Effect of sprinkler and furrow irrigation methods on piercing-sucking pests and yield in potato

This study was conducted to compare the effects of sprinkler and furrow irrigation methods on sucking pests’ population، yield and water use in Hamedan region during two years. The results showed that density of thrips in sprinkler irrigation system was lower than the furrow irrigation. Also it was found that population of leafhopper decreased and the two-spotted spider mite was removed completely. The results of effects of irrigation systems on crop biomasses showed that in sprinkler irrigation it was very higher than furrow irrigation. This could be due to decreased pests’ population، decreased use of pesticides and good availability of the crop to water and fertilizer. Growth Trend and storage of potato tubers after 100 days in furrow irrigation was more than sprinkler irrigation. With decreasing shoot’s growth in sprinkler irrigation due to enough moisture and fertilizer، root’s growth increased. Harvesting at the same time indicated that yield of potato in furrow irrigation was 12. 04 % higher. It seems that delay in cutting time in sprinkler irrigation increases the yield. In general، the results indicated that water use in sprinkler irrigation was 50. 70 % less than furrow irrigation. Sprinkler system by decreasing need for chemical control could act as a part of integrated pest management. Also Sprinkler system could increase efficiency of irrigation by decreasing water resources demand، chemical control and the costs.