Ecology, Population Development and Damage of Euphyllura Straminea Log. (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) Causing Damage in Olive Orchards

Abstract

This study was carried out in 2010 and 2011 to determine some biological characteristics and population development of Euphyllura straminea Log. which causes damage in olive orchards (Mardin province) in the south-east of Turkey. In the study, the samples were taken from three different orchards containing 30-40 olive trees. As a result of the study, it was determined that the adults of the pest were present in nature all the year round and hibernated the winter as adult. Adults left their hibernation sites with the warming of the weather and laid eggs in shoots, buds, and flowers. The insect had three annual generations in a year (depending on ecological conditions) and the population density and the ratio of damage decreased especially in rainy years. There is a close relationship between the ecology of E. straminea and plant phenology and climatic conditions.