Journal of Applied Entomology (2005) 129, 342-346

M.R. Mehrnejad and M.J.W. Copland (2005)
The seasonal forms and reproductive potential of the common pistachio psylla, Agonoscena pistaciae (Hem., Psylloidea)
Journal of Applied Entomology 129 (6), 342-346
Abstract: Two distinct seasonal forms were found for the common pistachio psylla, Agonoscena pistaciae, the most serious insect pest of cultivated pistachio trees, Pistacia vera in Iran. The two forms are different morphologically as well as biologically. The summer form is of light colour and readily mates and starts egg laying 1-2 days after emergence, whereas, the winter form is larger, generally darker and in reproductive diapause. The first form is observed under long photoperiod, while the second form is induced under a combination of short photoperiod and low temperature. The combination of long photoperiod and warm temperature enhanced post-emergence ovarian development in the winter form, showing a close inverse correlation between pre-oviposition period and increasing temperatures. Both forms of A. pistaciae are adapted to a wide temperature range of 20-30°C for reproduction, and the fecundity of psyllid adults of either summer- or winter forms was found to be very high under experimental conditions.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): M. Reza Mehrnejad, Michael J.W. Copland

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Agonoscena pistaciae	Pistachio nut and relatives (Pistacia)	Iran