Monitoring of aphid species landing in a Prunus nursery plot from Bistrita area.

Abstract

Plum pox or Sharka caused by Plum pox virus (PPV) is considered as the most destructive disease of stone fruits. This virus is naturally transmitted in a non-persistent manner by aphid vectors. It is very important to know the maximum pick of aphid populations in each area in order to concentrate the insecticide treatments especially on this period. To evaluate the peak of flying aphids and type of species landing in Prunus species from Bistrita area, a nursery plot with six different Prunus-rootstocks was established in spring of 2008. During the vegetation periods of 2008 and 2009 were monitored the aphid populations landing on the nursery plot by the sticky shot method (Avinent et al., 1993; Cambra et al., 2004). From April to October, an adhesive spray (Soveroude aerosol) was applied in order to capture the aphid species. The maximum peak of aphid populations in Bistrita area was recorded on the beginning of June in 2008 and on the middle of June in 2009.