The population density of biocontorol agents of common pistachio psylla, Agonoscena pistaciae (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae) in non-sprayed orchards in pistachio plantation areas of Kerman and Yazd provinces

Background: The common pistachio psylla, Agonoscena pistaciae Burckhardt & Lauterer (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae), is known as the key pest of pistachio trees in Iran. This study was surveyed to the population density of natural enemies of A. pistaciae. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in pistachio plantations in Kerman and Yazd province through 2006-2008. Three pistachio orchards were sampled in each pistachio plantations where managed under no spraying condition. By monthly sampling, population density of predators and parasitoids were recorded. Results: Totally, eight ladybirds' species, Anthochoris minki pistaciae, Anystis baccarum, Chrysoperla lucasina, Psyllaephagus pistaciae were collected as psyllophagous. Oenopia conglobata contaminata and Adalia bipunctata were found in all experimental sites. The two spotted ladybird A. bipunctata was found as the dominant species in Rafsanjan, Ravar, Kerman and Shahr-e Babak areas. O. conglobata contaminata, Hippodamia variegata, Exochomus nigripennis and Coccinella septempunctata were dominant in some areas of Kerman and Yazd provinces. Population density of psyllophagous ladybirds in spring and autumn were considerably higher than summer. 26% of the wasps emerging from psyllids mummies were the primary parasitoid Psyllaephagus pistaciae, and the remaining were hyperparasitoids. Conclusion: This information can be used in the integrated management of this pest.