Seasonal Population Dynamics and Fixed-Precision Sequential Sampling Plans for Aphis punicae (Homoptera: Aphididae) in Sirvan City (Ilam Province)

Pomegranate aphid, Aphis punicae (Hom., Aphididae) is one of the most important pests of pomegranate in Iran. In this study, seasonal population dynamics of this aphid was studied in Sirvan city, Ilam province. For this purpose, sampling was performed bi-weekly in an experimental orchard, 1 hectare area, during two years (2016-2017). Also, Taylor power law and Iwao's patchiness were used to determine spatial distribution of the pest on pomegranate shrub. Green's model was used to develop a fixed- precision sequential sampling plan of the pest on pomegranate shrub. Results showed that pomegranate aphid has one generation and the pest occurred during spring (May to June) on pomegranate shrub in Sirvan city. Population peak of the aphid was observed in end of May. Spatial distribution of the pest was aggregative. Optimum sample sizes varied from 375-488 and 135-175 shoots according to the pest density at precision levels of 0.1 and 0.25, respectively.