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This research aims to develop a multiplex PCR assay for detecting two parasitoids of the alfalfa weevil.

July 8, 2026BioControlOpen Access

Development of a multiplex PCR assay to identify two key alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica) parasitoids, Bathyplectes curculionis and Oomyzus incertus, in western North America

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Randomized trial assesses parasitoid detection rates in alfalfa weevil larvae, highlighting molecular tools' effectiveness.

This research aims to develop a multiplex PCR assay for detecting two parasitoids of the alfalfa weevil.
Developed multiplex PCR assay targeting 5.8S ribosomal rDNA and ITS2 regions.
Assessed parasitism rates of H. postica larvae using conventional rearing and multiplex PCR across two years.
Surveyed H. postica adults in Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan to confirm strain prevalence.
Parasitism prevalence in 2021 was 55.7% compared to 6.9% in 2020, indicating increased pest control effectiveness.
Multiplex PCR revealed a more balanced detection of both parasitoids than conventional live rearing, which mainly identified B. curculionis.
Confirmed that all surveyed H. postica adults belonged to the western strain in the Canadian prairies.

Diyes et al. (2026) studied this question.

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