Population fluctuations and the spatial distribution pattern of the scale insect, Kermes quercus (L.) (Hem.: Kermesidae) in Quercus spp. Oak forests of Gilan-e-Gharb

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Department of Plant protection, Agricultural College , Razi Uni., Kermanshah, Iran

Abstract

The scale insect, Kermes quercus (L.) specifically feeds and damages oak trees. This pest was studied during 2015-16 in the forests of Gilan-e-Gharb, west of Iran on the Persian oak (Quercus brantii). The biological stages of the pest were collected from the infected branches and in the laboratory, under a stereomicroscope, the counting was recorded and the population fluctuations were plotted as a curve. Also, spatial distribution and population fluctuation were calculated using Taylor's power law models and the Iowa’ Index. The results showed that this insect, with respect to the average temperature and relative humidity of the region, has one generation per year and two nymphal stages. It overwinters as second instar nymph stage on the trunk and branches of oak trees. Young females appear in early April, and after three weeks of the growth of the ovaries, the females become bulky and glabrous. The oviposition period lasts from late April to late May for 20-30 days. The adult insects die 20 days after oviposition. The eggs in the sub-body cavity gradually become hatched and the first instar nymphs exit from the end of the body in late May and early June, and the egg shells remain in the body of the female's insect. The length of the overwintering second instar nymphs is approximately 10-11 months, from late April to early May of the following year.
 
 
 

Keywords

References

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Iranian Journal of Forest and Range Protection Research
Volume 16, Issue 1 - Serial Number 31
September 2018
Pages 13-34

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History

  • Receive Date: 28 April 2018
  • Revise Date: 18 September 2018
  • Accept Date: 17 July 2018

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