Biochemical and taxonomic characterization of bacteria associated with the crucifer root maggot (Delia radicum).

The crucifer root maggot, Delia radicum, is an important pest of cruciferous crops; however, little is known about its digestive biochemistry or resident gut microbiota. A culturing approach was used to survey the types of micro organisms associated with eggs, midgut, and faeces of larvae feeding on rutabaga. All bacteria isolated from the midgut and faecal materials were Gram-negative bacilli.