What is agonoscena pistaciae?
As one of the most common and well-known pests in pistachio orchards, agonoscena pistaciae is a native insect of Iran. Historically, pistachio psylla has caused heavy losses to gardeners due to their presence on pistachio trees.
Why is the fight against pistachio psylla important?
Due to having several generations per year (about six) and a large population, pistachio Psylla causes severe problems with growth and fertility, followed by the loss of leaves, buds, reduced yield, and tree drying.
Throughout the entire growth cycle of a tree, these pests feed on the tree and destroy its tissues. By taking advantage of the leaves, they first attack the other parts of the tree before draining the sap completely from it. As a result of consuming sap protein, these pests excrete sugar, weakening the tree in the process.
The sugary substances excreted by the pest in the vicinity of the air result in the development of a white compound which is known as honeydew. this compound is a gathering place for ants.
It is imperative to note that if psyllas are not controlled in time, they will lead to incomplete pistachio nuts formation, deaf nuts, drying of the tree, and irreversible damage to pistachio orchards.
The damage to the garden can affect its productivity for up to two years, causing heavy economic losses to the gardener
What are the growth stages of Agonoscena pistaciae?
The common Agonoscena pistaciae has three stages of growth, including the egg, nymph, and the adult stage. Usually, the amount of damage at the nymph stage is significantly greater than other stages. In all three stages of its life cycle, Agonoscena pistaciae feeds on the tree.
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Egg Stage
Psylla eggs are elongated and oval in shape. Initially, they are cream in color, which gradually changes to orange.
Nymph stage
The psylla undergoes through many stages in its nymph period to become an adult. The nymph cannot fly until it develops into an adult insect.
Adult stage
During this stage, the nymph molts and becomes a fully developed insect with the ability to fly.
Types of agonoscena pistaciae
Summer and winter agonoscena pistaciae are the two main types of this insect.
What’s winter agonoscena pistaciae?
Winter psyllas appear gradually in pistachio orchards from September and early October. Winter psyllas are darker than their summer species. These types of pests spend the winter as adult insects, hiding under the leaves of trees, underneath the bark of fruit trees, in cracks and seams in the ground, as well as under the weeds.
Wintering psyllas begin their activity in the gardens as spring approaches and the weather warms. Pistachio winter psyllas are more resistant to harsh conditions and cold temperatures as well as different toxins than summer types. This type lays more eggs. Moreover, this psylla has greater flight power, which contributes to higher pollution levels.
What’s summer agonoscena pistaciae?
The summer pistachio psylla can be found in orchards as early as May and remain visible until October. Also, its color is bright yellow. The most common symptom of pistachio psylla damage in summer is excessive leaf shedding in infected orchards.
How does the life cycle of psyllas unfold?
Agonostacia pistaciae eggs are laid at the same time as pistachio tree buds are swelling. Maximum egg-laying occurs in spring, coinciding with the blossoming of pistachio trees. Wintering female psyllas lay about 50 eggs after mating. Psyllas eggs hatch after about 3 to 4 days in the first generation (wintering psyllas), while nymphal psyllas hatch after about 2 to 3 days in the second generation.
Agonostacia pistaciae has five instars.
It is estimated that the instar period lasts between 23 and 27 days in each generation. In different regions, the psylla has five generations per year, but sometimes it has up to six generations per year. In years without early frost, the psylla population is very aggressive and at its highest. As a result, the intermediate (i.e., in between winter and summer) population can reproduce due to favorable conditions.
What are the characteristics of pistachio psylla damage?
Psylla is one of the most significant pests in pistachio orchards. It is impossible to ignore the extent of damage caused by this pest. The damage caused by this pest is irreversible if it is not controlled.
This pest feeds on the leaves and sap of trees throughout its life cycle, causing trees to become weak and eventually die.
Damages caused by Agonostacia pistaciae:
- deaf nuts
- immature kernel
- The fall of the next year’s buds
- Fall of leaves
- Leaf yellowing
- Leaves drying
- Entwined leaves
- close-shell pistachio
- Observing honeydew on the leaves and under the trees
- Observing the brown nymph
- underside of leaves
Dealing with Pistachio psylla
Due to the fact that pistachio psylla has a variety of types, the methods for dealing with it will differ. Characteristics such as biological factors, the life cycle of pistachio psylla, the environmental conditions in the region, etc. are important in choosing the most appropriate method for controlling and disposing of the pistachio psylla. With the advancement of science and technology in agriculture, new methods have become a viable alternative to traditional ones.
Which methods can be used to deal with pistachio psylla?
- Control by biological means or by using natural enemies
- Implementing mechanical means (proper irrigation – winter plowing – use of resistant breeds)
- Chemical control or poison use
- Utilizing sulfur
Pistachio psylla usually begins its activity in spring. Unless measures are taken to control it, the damage will be more severe during the summer. It is anticipated that tree destruction will continue until the fall.
Biological control or control by natural enemies
Considering that some insects feed on psyllas, one of the ways to fight of pistachio psylla is to use their natural enemies. In order of importance, the most prominent predators of psyllas are Chrysopa perla, seven-spotted ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata), Psyllaephagus, and predatory Campylommas. This method, as a biological fight against pistachio psylla, can control them to some extent.
Microorganisms are another way of biological control of pistachio psylla.
As an example, parasitizing fungi are one of the microorganisms useful in the biological control of pistachio psyllas.
Moreover, sticky yellow cards are also recommended as a biological control strategy for pistachio psylla. Yellow cards are used for trapping and can eliminate adult insects. However, the disadvantage of using these cards is their limited use in fields with a large area.
One of the non-chemical methods for controlling pistachio psyllium is through biological control.
Gallery of natural enemies of pistachio psylla
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Mechanical countermeasure
Proper irrigation, winter plowing, collecting leaves under trees, and using pest-resistant breeds are mechanical and non-chemical ways of preventing pistachio psylla infestations.
Proper irrigation
Regular irrigation of pistachio trees will significantly reduce the pest population. In April, July, August, and September, pistachio trees should be regularly irrigated.
Winter plowing
pistachio psyllas can be controlled mechanically by plowing the land in winter, usually in late December or early March. This method prevents pests from growing in the spring.
Utilization of resistant species
In spite of the fact that the pistachio psylla affects all varieties of pistachio trees, it is possible to reduce the number of them to some extent by selecting stronger and more resistant species. A number of pistachio species are resistant to psylla, including the Fandoghi, Badami, and Haj Abdullahi. In terms of sensitivity to psylla, Ahmadagai and red are one of the most vulnerable species.
Chemical countermeasures
Chemical control methods and foliar spraying may be necessary if the Psyllidae population exceeds a certain threshold and non-chemical methods are ineffective. Despite the fact that chemical poisons are proven to eliminate Psyllidae, these methods are not free of risks and disadvantages. These include the loss of beneficial insects, environmental damage, health damage, destruction of garden products, degradation of product quality, etc.
Use of sulfur
The use of sulfur is one of the most effective methods of controlling Psyllidae in Iran. This method does not have the disadvantages of using chemicals. Furthermore, it is not subject to the limitations associated with biological control.
The most effective poison for Psyllidae
The most effective poison for Pistachio Psyllidae is selected according to the pest growth stage, pest population, harvest time (due to the preharvest interval (PHI)), and poison application rate. There are many effective toxins against common Pistachio Psyllidae. Most effective poisons against Psyllidae, including Hexaflumuron, Phosalone, Acetamiprid, Movento, Actara, Calypso, Memory, act on their nymphs. Sulfur and spraying soaps are also used against Psyllidae. An expert should be consulted to determine the optimal time and poison to be used against the common pistachio Psyllidae.
A new poison for pistachio Psyllidae
Since pistachio Psyllidae have developed resistance to poisons, chemical poison manufacturers always try to market more effective poisons for these insects. Farmers are provided with these poisons after they have been approved by scientific institutions and have obtained the necessary permits. In recent years, a number of effective poisons have been introduced for the control of Pistachio Psyllidae, which can be used by farmers according to the needs of their orchards.
Vinegar and baking soda for pistachio psylla
Non-chemical methods to control pistachio psylla have long been considered. Due to the resistance of pistachio psylla to chemical poisons and the fact that some of them are expensive or of poor quality, some farmers use lime, tobacco, alcohol, vinegar, and baking soda to fight against pistachio psylla. Although these substances may be effective in some cases, they can cause serious damage to the plant and are not recommended.
Importance of expert opinion in control and disposal of psylla
Various methods to face Agonoscena pistaciae, such as the use of liquid biological fertilizers, vinegar, baking soda, and integrated methods are common among farmers. Meanwhile, people are trying to make money and profit by introducing poisons under the titles of the most effective poison to destroy pistachio psylla, effective poison against pistachio psylla, new psylla poison, Deltamethrin poison for psylla, Diazinon to fight against psylla, etc. None of these methods is approved or rejected by Jereeb.
It is essential to consult with experts and specialists in this field before applying any method to eliminate or treat psylla infestations.
A variety of specialized solutions for eliminating psyllas are available to gardeners after they have been reviewed and tested by experts to ensure their effectiveness and efficiency. It will take a concerted effort on the part of farmers and experts in this field to effectively control and eliminate psyllas. As agricultural technology has advanced, new methods have become available for controlling pistachio psyllas and reducing damage caused by these insects.
How does Jereeb software help to eliminate pistachio Psyllidae?
Jereeb is a smart application for managing pistachio orchards. By using Jereeb, you can register pests in your garden and set up and manage strategies for controlling them. In addition, Jereeb provides you with the ability to communicate with agricultural experts in your orchard, in addition to receiving and registering online solutions for eliminating psyllas.
