The influence of heavy metals in the green zone oak coppice on the fertility of Neuroterus numismalis Fourc and Diplolepis quercus folii L.

Abstract

The problem of pollution effect on insects requires careful research. It is necessary to work out ways to reduce this impact on insects, if the pollution does not aim to destroy it. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of heavy metals on the species composition and population of Cynips (Neuroterus numismalis and Diplolepis quercus folii) in the overgrown oak forests of green zones. The main test - the object was a Neuroterus numismalis and Diplolepis quercus folii. The main research was carried out in coppice oak forests of the green zone of Voronezh (Russian Federation) in the Pravoberezhnoye forestry in quarters 33 and 35 along the M-4 “Don” highway. The ability of a Neuroterus numismalis to selectively populate oak leaves with an increased concentration of heavy metals puts it in the category of the most effective bio-indicators among the Cynips. The gall of the Diplolepis quercus folii is most susceptible to chemical contamination. With a low level of chemical contamination, the fecundity of the Diplolepis quercus folii and Neuroterus numismalis reaches a maximum level and decreases (in the Neuroterus numismalis one more sharply) with an average level of pollution.