Population dynamics of capitophorus elaeagni (hemiptera: aphididae)‎ and its associated predators on artichoke plants in el-Behera

Abstract EN

Globally marketing of artichoke is regulated by strict-safety and quality standards.

It could be obtained throughout successfully integrated pest management which minimize using of pesticides and maximize role of bio-control agents on artichoke cultivations especially during harvest period.

Capitophorus elaeagni was considered as a main common aphid species on artichoke plants.

Therefore, monitoring population size of C.

elaeagni and associated predators is essential, that it was achieved during current field study.

It was conducted along artichokes harvest time (Mid-December to Mid-May) in two consecutive cultivation seasons (2017-2018 and 2018-2019) in El Behera Governorate which has largest cultivated area of artichoke in Egypt.

Obtained results revealed that high numbers of aphid were observed on artichoke leaves during spring, which the aphid population grew rapidly in Mid-April.

Therefore it is recommended to complete artichoke harvest before May.

Water yellow traps could capture high numbers of C.

elaeagni and little numbers of Aphis gossypii and Acyrthosiphon pisum.

It is recommended to orient those traps to northeast direction with approximated angle from 26 to 35^o East to capture highest numbers of aphid.

Chrysopa vulgaris was the most dominant predator (84% ) followed by coccinellids (13% ) then Eupeodes corolla (3% ).

Each of maximum, minimum and mean temperatures had positive significant effect on population densities of C.

elaeagni, Coccinellids and Chrysopa vulgaris, while relative humidity had negative significant effect on aphid density.

C.

elaeagni had 8-9 consecutive generations, whereas generations of autumn and spring characterized with short duration (7-19 days) while winter generations were longer (14-26 days).