Study on the natural enemies in some sugar beet fields (‌Beta vulgaris L.), Iran

In the present study, natural active enemies of pests in sugar beet fields in some regions of Iran including Gonbad, Ramian, Agha Qala (Golestan province), Nahavand (Hamadan province), Fereydoun-Shahr, Borkhar, Golpayegan (Isfahan province), Shahrekord (Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari province), Naghadeh, Miandoab (West Azarbaijan province) were studied. A total of 45 species of natural enemies including 10 parasitoids and 35 predators of the order, Hymenoptera (Braconidae: seven species in six genera; Ichneumonidae: single species), Diptera (Tachinidae: two species in two genera; Asilidae: four species in four genera; Syrphidae: three species in three genera), Coleoptera (Carabidae: seven species in six genera; Coccinellidae: five species in four genera), Hemiptera (Anthocoridae: six species in two genera; Miridae: five species in three genera; Nabidae: two species in two genera; Reduviidae: two species in two genera), and Neuroptera (single species from the family Chrysopidae) were collected and identified in different parts of the country. Due to high diversity of natural enemies in sugar beet fields, the support of these beneficial insects is necessary in order to reduce the consumption of chemical pesticides, and the success of natural enemies effectiveness.