THE BIOLOGY OF PORPHYROPHORA TRITICI (HEMIPTERA: COCCOIDEA: MARGARODIDAE) AND THE EFFECT OF SOME FARMING PRACTICES ON ITS POPULATIONS IN KERMANSHAH, IRAN

Abstract

THE BIOLOGY OF PORPHYROPHORA TRITICI (HEMIPTERA: COCCOIDEA: MARGARODIDAE) AND THE EFFECT OF SOME FARMING PRACTICES ON ITS POPULATIONS IN KERMANSHAH, IRAN.

This paper describes the life cycle of Porphyrophora tritici Bodenheimer on wheat in the Kermanshah region of Iran, and the effect of various farming practices (irrigation, harvesting, rotations and time of ploughing) on its survival. It is concluded that the manipulation of the time of ploughing may be the most economical management method of those tried.

Key words: barley, control, weeding, natural enemies, Lithophylus sp., ground pearls, damage, grazing.