The Phenology of Emergence From Artificial Overwintering Sites by Predatory Arthropods in Pistachio Orchards and Adjacent Habitats

Abstract

Artificial overwintering shelters composed of corrugated cardboard bands were placed on pistachio, almond, and wild almond trees located in the Sanliurfa (Turkey) province to monitor the timing of emergence from overwintering sites by hibernated predator arthropods. Almond and wild almonds adjacent to the pistachio orchards are the sources of the natural enemies of orchard pests. The bands were placed on the trees in October and collection began in January. Cumulative emergence from shelters was determined in 2009 and 2010 by calendar date and degree-day basis for Oenopia conglobata, Piocoris luridus Fieb., Spiders, Hippodomia variegata, and Deraeocoris pallens Reuther. In addition, one of the most important pest species of pistachio trees, pistachio psylla, Agonoscena pistacieae Burck. and Laut. were collected from these overwintering shelters. Spiders and D. pallens emerged first, D. pallens completing their emergence by early March (190 degree-days for 90% emergence) and by late March (372 degree-days for 90% emergence) in 2009 and 2010, respectively. The spiders completed their emergence by late April. Piocoris luridus and H. variegata emerged later than previous taxa, and finished emergence by late March, mid April. Oenopia conglobata emerged later than the other species (began emerging from bands at about 250 degree-days), and completed emergence by early, mid April. Anthocoris minki Dohrn, and Orius spp., Neuroptera, two species of Coccinellidae and A. pistaciae occurred at lower numbers in the shelters. Results suggested that most predatory taxa were more likely to be active at the time that the initial insecticide sprays were applied in early spring. Chemical applications with minimal detrimental impact on the environment should take into account the variety of natural enemies overwintered in orchard and their emergence time.