Introduction of the pests associated with Atriplex verrucifera M.B. and their distribution in East Azarbijan province rangelands

Atriplex verucifera M.B. is one of the major range plants in brackish grounds that because of high ability for forage production important in East Azarbaijan rangelands. It is widely distributed in these areas. Domestic animals and phytophagous insects are the most important limiting agents which cause destruction of the host plant. The insect pests affect different parts of Atriplex including leaves, fruits (seeds), stem and root and damage severity is different based on the pest species, plant growth status, precipitation, and plant tolerance to the pest. During the study of Atriplex verucifera autecology in East Azarbaijan province, important pests of this plant was investigated. Major pests incluuds:Chromosomus fischer Fahraeus (Col., Curculionidae): The larvae feed on all parts of crucibles roots and destruct gradually them. This weevil has collected from rangelands in Gherkhlar (Marand), Ahmad Abad lighly (Ahar) and Gharetapeh (Tasouj). Orgyia dubia (Tauscher) (Lep., Lymantriidae): The larvae cause host defoliation and weakness predisposes to other pests attack. The moth was collected from Ahmad Abad Lighly, Gharetapeh, Bonab sides and Gherkhlar rangelands. Galeruca sp. (Col., Chrysomelidae): The larvae damage to foliage and adults (female and male) feed on ripe seeds in fall season. This pest was collected in Bonab rangelands. Phyllotreta vittula Redtenbacher (Col., Chrysomelidae): The larvae feed on the leaves parenchyma and adults create the tiny hole on the leaves and reticulate them. This pest was collected in all Atriplex fields in the province.