Geographical distribution and phenology of hymenopteran parasitoids on Lepidosaphes pistaciae Arch. (Hem.: Diaspididae) in Isfahan province

• Main Authors: Mansoori, M, Seyedol-Eslami, H, Jalaeian, M
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: Persian
• Published: Tehran, Iran Plant Protection Research Institute 2010
• Subjects: APHYTIS; http://www.fao.org/aos/agrovoc#c_16196; http://www.fao.org/aos/agrovoc#c_29803; http://www.fao.org/aos/agrovoc#c_34070; http://www.fao.org/aos/agrovoc#c_4270; LEPIDOSAPHES; PARASITOIDE; PARASITOIDES; PARASITOIDS; PESTS OF PLANTS; PLAGAS DE PLANTAS; RAVAGEUR DES PLANTES; Zaomma lambinus, Coccobius testaceus

Lepidosaphes pistaciae Arch. (Hom: Diaspididae) is an important pest of pistachio in sprayed orchards in Iran. The hymenopteran parasitoids are important agents that decrease the population of this pest. The purpose of this study was to determine geographical distribution of these species in Isfahan province. To determine geographical distribution of those species and presence of other parasitoid species sampling was conducted in 5 locations of pistachio production areas in Isfahan. Also, some morphological characteristic of those species were studied to differentiate between their developmental stages. Sampling was in weekly intervals. Samples were taken on defined surfaces of branches and leaves and in some cases on one hundred fruits or one hundred scales to evaluate seasonal population changes. Sticky traps were used to monitor adult wasps. In three locations of five locations presence of three species that previously were reported, was verified. Also a new hyperparasitoid species (Alberus sp.) was collected. Percentage of parasitism by the C. testaceus on end of overwintering generation of the host was about 35% to 50% and for summer generation on leaf about 60%, on fruit about 90% and on growing branches about 70%. Percentage of parasitism by the ecto-parasitoid for summer generation of host on leaves was 60%. Percentage of hyperparasitism on C. testaceus on overwintering generation of host was 15% and on summer generation of host was 15% to 30%. C. testaceus with 5 periods of separable developmental stages (probably 5 generations) on two generations of host per year, suitable synchronization to its host and high parasitism in the low densities of host could be an important factor for natural control of its host.