Population dynamics and density of the common pistachio psylla, Agonoscena pistaciae (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) on two pistachio cultivars, Badami-riz Zarand and Momtaz

The common pistachio psylla, Agonoscena pistaciae Burckhardt & Lauterer is known as the major pest in the pistachio plantation areas of Iran. The psyllid’s density on different pistachio cultivars is usually varied. Density and population dynamics of A. pistaciae were monitored at field condition on Badami-riz Zarand and Momtaz as two native and local pistachio cultivars in Zarand vicinity, Kerman province, South of Iran. Results showed that the psyllid nymphs’ density on Momtaz was larger than on Badami-riz Zarand through the whole sampling time from April to October significantly. Psyllid nymphs’ density was grown up from late July, however this trend was drastically high from August and afterward. In addition the adult psyllid abundance was 3 times larger on Momtaz cultivar twigs than Badami-riz Zarand through the growing seasons. The relative abundances of adult psyllid on yellow sticky traps in the Momtaz pistachio orchard was significantly larger than the Badami-riz Zarand orchard, however the fluctuations’ trends were similar at both orchards. The population dynamics and density of A. pistaciae on two pistachio cultivars were compared and discussed in present article.