No abstract

The predatory beetle, Oenopia conglobata contaminata, is associated with the common pistachio psylla, Agonoscena pistaciae, the major pistachio pest in Iran. Successful development and reproduction on both A. pistaciae and Aphis gossypii (the major weed aphid in the pistachio orchards) indicated they were suitable prey for O. conglobata contaminata. Under ample prey supply, larval development on A. pistaciae was shorter and mortality was lower compared to those reared on A. gossypii. Furthermore, this ladybird attacks and destroys a large number of psyllid nymphs during the whole of its larval period (6209/17 fourth stage nymphs) and also in its adult stage (1919/7.5 4 th stage nymphs daily). The optimum temperature for development was 308C, the theoretical threshold for development was 138C and thermal requirements from egg to adult was estimated as 196 degree-days (8D). Fecundity for the first 21 days of adult life was 387 and 355 eggs when females fed on A. pistaciae and A. gossypii nymphs, respectively. The intrinsic rate of increase (r m ) at 27.58C was 0.19 and 0.18 when ladybirds were fed on psyllid and aphid nymphs, respectively. In a laboratory choice experiment, the adult ladybirds showed a strong preference for A. pistaciae compared to A. gossypii. This was in agreement with our field observation that O. conglobata contaminata is almost always found on psyllid colonies, even when aphids were plentiful on weeds in the pistachio orchards. The influence of the predator on psyllid seasonal population under natural condition was not studied in this investigation and this subject must be measured in subsequent trials.

No abstract

Commercial pistachio cultivation and production began about a century ago in Iran. The size of this industry has gradually increased and the pistachio nut production in Iran is now the largest worldwide, although it has declined over last few years due to long periods of harsh drought, the mismanagement of water resources and the impact of climate change. Research on pests and diseases was started in the 1940s due to the demands of the growers who were facing economic damage by herbivorous insects. Much research has been undertaken over the last 75 years to improve production procedures and the present article summarises the available information on pistachio pests, their natural enemies and management.

No abstract