and 'Sumi'. Preferences of adult leafminers varied significantly among potato cultivars. Liriomyza huidobrensis showed a preference for the Goun cultivar in both olfactory and adult feeding tests. When measured 2 wk after release onto actual plants, plant damage ratings and the number of mines were consistent with the feeding preference results. Further studies should examine the influence of cultivar characteristics on larval fitness and adult longevity to develop a resistant potato cultivar through the selection behavior of leafminers.