Journal of Pest Science (2007) 80, 1-8

Nimet Sema Gencer, Kiymet Senan Coskuncu and Nabi Alper Kumral (2007)
The colonization preference and population trends of larval fig psylla, Homotoma ficus L. (Hemiptera: Homotomidae)
Journal of Pest Science 80 (1), 1-8
Abstract: The colonization preference and population trends of larval fig psylla Homotoma ficus L. were studied in Bursa, northwestern Turkey, from March 2000 to July 2001. Homotoma ficus overwintered at the egg stage on terminal buds and lenticels of shoots. Larval emergence occurred on 30th and 11th March in 2000 and 2001, respectively. Degree-day (DD) accumulations since 1st January indicate that the emergence of first larvae averaged 47 DD based on the larval developmental threshold of 10.9°C. Although the population trends of Homotoma ficus larvae were affected by temperature and rainfall, there was only significant relationship between larval abundance and temperature. The first instar larvae significantly preferred the bottom and the inside stipule of leaves. The second instar larvae distributed not only on expanding green tissues but also on both the upper and lower surface of leaves corresponding to the fig bud development period. Third to fifth instars colonized significantly greater on the bottom of leaves compared with the stipule and upper surface. In addition, significant linear relationship was found between fig phenology and cumulative larval counts. The importance of the colonization preference of larval instars and the use of fig phenology as well as DD for timing of insecticide treatments are discussed.
(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): Nimet Sema Gencer, Kiymet Senan Coskuncu, Nabi Alper Kumral

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

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Homotoma ficus	Ficus (crop)	Turkey