Determination of the distribution, biology and natural enemies of Parthenolecanium rufulum (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) on chestnut trees in Izmir and Manisa provinces in Turkey

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the distribution, biology, parasitoids and predators of Parthenolecanium rufulum (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Coccidae), which is harmful on chestnut areas in Izmir and Manisa provinces between the years of 2012 to 2014. The study was carried out with weekly and biweekly periods from February to November. The natural enemies of the pest were investigated by visual observations, examining laboratory culture, and using strike method. As a result, it was determined that the P. rufulum distributed only in districts of Kemalpasa and Turgutlu. P. rufulum has one generation per year and in overwinters as the 2nd instar nymph. Molting to adult female occurred the last days of April. Egg hatching occurred in late June and ended nearly two weeks later. Second instar nymphs were observed in late August. The second instar nymph's migration from leaves to twigs started at mid-October and the whole population was settled on branches from mid-November to overwinter. Total parasitism ratio of adult with and without egg was 3.8-18.6%. Pachyneuron aphidis Bouche and Pachyneuron muscarum (L.) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), Cheiloneurus sp. and Microterys sp. (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), Colesterocerum sp. (Hymenoptera: Eulopidae) were parasitoid species and, Adalia bipunctata (L.), Adalia fasciatopunctata revelierei Mulsant, Chilocorus bipustulatus (L.), Coccinella septempunctata (L.), Oenopia (Synharmonia) conglobate (L.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Chrysopa sp. (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) were predator species that were determined as natural enemies of the pest.