Flowering plants play an important role in conserving natural enemy species such as parasitoids of agricultural pests. Access to floral nectar can increase the longevity and fecundity of parasitoids, which may increase parasitism rates and improve integrated pest management (IPM) Synopeas myles (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) is being evaluated as a conservation biological control agent for swede midge, Contarinia nasturtii (Kieffer) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). C. nasturtii has been a challenging pest in canola and cruciferous vegetable production in North America throughout the past two decades. Current IPM strategies including cultural and chemical methods are not effective. S. myles was detected in Ontario in 2016. The adventive introduction of S. myles has led to interest in it’s role in conservation biological control of C. nasturtii. Sweet alyssum, Lobularia maritima (L.) (Brassicaceae) is a nectar-bearing plant commonly selected for floral additions. L. maritima is known to attract parasitoid species in the Platygastridae family and may repel certain Dipteran pests. Whether L. maritima presence impacts the realized fecundity of S. myles is being investigated. In addition, it is important to determine whether L. maritima is an acceptable host plant for C. nasturtii, as C. nasturtii is a specialist of brassicaceous plants. Whether L. maritima deters oviposition of C. nasturtii on its host plant will also be determined. Developing methods to improve presence and abundance of S. myles in agroecosystems will benefit swede midge IPM.
