بررسی تاثیر درجه حرارت بر میزان تغذیه سنک شکارگر Anthocoris minki pistaciae با تغذیه از Agonoscena pistaciae در شرایط آزمایشگاهی

Common pistachio psylla (CPP), Agonoscena pistaciae Burckhardt and Lauterer (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) is economically the most important species among the psyllid pests of pistachio in Iran. According to the importance of non-chemical controlling methods and integrated pest management, the predatory bug, Anthocoris minki pistaciae Wagner (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), is one of the most important predators that feeds on CPP in both immature stage and adult stages. The predation capacity, is as an index to determine the most effective predators for biological control. Hence the present study was undertaken to determine the effect of three temperatures (17, 26 and 30°C) on predation capacity of A. minki pistaciae under laboratory conditions at 55±5% R.H. and a 16: 8 h (L: D) photoperiod. To determine this index, the daily of consumption rate each individual on prey was measured for all stages of the predator over its immature and adult life span and the laid eggs was counted every day until all of the adults died. Statistical analysis of data was performed using the age-stage, two-sex consumption rate-MSChart software (Ver. 2017.05.28). Results showed, in all stages of the predator life, there was significant difference between amounts of eaten prey for at three treatments. The highest mean consumption of nymphal stage of A. minki pistaciae was observed at 17°C (due to a longer nymphal period at this temperature), then this quantity increased from 26 to 30°C. Adult’s food consumption was 985.07±39.49, 1145.54±67.99 and 1300.15±61.38 nymphs of CPP at 17, 26 and 30°C, respectively. The highest and lowest transformation rate from prey population to predator offspring (Qp) was obtained 54. 67±10.67 and 36.45±7.97, respectively at 30°C and 17°C. The net predation rate (C0) of A. minki pistaciae at 30°C (1309.13±140.43 nymphs) was significantly higher than other temperatures and also the greatest daily mean food consumption and the age-stage-specific predation rate (cxj) were determined at the highest temperature. With regard to the climate and high temperature of pistachio growing regions and based on our results, temperature of 30°C can be more effective on predation activity of A. minki pistaciae.