Nitrogen preference of Liriomyza trifolii
Experiments in the Netherlands showed that Liriomyza trifolii (EPPO A2 pest) shows preferences for leaves with a high nitrogen content as food sources.
Tests with different leaf nitrogen contents showed that Liriomyza trifolii females responded with an increased feeding and fecundity, longer oviposition and higher oviposition rate to the higher nitrogen rate. Their offspring had also an increased pupal size, lower mortality and a shorter development time.
Sources
Minkenberg, O.P.J.M.; Ottenheim, J.J.G.W. (1990) Effect of leaf nitrogen content of tomato plants on preference and performance of a leafmining fly.
Oecologia 83, 291-298.