THE OCCURRENCE OF MIDGE LARVAE IN PINEAPPLE AND THEIR ROLE IN LEATHERY POCKET DISEASE

W.H. LIM

SUMMARY

Midge larvae belonging to the genus Dasyhelea (fam. Ceratopogonidae) are commonly found in water that collects in the 'heart' or centre of pineapple plants, and on young developing inflorescences. Laboratory studies showed that the larvae feed on the mushroom-shape trichomes which form a protective layer above the epidermis of the leaves and tissues of the inflorescences. It is suggested that damage to the trichomes layer by the larvae allows greater accessibility of Penicillium funiculosum into the young developing fruitlet leading to infection.

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