Infestation rates and natural enemies of Mercetaspis halli (Green) (Homoptera: Diaspididae) with new records from Turkey

Abstract

The present study carried out in Diyarbakır, Elazığ and Mardin during 2002-2004 on almond trees infested with the diaspidid Mercetaspis halli (Green). M. halli is considered an important pest and is in the domestic quarantine list of Turkey. The infestation level is described as “low level” in almond orchard. One parasitoid species and eleven predator species were recorded as natural enemies of M. halli. The parasitoid Thysanus ater Walker (Hymenoptera: Signiphoridae) are first records of M. halli from Turkey. Among these predators, Scymnus araraticus Khrzorian (%34.26 of the adult), Oenopia conglabata (L.) (%25.56 of adults) and Adalia fasciatopunctata revelierei Muls. (%12.62 of adults) were found to be the most common predators of N. halli.

The present study carried out in Diyarbakır, Elazığ and Mardin during 2002-2004 on almond trees infested with the diaspidid Mercetaspis halli (Green). M. halli is considered an important pest and is in the domestic quarantine list of Turkey. The infestation level is described as “low level” in almond orchard. One parasitoid species and eleven predator species were recorded as natural enemies of M. halli. The parasitoid Thysanus ater Walker (Hymenoptera: Signiphoridae) are first records of M. halli from Turkey. Among these predators, Scymnus araraticus Khrzorian (%34.26 of the adult), Oenopia conglabata (L.) (%25.56 of adults) and Adalia fasciatopunctata revelierei Muls. (%12.62 of adults) were found to be the most common predators of N. halli.