Digline - Vial - 250 Individuals

Leafminers can rapidly cause significant aesthetic and physiological damage to crops, making early intervention essential. Digline offers a precision biological control solution that directly targets larval stages of leafminer pests. This control agent contains the ectoparasitic wasp Diglyphus isaea, a specialized and efficient parasitoid known for its ability to stop leaf damage fast and establish rapid population control in various horticultural and ornamental crops.

Whether you are cultivating leafy vegetables, ornamentals, or other greenhouse crops, Digline introduces a proactive and natural means of managing leafminers without the need for chemical insecticides. With its faster life cycle and direct host-feeding behavior, Digline ensures immediate suppression of active infestations.

How Digline Works

Direct Attack on Leafminer Larvae

The active component in Digline, Diglyphus isaea, is an ectoparasitic wasp that paralyzes and feeds on young leafminer larvae inside leaf mines. Its biological precision makes it one of the most effective tools for curative and preventative applications.

• Female wasps locate larval stages of leafminers inside the leaf tissue.

• Using their ovipositor, they paralyze the larvae and then lay an egg beside the immobilized host.

• The developing parasitoid larva consumes the paralyzed leafminer larva externally over time.

• In addition to parasitism, adult wasps host-feed on multiple larvae, killing them without laying eggs.

This dual-action approach (parasitism and host feeding) dramatically reduces pest populations within a short period after release.

Fast and Effective Lifecycle

Digline outpaces its host with a quicker life cycle, enabling fast establishment and successive generations that sustain pressure on the pest population.

• At optimal temperatures, the development time from egg to adult is shorter than that of the leafminer.

• Multiple generations can overlap within the crop cycle, ensuring continuous pest suppression.

• Adult wasps emerge ready to search, paralyze, and neutralize more leafminer larvae immediately.

This speed of reproduction gives Digline a distinct advantage in outbreak conditions, where fast suppression is critical.

Best Uses for Digline

Digline is highly effective against several species of leafminers, including:

• Liriomyza trifolii (American serpentine leafminer)

• Liriomyza huidobrensis (pea leafminer)

• Phytomyza syngenesiae (chrysanthemum leafminer)

It is suitable for use in a wide range of crops:

• Leafy vegetables

• Ornamental flowers and foliage crops

• Greenhouse-grown herbs and salad mixes

• Nursery plants

Because it targets the larval stage inside leaf tissues, Digline is most beneficial when applied early in the infestation phase or as a preventive measure in high-risk crops.

Application and Monitoring

For optimal results, release Digline into the growing area as soon as leafminer activity is detected.

• Release in the early morning or evening when temperatures are moderate.

• Distribute wasps evenly throughout the infested zone for complete coverage.

• Monitor leaf mines for signs of parasitism—darkened or collapsed mines indicate successful control.

• Repeat applications may be required depending on pest pressure and crop type.

Adult Diglyphus isaea are relatively easy to observe and monitor, aiding growers in assessing their establishment and impact over time.

Storage and Handling Guidelines

To maintain the vitality and effectiveness of Digline, follow these best practices:

• Transport and store at 6–10°C (43–50°F) in darkness.

• Keep containers in a horizontal position.

• Do not expose to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.

• Use within 18 hours of receipt for peak performance.

Always release wasps immediately upon arrival or keep them stored correctly until the release window is appropriate.

Final Words

For growers facing the challenges of leafminer infestations, Digline offers a quick, efficient, and natural solution. Its fast-acting parasitic behavior, host-feeding capabilities, and short life cycle make it a reliable partner in integrated pest management strategies. Whether used for early intervention or during an outbreak, Digline ensures leafminer suppression without harmful residues—safeguarding plant health and crop quality with sustainable precision.