Population Dynamics of <em>Hemiberlesia lataniae</em> (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) and Associated Natural Enemies on Apple Trees <em>Malus domestica</em> (Boek), in Sadat, Menufia Governorate

Author : Sanaa, A. M. Abd El-Mageed; Gamal H. Mohamed and Wafaa M.M. El-Baradey

Apple is one of the most important fruits in Egypt as far as its acreage, production and exportation potentials. This work is to study the population dynamics of Hemiberlesia lataniae (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) and associated natural enemies on apple trees Malus domestica (Boek), in Sadat, Menufia Governorate, Egypt. Total population of H. latania showed three peaks in both years of study the highest one was in August. Multiple regressions were conducted for weather factors and natural enemies (Chrysoperla carnea (Steph.) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) and Encarsia citrine (Craw) (Neuroptera : Chrysopidae)) combined as well as plant age as described. The explained variances (E.V) indicated the impact for weather factors on the total population of H. latania were (86.87% and 88.28%) in both years of study. While the effect of natural enemies (E. citrine and C. carnea) was (89.49% and 87.24%). The plant age had the value of (E.V) was (89.04% & 89.81%). To evaluate the common effect of biotic and abiotic factors was (96.75% & 96.79%) for nymphs population, (91.67% & 92.82%) for adult females population, (71.68% & 77.60%) for gravid females population and (96.51%& 96.54%) for total population of H. latania.

Keywords : Hemiberlesia lataniae, Chrysoperla carnea, Encarsia citrine, apple Malus domestica,

Received:3/1/2023 12:00:00 AM; Accepted: 3/31/2023 12:00:00 AM