قدیر نوری قنبلانی

Rapeseed Brassica napus is one of the oilseed plants of interest to farmers in Iran. Cabbage waxy aphid Brevicoryne brassicae is one of the important pests of rapeseed all of the world and one of the main methods to protect plants against aphids is using resistant genotypes. In order to evaluate the resistance of twenty-one canola genotypes to cabbage waxy aphid, a study was conducted (at 27.5 ± 2ºC, 60 ± 10% RH, 14L: 10D) under greenhouse conditions. To evaluate canola genotypes antibiosis, the genotypes were planted in pots in 10 replications based on a completely random design. Net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic increase rate (rm), finite increase rate (λ), mean generation time (T), doubling time (D) of the cabbage waxy aphid, and pre-mature period length were calculated in greenhouse conditions. The results of the variance analysis of studied data showed statistically significant difference at least at the probability level of five percentage (P ≤0.05). The intrinsic increase rate of cabbage aphid population on Geronimo and Okapi genotypes had the highest and lowest values of 0.287 and 0.215 (female/female/day), respectively. Okapi and Geronimo genotypes had the lowest (16.5 female/female/generation) and the highest net reproductive rate of cabbage aphid (36.75 female/female/generation), respectively. In this experiment, Geronimo was observed as the most sensitive and Opera and Okapi as the most resistant genotypes in comparison with other experimental genotypes.

The lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica F. is an important pest of the stored products, which causes severe economic damage on grain. Regarding necesity of using alternative methods to chemical insecticides, in the present study the lethal and sublethal effects of the essential oils of Ajwain (Carum copticum L.) and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill) along with diatomaceous earth were evaluated against R. dominica. The chemical compositions of the essential oils were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The major components of Ajwain were phenol, benzene, and γ-terpinene and those of the fennel were propanal, trans-anethole, γ-terpinene, benzene, and cyclohexene. The toxicity of fennel essential oil (LC50 = 103.83 µl/l air) against the adults of R. dominica was higher than Ajwain essential oil (LC50 = 167.46 µl/l air). The LC50 for the diatomaceous earth was obtained 0.052 g/kg. Results of the experiment of sublethal effects (LC30) showed that males and females’ longevity and the fecundity of females were significantly lowest in the combination of Ajwain essential oil along with diatomaceous earth. Furthermore, the net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm), and finite rate of increase (λ) of the pest, in both the combination of Ajwain essential oil along with diatomaceous earth and fennel essential oil along with diatomaceous earth were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than other treatments. The results of this study indicated that the essential oils of each of these plants in combination with diatomaceous earth can be used in the management programs of R. dominica.

The effects of plant growth-promoting activities involving biological, chemical, and organic fertilizers are partly well studied for pest insects. Still, studies concentrating on the impacts of such treatments on predators are uncommon. Plant growth promoting treatments- biological, -organic and -chemical fertilizers alter the biochemical composition of plants, which can impact the multitrophic interactions. Beneficial soil microorganisms such as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can affect nutritional quality, secondary metabolites, enzymes, phytohormones, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of plants, which may influence host plant-insect herbivore- natural enemies interactions. The predatory ladybird, Adalia bipunctata, is polyphagous species that mainly feed on aphids, especially the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae. It is a polyphagous insect that can cause damage to a lot of crops in fields and greenhouses. There is no published research concerning the effects of various plant growth-promoting on physiological performance of A. bipunctata. Thus, we investigated the impacts of various plant growth promoting treatments, viz. no fertilizer (untreated control), one type of PGPRs, vermicompost 30% (v/v), and zinc sulfate on physiological performance of A. bipunctata through M. persicae reared on treated Capsicum annum L. (Solanaceae).

Bell pepper seeds of the California Wonder cultivar were developed in 3L plastic pots and were used in bioassays when they reached 4-6 leaf stage under greenhouse conditions. Then, aphids were obtained from tomato farms from Meshkin-Shahr (Ardabil, Iran) and transmitted to bell pepper grown in the greenhouse. To keep an appropriate sub-sucking colony, every week the individuals were transferred from infested bell peppers to fresh plants. Adults of A. bipunctata were obtained from alfalfa farms of Ardabil, Iran, and transmitted to the laboratory, in a growth chamber. Mating pairs were selected and kept together in separate plastic jars (6 by 12 cm2) and were reared on pepper plants infested with sub-sucking insects as prey. In the study, the effect of spraying zinc sulfate on bell pepper plants and addition of the organic fertilizer of vermicompost 30% and the biologic fertilizers of Bacillus subtilis to the growing medium of bell pepper on the activities of critical physiological processes of A. bipunctata fed on M. persicae using a completely randomized design under greenhouse conditions. Then 5 adult predators were randomly selected from each treatment and homogenized with a hand pounder in 1 mL pure ice-cold water. After that, the specimens were centrifuged at 13,000 g pending 15 min at 4 ◦C. The top layer was collected and kept at 20 ◦C during biochemical analyses. All physiological enzymes assay based on the defined method were conduted in three biological replications. Then, data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Tukey test with the MINITAB software.

The results demonstrated a significant difference among the digestive enzymes activities, intermediates, and storage compounds of the predatory ladybug reared on aphids fed on bell peppers treated with different fertilizers. The lowest total protease activity of ladybird was observed in the control compared to other treatments. The elastase activity of ladybug increased on B. subtilis compared to other treatments. The highest and lowest amounts of cathepsin B activity in ladybugs were recorded on B. subtilis and vermicompost 30%, respectively. The highest and lowest low density lipophore (LDL) values were observed in A. bipunctata on control and B. subtilis treatment, respectively. Predatory ladybug had the highest protein, triglyceride, and glycogen on B. subtilis compared to other treatments. The lowest triglyceride and glycogen was also observed on vermicompost 30%.

Plant-herbivore interactions under the influence of bio-fertilizer have led to increased digestive enzymes activity and storage compounds in ladybug, which could be used in combination with the use of biological control agents in integrated management programs of the green peach aphid in greenhouses.

Venturia canescens Gravenhorst is one of the important parasitoids of lepidopterous pests with worldwide distribution. For assessing the efficiency of natural enemies in biological control, it is necessary to study their foraging behavior. In this study, host stage preference (between 1st and 4th instar larvae), functional response (densities of 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, 32, and 64 of 4th instar larvae), and mutual interference of V. canescens (densities of 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 of wasps) were studied on potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella Zeller, larvae. In the preference experiment, the 4th instar larvae of potato tuber moth were preferred by the wasp. The logistic regression analyses revealed that the functional response of V. canescens to the 4th instar larvae of potato tuber moth was type II. Searching efficiency (a) and handling time (Th) of the wasp were estimated 1.174 h−1 and 1.1347 h, respectively. In the mutual interference experiment, the per capita searching efficiency of the wasp ranged from 0.0810 to 0.1111 h-1, with the highest value at the density of 1 and 2 and the lowest value at the density of 8 wasps. The slope of regression line or interference coefficient was estimated to be -0.1356, indicating the mutual interference among the wasps. Based on the results, the foraging behavior of V. canescens was affected by the developmental stage and density of the host, as well as the density of the wasps. So, V. canescens has a good potential for IPM programs of potato tuber moth.

Sitotroga cerealella Olivier, is a species with worldwide distribution, which causes substantial damage to the grain kernels. In the present study, fumigant toxicity (LC50 and LC90) and sublethal effects (LC25) of the essential oils of three medicinal plants including black cumin, cinnamon, and peppermint were evaluated against the eggs and adults of this pest. The chemical constituents of the essential oils were detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Monoterpenes were the main chemical compounds of the tested essential oils. Fumigant toxicity of peppermint (LC50: 0.5 µl/l air) essential oil against the adults was higher than cinnamon (LC50: 0.94 µl/l air) and black cumin (LC50: 2.42 µl/l air) essential oils. The same trend was also observed against the eggs. The speed of mortality for peppermint (LT50: 8.05 h) and cinnamon (LT50: 9.68 h) essential oils were higher than black cumin (LT50: 14.78 h) essential oil. Results of the experiment of sublethal effects showed that the developmental time of the pest on the essential oils treatments were significantly longer than on control. The lowest fecundity of the pest was observed on peppermint treatment. Furthermore, the tested essential oils significantly reduced the net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm), and finite rate of increase (λ) of the pest. The results of this study showed that the tested essential oils, especially the essential oil of peppermint have a suitable potential for decreasing the population of S. cerealella and they can be used in the IPM programs of the pest.

In the present study, the lethal and sublethal effects of essential oils of marjoram, basil, and mint were evaluated on P. operculella. Also, the parasitism percentage of T. brassicae was assessed on the eggs of P. operculella treated with sublethal concentration (LC30) of these essential oils under laboratory conditions. The gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis indicated that carvacrol (26.02%), estragole (62.27%), and carvotanacetone (57.47%) were the major constituents of the studied essential oils, respectively. Based on the LC50 values of marjoram, basil, and mint essential oils (3.59, 2.53, and 2.37 µl/liter air, respectively), the mint essential oil had the highest fumigant toxicity on the eggs of P. operculella compared to other essential oils. The LC30 values of essential oils (2.61, 1.20, and 1.81 µl/liter air, respectively) were used to evaluate the sublethal effects. The sublethal concentrations of essential oils significantly affected the parameters of P. operculella. The shortest and longest total pre-oviposition period (TPOP) were observed on control (19.60 days) and O. basilicum essential oil (22.19 days). The values estimated for intrinsic rate of increase (r) in the control and marjoram, basil, and mint essential oils were 0.19, 0.11, 0.12, 0.10 day, respectively. Also, the parasitism rate of T. brassicae was recorded on control (81.11%) followed by basil essential oil (64.44%). These results suggested simultaneous usage of essential oils and parasitic wasps as a reliable option for sustainable managementofpotato tuber worm in the storage facilities.

In the present study, lethal and sublethal effects of essential oils of Artemisia khorassanica Podi, Carum carvi L. and Piper nigrum L. was assessed on number of parameters of Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller). The lethal concentrations (LC50) of essential oils were determined on the adults. Sublethal concentration (LC20) of essentials decreased the amount of life expectancy (ex), and showed different changes on the survival rate (lx) and reproductive value (vx) in comparison with the control. A. khorassanica essential oil in comparison with two the other essential oils decreased the population growth parameters such as gross reproduction rate (GRR), net reproduction rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (r), and finite rate of increase (λ) and increased the mean generation time (T) significantly. The essential oil of A. khorassanica had the most effective on biological parameters such as larval duration, immature stages, female longevity, the fecundity and fertility. The essential oil of A. khorassanica decreased the amounts of pupal protein (489.2 ± 20.86 µg/pupa), lipid (812.40 ± 48.70 μg/pupa) and glycogen (96.4 ± 5.51 µg/pupa) of pupae compared with the control (606.8 ± 28.38, 941.80 ± 54.97 and 150.40 ± 15.09 µg/pupa, respectively). Chemical composition analysis of the essential oils showed that camphor and 1,8-cineol in A. khorassanica and 2-methyl-3-phenyle propane in C. carvi and P. nigrum had the most amount. Considering the lethal and sublethal effects of essential oils, performing additional research achieving their application in the management of pest is recommended.

 Choosing a suitable sampling method is a crucial step in insect population studies. A good sample must be precise, unbiased and consistent to population parameter and meanwhile shouldn't increase costs. Therefore comparison of different sampling methods in terms of relative net cost, and relative net precision (RNP) is the most important task of a scientific sampling. In this study, efficacy of different sampling methods of Italian locust, Calliptamus italicus L. (Orthoptera, Acrididae) was studied in pastures of Khodafarin region in 2010-2011. Quadrats of three sizes (0.64, 1.44 and 4 m2), a standard sweep net and mark-recapture methods were adopted for sampling. Costs were recorded as time consumed for sampling. Estimates by quadrats of different size were similar, while RNP was higher for 4m2 quadrat. Sweeping for a minute provided a rough insignificant estimate of population size per 2.36 m2. Sweep net was determined as a cost-effective, low precision method, which may be used only as a tool for quick decisions in IPM programs. Mark-recapture method is not consistent for population estimations of the Italian locust.

Regarding the harmful side effects of chemical insecticides, currently the uses of the plant extracts have been considered. The potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella Zeller is an important pest of potato in the fields and stores especially in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The damage of this pest in stores is more serious than the fields. In this research the extracts of four different medicinal plants including: eucalyptus, Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn., lemon balm, Melissa officinalis L., Acanthophyllum bracteatum Boiss. and rampion, Heracleum persicum Desf. Were studied in the growth chamber set at 25±2˚C, 65±5% RH and photoperiod of 14 light and 10 dark hours. In the study of ovicidal effects, the LC50 in eucalyptus and rampion were 7.07 and 6.95%, respectively. In the study of first instar larval penetration, it was found that all the extracts were significantly lower than the control. In oviposition inhibition test, it was found that all the plant extracts have significantly reduced the oviposition of the potato tuber moth. In the fumigant effect experiments, there was no significant difference between the plant extracts and the control. Therefore it was concluded that none of the plant extracts have fumigant effects on different life stages of the potato tuber moth. Therefore, it can be concluded that eucalyptus and rampion extracts can be used to control the composting of potato tuber moth due to the appropriate controlling effects on this pest.

The Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), is an important pest of cereal, particularly wheat (Triticum eastivum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in many countries. It can also be damaging as a vector of plant pathogenic viruses including Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV), Barley Mosaic Virus (BMV), and Sugarcane Mosaic Virus (SMV). Also, a yield loss of as much as 60% has been reported in wheat in years of heavy infestation. Utilization of synthetic pesticides is a common method for control of D. noxia, but the continuous application of such chemicals caused several side-effects such as environmental hazards, insect pest resistance and the outbreak of secondary pests. Therefore, other control methods need to be investigated for effective control of the pest. The use of resistant cultivar is an environmentally safe method of insect control and is also less expensive for growers resistance of host plants against herbivore insects may be due to antibiosis. The antibiosis properties of the host plant can reduce the amount of feeding, fecundity and size of the insect. They also can lengthen the development period, and increase the mortality rate. Therefore, the use of plant tolerance for managing D. noxia has received greater emphasis than in other systems. Wheat and triticale lines [×Triti- cosecale Wittmack, a hybrid between wheat and rye (Secale cereale L.)] with tolerant traits or tolerance combined with antibiotic, antixenotic and tolerance traits have been identified.

In the present study, the possibility of existence of resistance in thirty bread wheat genotypes (Tak Ab, Ryzhav, Oohadi, Gaspard, Say Sunz, Alvand, Phishgam, Azadi, Kras Sabalan, Omid, Navid, Sabalan, Mihan, Orum, Zare, SardariHoma, Rasad, Cascogen, Tos, Shahriar, Bezostiya, Azar 2, Bak Kras Roshan, MV17, C-89-7, C-89-12, C-89-15, Zarin and Almot, respectively) and one triticale cultivar that was evaluated at 12th growth stages of the plants. The experiments were carried out in the greenhouse (23±3˚C, 50±10% RH and a photoperiod of 14L: 10D h) and using a completely randomized design. The aphids used in the experiments were provided from the stock colony reared in Department of Plant Protection, University of Mohaghegh Ardebili, (originated from Namin city infested fields). Antixenosis was determined by counting the number of adult aphids attracted to each genotype potted plants at 24, 48 and 72 hours after release. Life tables were constructed based on the method described by Birch (1948) and Meyer et al. (1986). Differences in intrinsic rate of increase (rm) and other life table parameters were estimated by the jackknife method. Before analysis, all data were tested for normality by Kolmogorov-Smirnov method. Statistical differences among means were compared using the Tukey post hoc Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) and Student-Newman- Keuls (SNK) tests at α= 0.05 using the statistical software of SPSS ver. 19.0.

In summary, the analysis of variance of number attracted adult aphids to each genotype indicated that there were no significant differences among genotypes with respect to the number of aphids attracted to them. Antibiosis evaluated in two experiments. In the first experiment, the mean number of aphids among 31 genotypes was significantly lowest on triticale (Juanilo cultivar) (1 aphid) than resistance control (35.2 aphids). In the second experiment, D. noxia intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm) evaluated on four selected genotypes in the first experiment. The highest and lowest rm values were found on Alvand cultivar (0.273 day-1) and Bezostaya cultivar (0.214 day-1), respectively. Intolerance experiment, height and dry weight of seedling between control (no infested plants) and 14 aphids-day infested plants were measured. Proportional dry weight and height changes were significantly different among the genotypes. According to the results obtained in this research, to avoid hazardous chemicals against insect pests of such crops, certain protective or curative procedures could be implied using different non-chemical methods to reduce the pest population and resultant damage. Consequently, our results indicate Kaskogen and Juanilo cultivars had relatively tolerance and antibiotic resistance to Russian wheat aphid, respectively and so it can be used in the IPM of the aphid.

Further experiments under the field conditions will be needed to validate these findings. The study on chemical components of these cultivars which is unsuitable in our lab may further reveal the chemical base of the unsuitability of cultivars Kaskogen and Juanilo.

Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) is one of the important pests of canola in Iran and some countries of the world. Population growth parameters of this aphid were evaluated by two-sex life table method on different canola cultivars (Opera, SLM046, RGS000, Okapi, Delgan, Licord, H19, and Modena) at 25 ± 1 °C, 65 ± 5% RH and a 16:8 h (L:D) photoperiod. Net reproductive rate (R0) varied from 7.48±1.11 to 26.95±4.24 offsprings per generation on eight canola cultivars; the lowest value was on H19 and Okapi and the highest value was on Modena, Opera, SLM046, Delgan and Licord. The lowest intrinsic rate of increase (rm) was related to aphids that were fed on cultivars Okapi and RGS000 (0.176±0.001 and 0.209±0.002 day-1). However, rm value was the highest when aphids were fed on cultivars Modena, Opera, Delgan, and SLM046. The results of this study indicated that Okapi and RGS000 were relatively resistant, and Modena, Opera, Delgan, and SLM046 were susceptible cultivars to B. brassicae.

Background and Objectives:

 The melon aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, is one of the most important pests of tomato in Iran. This aphid causes severe damage on tomato crop in northern Iran. 

Materials and Methods:

 Present study was conducted in an experimental field, 0.3 h, in Behshahr region in Mazandaran province based on a randomized completely block design. In this study, the effectiveness of intercropping tomato (T) with clover (C) in the three combinations: (1) one row of tomato with two rows of clover (1T:2C), (2) two rows of tomato with two rows of clover (2T:2C), and (3) three rows of tomato with two rows of clover (3T:2C) along with sole tomato were assessed on the densities of melon aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, diversity of its natural enemies and yield of both crops in 2016 and 2017.

 Results:

 The density of nymphs and adults of A. gossypii were significantly higher in sole tomato compared with intercrops. Among intercrops, the lowest density of nymphs and adults of A. gossypii were observed in 1T:2C intercrop. In present study, 13 predator species were collected and identified on aphid-infested plants of tomato in the experimental field. Among the predators, Coccinella septempunctata L., Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) and Episyrphus balteatus DeGeer had more abundance in the two studied years.  The Shannon diversity index (H´) and the Pielou’s evenness index (J´) for composition of predator species were significantly higher in intercrops compared with sole tomato crop. Moreover, more nymphs and adults of A. gossypii were parasitized in all intercrops compared with sole tomato crop in 2016 and 2017. The highest value of land equivalent ratio was found in 1T: 2C (LER = 1.28 in 2016 and 1.30 in 2017) among intercrops in the two cropping seasons.   

Discussion:

 All the three intercropping patterns of tomato with clover including 1T:2C, 2T:2C and 3T:2C, especially 1T:2C could be recommended in management programs of the melon aphid in tomato fields.

Red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), is a cosmopolitan and serious pest of cereal grains and their products in storage. In this research, nutritional indices and digestive enzymatic activity of T. castaneum fourth instar and adults were studied on ten barley cultivars (Fajr30, Behrokh, Sahra, Makuyi, Neek, Lout, Bahman, Nosrat, Abidar, and Sahand) at 30 ± 1 °C, relative humidity of 75 ± 5% and darkness conditions. The results showed that fourth instars and adults reared on cultivars Makuyi and Fajr30 had the lowest weight gain, efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI), relative growth rate and growth rate (GR) values. However, T. castaneum fed on cultivar Lout showed the highest weight gain, ECI and GR. The highest amylolytic activity of larvae was on cultivar Bahman, whereas the lowest activity was on cultivars Makuyi and Neek. Amylolytic activity of adults was the highest on cultivar Makuyi, and the lowest on cultivar Lout. Moreover, proteolytic activity of fourth instar was the highest when larvae were fed on cultivar Sahra and the lowest when they were fed on cultivars Behrokh and Makuyi. The highest proteolytic activity of adults was on cultivar Abidar, and the lowest on cultivar Bahman. The results of this study indicated that cultivars Fajr30 and Makuyi were less nutritive and cultivar Lout was more nutritive to T. castaneum. Therefore, more attention should be paid to manage the pest on cultivar Lout as a susceptible cultivar.

In this research, the influence of eggplant monoculture (E), soybean monoculture (S), and three intercropping systems including two rows of eggplant with four rows of soybean (2E: 4S), two rows of eggplant with two rows of soybean (2E: 2S) and four rows of eggplant with two rows of soybean (4E: 2S) were studied on population densities of Tetranychus urticae Koch, diversity and abundance of its predators, and yield of both crops in an experimental field based on a randomized block design with four blocks during two cropping seasons (2016 - 2017). In both years, the densities of T. urticae eggs and mobile forms on eggplant and soybean were significantly lower in the three intercrops compared to monoculture systems (P < 0.05). Moreover, the densities of T. urticae eggs and mobile forms were significantly higher on the soybean than the eggplant in each monoculture and intercrop system. The Shannon’s diversity indexes (H') for T. urticae predators on eggplants were significantly higher in the three intercrops compared to the monoculture. Furthermore, the values of this index were greater in soybean monoculture and 2E: 4Sintercrop than 2E: 2Sand 4E: 2S systems (P < 0.05). Values of the land equivalent ratio (LER) were higher in 2E: 4S relative to other intercrop systems in both years. Therefore, it could be concluded that 2E: 4S intercrop is the most suitable cropping system for using in integrated management of T. urticae in eggplant and soybean fields.

Potato tuber moth, Phothorimaea operculella (Zeller), is one of the most damaging pests of potato especially in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Management of this pest is commonly based on chemical control, but due to activity of the pest larvae inside the tubers chemical control of the pest is usually unsatisfactory. Therefore, the use of alternative and more efficient methods are necessary. In this study, the potato moth injury on nine cultivars of potato including Marfona, Sprit, Fontane, Agria, Jelly, Bamba, 82-10, S-12, and S-16 was assessed in the farm and greenhouse conditions. The effect of two important cultural factors including re-hilling of the soil and four different harvesting times were also evaluated against the potato tuber moth damage. The lowest and highest numbers of larval entry holes were observed on the cultivars Jelly and Marfona respectively. Also the samples taken from the plots that had been re-hilled displayed that there was significant differences in the contamination values (percentage of larvae holes) and there was less contamination for treatment groups. Also, the results obtained from samples taken on different harvesting dates showed that the lowest and highest percentages of infested tubers were in the harvesting dates of August 23 and October 7, respectively. Based on the results of present study, along with utilization of the Jelly and S-12 cultivars, the re-hilling of the plant and early harvesting of the tubers in late August are recommended to reduce potato tuber moth damage.

English grain aphid, Sitobion avenae (Fabricius), is an important pest of cereal, particularly wheat. The biological parameters of aphid were determined in a growth chamber at 25±2° C, 60±5% R. H. and 14:10 (L: D) conditionsin a completely randomized design as a split plot experiment. The main factor was wheat cultivars of Sysonz and Shiroodi, and the subplot consisted of five different pre- infestation periods (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 days). The results indicated significant differences among the treatments in the aspect of net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (rm), finite rate of increase (λ), doubling time (DT) and mean generation time (T) of S. avenae. The highest and lowest rm in Saysonz cultivar was observed on control (0.092 d-1) and 6 days pre- infestation period treatment (0.063 d-1), respectively. Also, the highest and lowest rm in Shiroodi cultivar was obtained on control (0.216 d-1) and 6 days pre- infestation period (0.157 d-1), respectively. Therefore, it was concluded that the prior infestation of the wheat plants by this aphid for a 6 days period, can reduce population growth rate of the aphid and so it can be used in the IPM of the aphid.

Grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella Olivier, is a cosmopolitan pest of stored products that it causes significant damages to the cereal grains. In the present study, the effect of 12 different maize hybrids including AR89, AS71, BC678, DC370, KSC260, KSC703, KSC704, KSC705, KSC400, PL72, SC71 and Simon on the biological characteristics and life table parameters of S. cerealella was assessed under laboratory conditions (25±1°C, 65±5% RH, and photoperiod of 12L: 12D h). The longest developmental time was evaluated on the hybrids PL72 (34.91 ± 0.24 days) and SC71 (34.39 ± 0.25 days) and its shortest value was achieved on the hybrids DC730 (27.08 ± 0.24 days), KSC704 (27.53 ± 0.45 days) and KSC260 (27.76 ± 0.28 days). The lowest and highest net reproductive rate (R0) of pest were observed on the hybrids PL72 (10.40 ± 0.09 female/female/generation) and DC 730 (28.06 ± 0.17 female/female/generation), respectively. The lowest intrinsic rate of increase (rm) was calculated on the PL72 (0.060 ± 0.00023 day-1) and its highest amount was measured on DC370 (0.109 ± 0.00022 day-1). According to the results, among considered hybrids, PL72 was identified as the lowest suitable host for feeding of S. cerealella and it can be used in the integrated management of this pest.

As part of a project on the evaluation of agricultural journals in the Iranian Academy of Sciences, the objective of this study was evaluation of quality of plant protection-related papers and management aspects of the journals publishing these papers in Iran. Ten indices were designed for evaluating the quality of published papers and another 10 indices for evaluation of the editorial quality of the journals. These indices were applied to 22 available journals published in 2014. The data were statistically analyzed using “normal distribution” procedure to rank the journals in 5 categories from “very good” to “very weak”. According to the results, 22.7% of the journals ranked “very good” or “good”, 54.6% were “intermediate”, and 22.7% ranked “weak” or “very weak”. The journals were also compared for five important indexes related to innovativeness, applicability and up-to-dateness of articles and practical usefulness and necessity of publication of the journal. Among the journals evaluated, Iranian Journal of Plant Pathology scored high in all 5 indices. Other journals were significant by 4 indices (Journal of Entomological Society of Iran), 3 indices (Rostaniha), 2 indices (JAST and Persian Journal of Acarology), or one index (Mycologia Iranica, Iranian Journal of Virology, Applied Entomology and Phytopathology, and Plant Protection of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz). Other journals did not rank high in any index. It is recommended that 1- journals put more emphasis on the quality of papers, 2- very weak journals discontinue publication, and 3- more support be given to the journals sponsored by the scientific societies.

Annual aggressions of Italian locust, Calliptamus italicus (Linnaeus) (Orthoptera: Acrididae) at the gregary phase cause serious damages and reduce yields in crop production systems in Khodafarin region. Despite a long history of the pest in the region, no sampling program has been developed for its population estimate and management. During growing season 2011, the spatial distribution of the post-embryonic stages of this insect was studied as a major component of a sampling program. The discrepancy of sampling data from both poisson and negative binomial distributions was investigated using Pearson's Chi square test. Moreover, different crowding and contagiousness indices including dispersion index (ID), index of clumping of David & Moore (lDM), green index (Cx), mean crowding of Lloyd (x*), patchiness index of Lloyd (Ip), Arbous and Kerich's λ, Morisita index (lδ) were used to strengthen the analyses. Taylor's power law and Iwao's regression techniques also were used to create a relation between means and variances. Results revealed that all stages have an aggregation tendency. Arbous and Kerrich's λ index was>2 in all samples and according to Blackith, it may suggest a combination of a behavioral cause of aggregation as well as an environmental one.

Nutritional indices and digestive enzymatic activity of Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) was studied on eight potato cultivars including Agria, Dayfla, Ceasar, Labadia, Lady Rozeta, Lotta, Marfona, and Santae under laboratory conditions (25±1 °C, 65±5% R.H. and a photoperiod of 16L:8D h). L. decemlineata third instar larvae reared on cultivar Ceasar had the lowest values of consumed food and larval weight gain. Approximate digestibility values were highest and lowest on cultivars Agria and Marfona, respectively. The larvae reared on cultivar Santae showed the highest efficiency of conversion of digested food and efficiency of conversion of ingested food. Those larvae that fed on cultivar Agria had the highest relative consumption rate. In contrast, the larvae fed on Labadia and Ceasar cultivars had the lowest relative consumption rate. Furthermore, the larvae fed on Santae and Agria cultivars had the highest relative growth rate. Amylolytic activity in the 4th instar larvae was the lowest on Ceasar and Labadia and the highest activity was observed in the larvae fed on cultivars Lotta and Santae. The highest larval proteolytic activity was recorded in Agria, Santae and Lotta cultivars. According to the results, Labadia and Ceasar were the most unsuitable cultivars for feeding of L. decemlineata.

Natural and human hazards arising from the use of chemical pesticides to reduce pest damage are significantly increased. In this way, tend to use alternatives with similar efficacy and less risk like plant to control pests has increased. Therefore, it seems that plant compounds can be used as alternatives to chemical insecticides to protect agricultural products in the future. These compounds have no harmful and negative effects on nature and are safer than chemical insecticides; they decompose rapidly, do not remain in soil and water and have no effect on non-target populations. One of the important agricultural products around the world is potato and a major pest of it around the world and in Iran that damage the product is Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say). Nowadays chemical control is the most common method to control of this pest but causes resistance. According to the Colorado potato beetle resistant to conventional chemical pesticides for controlling them, in recent year tendency to use insecticide with plant origin become more for this pest.One of the most important plant compounds are essential oils. Due to the low risk of essential oils to humans and the environment and their insecticidal effect, we motivated to investigate the insecticidal effects of three important medicinal plants on Colorado potato beetle for reducing the environmental hazards arising from the use of chemical insecticides.
Three insecticides thiamethoxam, diniteforane, imidacloprid were bought and three essential oils Satureja khuzistanica Jamzad, Ocimum basilicum L. and Mentha spicata L. were gathered in spring then dried in shade at room temperature and for later use in special plastic bags were stored at -24 ° C. With Clevenger essential oils were extracted. In the spring and summer 4th instars larvae of Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say from potato fields of Ardabil plain collected. Investigation against this pest in a completely randomized block design with four replications under field conditions was done. Mortalities were recorded at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15 days after spraying insecticides and essential oils. The control plants were treated with water. Data analysis was done in SPSS16 software and the mean of the data was compared with Turkey's test.
Result showed that in this study thiamethoxam had greatest effect on fourth instar larvae of Colorado potato beetle. In 15 cc a.i./ha of thiamethoxam in the environment after 15 days 95 % mortality happen . Imidacloprid and diniteforane after 15 days have 68 and 73.6 percent mortality respectively. Imidacloprid and thiamethoxam are two most common Colorado potato beetle insecticides that are used by farmers. Diniteforane is not so common insecticides in country. Also investigated showed that essential oil of S. khuzistanica had greatest effect on fourth instar larvae of Colorado potato beetle. In 15 cc a.i./ha of S. khuzistanica in the environment after 15 days 90.2 % mortality happen . O. basilicum and M. spicata after 15 days have 48 and 46 percent mortality respectively. Data showed that essential oils are highly selective and because of their effect (actopamin receptor) usually have no adverse effect on mammals. These compounds in contrast to synthetic carbamates, organophosphouros, and pyretroid that have adverse effect on the environment and people are safe for the environment.
Therefore, using plant material is effective step for reducing environmental risk of chemical insecticides that used for agricultural crop in country. In order to reduce the environmental hazards caused by the use of chemical pesticides, we can say: 1- Limit the use of chemical pesticides.
2. Use plant materials that are safe for humans and creatures.
3. Promote and educate the use of these compounds among farmers.
Acknowledgment
Thereby researcher thanks and appreciated from the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of University of Mohaghegh Ardabili for doing this project.

The aphidophagous ladybird, Hippodamia variegata (Goeze), is an effective predator in most agricultural ecosystems. The host plant species of aphids could be an effective factor on life history characteristics and efficiency of their predators. Therefore, the effect of six host plant species of cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae (Linnaeus) including cabbage, cauliflower, radish, turnip, canola and ornamental kale on development, reproduction, fecundity and life table parameters of H. variegata were studied in this research. The results showed that the suitability of aphids from various six host plants species differed for the development and reproduction of H. variegata. The total developmental time (from egg to adult emergence) was shortest (14.69 days) when reared on aphids on canola. Total fecundity rates significantly differed among tested host plants and the highest rate was observed on canola (646.44 eggs). The net reproductive rates (R0) of ladybird varied from 252.78 female offspring / female / generation on ornamental kale to 116.74 female offspring / female / generation on cabbage. Intrinsic rate of increase (rm) as an important index of suitability of prey host plant species on the population increase of ladybird beetle, varied from 0.155 day-1 on cabbage to 0.188 day-1 on canola. Based on the intrinsic rate of increase, the suitability of tested host plants in decreasing order was: canola, cauliflower, ornamental kale, radish, turnip and cabbage. Our finding may provide basic information for better understanding of the tritrophic interactions of the plant-aphid-predator relationships and also mass production of H. variegata.

Melon aphid, Aphis gossypii, is an important pest of cucumber in greenhouses. In this research the possibility of using induced resistance for reducing population growth rate of the pest has been investigated. The life history parameters of aphid were determined in a growth chamber at 25±2° C, 60 ± 5% R.H and 14:10 L D conditionsin a completely random design in a split plot experiment. The main factor was two cucumber cultivars of Royal and Storm and the subplot consisted of five different pre-infestation periods (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 days pre-infestation with five melon aphid/plant). At the end of each pre-infestation period, the aphids were removed and the plants kept aphid-free for 48 h. The life history and population growth parameters of aphid were determined through 40 replications. The results indicated that there were significant differences among the treatments in aspect of the nymph growth duration, duration of reproduction of adult aphids and the longevity of the adult aphids. Furthermore, among the treatments R0, r, λ and DT had significant differences in both cultivars, but there was no significant difference among the treatments in terms of generation time (T). The lowest and highest R0 in Royal (19.27 and 49.65 nymph/female/generation)and the lowest and highest r(0.311and 0.480 /day) were observed on 6 and 0 days pre-infestation period treatments, respectively. The lowest and the highest R0 in Storm (13/25 and 44/63 nymph/female/generation)and the lowest and highest r(0.273and 0.463 /day) were observed on 6 and 0 days pre-infestation period treatments, respectively. WE conclude that the pre-infestation of the cucumber plants with A. gossypii can induce resistance in cucumber within 6-8 days leading to population growth rate reduction in the melon aphid.

The Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Col.: Chrysomelidae) is the most important phytophagous pest of potato in Iran. In this research, diversity and abundance of terrestrial predators, and density of Colorado potato beetle eggs, larvae and adults were studied in potato rows located at 5, 10, 15, and 20 m from the alfalfa field (in the potato field adjacent to the alfalfa field) along with the control (the sole potato field) in Ardabil region during 2014 and 2015. In this study, eight terrestrial predator species in the control potato field and fourteen terrestrial predator species in the potato field adjacent to the alfalfa field were collected using pitfall trap and identified, amongst which spiders and carabid beetles had more relative abundance. The Shannon diversity index (H’) for terrestrial predators in the potato rows located at 5, 10, 15, and 20 m from the alfalfa field (in the potato field adjacent to the alfalfa field) was significantly higher than in the control potato field. During two years, the abundance of spiders and Carabid beetles decreased with increasing distance of the potato rows from the alfalfa field. Moreover, the density of Colorado potato beetle eggs, larvae and adults increased with increasing distance of the potato rows from the alfalfa field. Therefore, use of the strip cropping of potato and alfalfa (with 10 m of the potato strips width) could be recommended to the farmers in the integrated management of Colorado potato beetle.

The Sunn pest, Eurygaster integriceps Puton, is the most important pests of wheat and barley fields in Iran. Currently chemical control is the most common control measure of this pest. In this study, the lethal effects of three synthetic compounds, deltamethrin똘驲娩긧 (1000 ml/ha), lambda-cyhalothrin (75 ml/ha), deltamethrin (300 ml/ha) were compared with two commerical botanical extracts, Palizin® SL 65% and Sirinol® (1000 ml/ha) under the field and laboratory conditions. In the field study, a complete randomized block design with 4 replications was used on 3rd nymphal stages and overwintering adults in 2014 and 2015. The results showed that deltamethrin똘驲娩긧 and lambda-cyhalothrin with 100 and 90.1% mortality rates on adults were most efficient insecticides, respectively. Also, lambda-cyhalothrin and deltamethrin똘驲娩긧 with 100 and 96.38% mortality rates were most efficient insecticides on nymphal stages of Sunn pest, respectively. Contact bioassay in the laboratory indicated that the insecticide deltamethrin with LC50 1.35 and Sirinol® with LC50 of 2155 micro liter per liter were the most and least effective insecticides, respectively. Studies in both field and laboratory showed that; botanical extracts had less lethal effect compared with synthetic insecticides on the Sunn pest.