Population density of Oryctes elegans Prell. (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) on some date palm varieties in South Baghdad Orchards

Abstract

Laboratory and field studies were conducted to investigate the population density of Fruit stalk borer Oryctes elegans Prell in date palm orchards grown in Al-madain region about 30km south of Baghdad in 2009.The susceptibility of some date palm varieties, ( Braim, Ustaomran, Zahdi, Berhee, Khadhrawi, Khastawi, and Oueedi), to borer infestation was also tested. Results indicated that the mean density for borer larvae was 5.75 individual/tree. The Brim variety showed the highest susceptibility with an average of larvae population reached to 13 individual/tree. found in the part of the tree which was under annual management for bruning and removal of old fronds used to done during March and April. As for the adult density, results obtained by solar light trap showed that the mean number for adults catch was 29 insect /trap for the period of July to October while the highest trap catch was 37 adult /trap occurred during September. Results of the morphological studies had also indicated the presence of some differences in term of width, depth, weight of frond bases. Therefore, results of this study could be of benefit for orchards owners when applying an integrated program for controlling date palm pests.