اولین گزارش گونه سرخرطومی Otiorhynchus ovalipennis Boheman, 1842 (Col., Curculionidae) بعنوان یک آفت بالقوه مزارع توت فرنگی استان کردستان

During a survey across the strawberry fields of Kurdistan province for detection and identification of Phytonemus pallidus fragariae, several samples related to snout beetle were observed and collected from strawberry plants. According to preliminary studies and validated scientific literatures, samples collected were assigned in the genus Otiorhynchus. In order to accurate identification of the identity of the samples, the samples were sent to Poland for Dr. Pioter through the insect classification section of the Plant Protection Institute of Iran. Finally, the identities of specimens collected were identified as Otiorhynchus ovalipennis Boheman. The feed of this pest on strawberries was first observed in a field in Kamyaran region in Kurdistan province. Adult insects were appeared in May while they had night activity, and during daytime sheltered in the soil and among the decaying vegetation. The beetles come over the strawberry foliage and start feeding on the margins of the leaves from the sunset that results in the complete destruction of leaves with only parts of the veins remain. Wounds and scratches include other symptoms of pest damage. Shaking a strawberry foliage, the beetles fall on the soil, and soon after come over the leaves, they once again go into the soil on August and lay eggs in soil around the root of strawberries and in areas with the high organic material content. The nutritional behavior of the larvae is different from the adult insects. The larvae are active in the soil and feed on degraded plants. The insect may also be present on other strawberry fields of the province, but gardeners may not be aware of it because of their night activity. This snout beetle is active at night; therefore, its behavior should be considered if control measures are taken.