Open AccessPopulation abundance of pomegranate aphid, Aphis punicae (Homoptera: Aphididae), predators in Southwest of Iran
Author(s) -
Saeed Yaghobi,
Ali Rajabpour,
Nooshin Zandi-Sohani
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of entomological and acarological research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.335
H-Index - 6
eISSN - 2279-7084
pISSN - 2038-324X
DOI - 10.4081/jear.2018.7583
Subject(s) - coccinella septempunctata , aphid , aphididae , biology , coccinellidae , homoptera , pest analysis , predation , population , chrysopidae , aphis , chrysoperla carnea , soybean aphid , botany , horticulture , ecology , predator , demography , sociology
Pomegranate aphid, Aphis punicae Passarini (Hom., Aphididae) is an important pest of pomegranate in Iran. Predators play critical role in natural control of the pest. In this study, seasonal population dynamics of the aphid predators were investigated during two years (2016/2017) in Ilam province, southwest of Iran. Samplings were bi-weekly performed in an experimental pomegranate orchard. Four insect predators, Coccinella septempunctata L., Oenopia congelobata L. (Col., Coccinellidae), Xanthogramma pedisseguum Haris (Dip., Syrphidae) and Chrysoperla carnea Stephens (Neu., Chryspidae) were identified as predators of A. punicae in Ilam. The natural enemies occurred during March to May in both years. The highest and the lowest densities were belong to X. pedisseguum and O. congelobata, respectively. Results of the study can be used for developing integrated pest management program of A. punicae in pomegranate orchards.