Quantitative DNA tests for lucerne seed wasp and associated parasitoid wasps

Lucerne seed wasp (LSW; Bruchophagus roddi) is a major economic and production threat to the Australian lucerne seed industry. This project will develop quantitative DNA soil tests for LSW and two associated parisitoid wasps; Idiomacromerus perplexus and Pteromalus sequester. This project will also evaluate different sampling strategies to monitor lucerne seed wasp and parasitoid populations to underpin a reliable, efficient system to inform growers of the need to implement strategies to minimise yield losses.