علیرضا عسکریان زاده

Common pistachio psylla, is a native pest in pistachio orchards of Iran. In this research, the LC50 and LC90 values of Movento, Sivanto, Starkel and Diabon pesticides were obtained on the nymphs of this pest in laboratory conditions. Then it was used against the pest in field conditions along with water spray treatment and potassium silicate liquid fertilizer. Finally, the mortality of nymphs was calculated 3, 7, 14 and 21 days after spraying. The field data were statistically analyzed as a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design in three replications with two factors of treatment and effect time. The values of LC50 and LC90 of insecticides in bioassay tests are respectively for Movento 500.78 and 1933.88, for Diabon 7259.57 and19839.41, for Sivanto 59.85 and 193.16 and for Starkel 7.19 and 36.96 µl/l were estimated. The results of the field test showed that the highest pest mortality on the third day after spraying were related to Diabon, Starkel, Sivanto insecticides, potassium silicate fertilizer, water spray and Movento pesticide, respectively equal to 81.33, 70.66., 57.33, 56.00, 48.00 and 45.66%. On the 14th day, the mortality rate in Movento treatment reached 84% and was significantly higher than other treatments. Therefore, the toxicity and durability of Diabon and Movento are more than other treatments. Based on the results of this research, Diabon pesticide, potassium silicate fertilizer and water spray due to its compatibility with the environment and Movento insecticide due to its durability It is suitable to control this pest.

Two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) is one of the most important damaging pests to bean farms. In order to reduce these damages, farmers are forced to spray their fields several times. One of the best methods to reduce pest damages is using of resistant cultivars. In addition to tolerance to the pests and reduction of spraying and consequently reduction of environmental pollutions, this method can also have benenefit of higher yield. In this research,bean cultivars resistance to two- spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) in field conditions evaluated.

In order to study and evaluate resistance of eight cultivars (including: Sadri, Shokufa, Akhtar, Khomein, Dorsa, Kusha, Darakhshan and Pak) and two lines (21191 and 31169) of bean to two-spotted spider mite during two successive farming years of 2015 and 2016. An experiment was conducted in the form of split plots design in time, in National Research Bean Center of Khomein city. This experiment was performed by observational method with leaves’, stems’, pods’ and bushes infestation to two-spotted spider mite and comparing them with the control and the evaluation of their yields. The statistical population included 10 genotypes of bean. This experiment was carried out in four replications in a field with a size of 23 × 26 m in a split plot arrangement based on a randomized complete block design. Ten genotypes were tested against two-spotted spider mite on leaf, stem, pods, plant, and their grain yield by spray treatment. In each plot, 30 samples were prepared. The data were analyzed by SAS software. The comparison of the mean of infestation of the cultivars and the sampling time by Duncan's test and the comparison of the mean yield by Tukey HSD test was performed.

Infestation in the stems of bean began in two consecutive years on 12 August every year and peaked on the 22 of August. The highest amount of stem infestation in two years was related to Darakhshan cultivar and Dorsa and Line 21191 had the least infestation in this regard. Infestation in pods of beans began in year 2015 on 26th of August and in 2016 year on the 21st of August. But in two consecutive years, the peak of pod infestation was on 16th of September. Darakhshan, Sadri, Khomein cultivars were identified as susceptible cultivars to the mite and the cultivars Dorsa, Kusha and Line 21191 as more resistant cultivars in this regard. Beginning of infestation in bushes in both years was 20 September and the peak of them occurred on 30 September. Results showed that the amount of infestation of experimental cultivars and lines to two-spotted spider mite was significantly different. These differences were related to the beginning of infestation and yield. Means comparison showed that Darakhshan, Akhtar and Khomein were sensitive to the pest but line 21191 and Kusha cultivar as chiti bean cultivars, Dorsa as a White bean cultivar, and line 31169 as a Red bean have more resistance to two-spotted spider mite and have acceptable yield in comparison with other experimental cultivars. The combined analysis of the data two yearly showed that the effect of year on the grain yield was significant, which was probably due to the uneven atmospheric rainfall, exposure to light, or under the influence of environmental stresses over two years. Also, the interaction of year and cultivar was not significant that it is showed the same response of the cultivars to the pest in the two years of the experiment.

In general, the results of the present study showed that Dorsa, Kusha and line of 21191, as compared to Darakhshan, Chiti of Khomein, showed more resistance to the populations of two-spotted spider mite in field conditions that the most important causes of these results cases such as genotype, vegetation type and date of mite infestation can be attributed. Therefore, in order to prevent continuous spraying in bean fields and to obtain optimum yield, it is recommended that the line 21191 (introduced in 2016 as Ghaffar cultivar) and Dorsa and Kusha cultivars to be used. Also, Dorsa cultivar as white bean cultivar, line 21191 (Ghaffar cultivar) as chiti’s bean, and line 31169 (which was introduced as Yaghut ​​cultivar in 2016) as a red bean, resistant cultivars to two-spotted spider mite was designated in this study. So this research can be very helpful and efficient for improving yield and reducing the use of pesticides in the bean fields.

Insect sex pheromones contain long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Some types of unsaturated fatty acids have been showed anticancer effects. Angiogenesis is considered as a fundamental process in cancer growth and metastasis. Angiogenesis inhibitory effect of three insect-free pheromones alone and the incremental anti-angiogenic effect of each of them with paclitaxel were evaluated on chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of chick in the current experimental study.

Ninety fertilized eggs of Ross race were arranged into 9 groups as follows: control, dexamethasone, paclitaxel, pheromones of currant borer (Synanthedon tipuliformis); leopard moth (Zeuzera pyrina L.) and pistachio twig borer (Kermania pistaciella)-alone, and each sex pheromones plus paclitaxel. On day 8 of chick embryo incubation, 50 µl of each compound were applied to CAMs, and their effects were evaluated on day 9.

Compared with controls, application of each of the pheromones alone is equally effective in reducing vessel length and branching points by 88% and 71%, respectively. Angiogenesis was suppressed (82%) by paclitaxel and stimulated (20%) by dexamethasone. Inhibitory effect of paclitaxel on vascular branching points was further increased (7%) after combination treatment with each of three pheromones. Pheromones of Z. pyrina and K. pistaciella were able to enhance (7%) antiangiogenic effect of paclitaxel.

The direct anti-angiogenic effects of these insect pheromones and the incremental anti-angiogenic effect of each of them with paclitaxel. This antiangiogenic effect seems independent from anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Therefore, we suggest that the effect of these pheromones with paclitaxel be studied on patients with paclitaxel-resistant tumors.

Canola is cultivated as an oil seed plant all over around the world. The mustard aphid, Lipaphiserysimi (Kalt.) (Hem.: Aphididae) is one of the most important canola pests. In this study, the lethal and sublethal effects of flupyradifurone were evaluated on biological characteristics and life table parameters of the mustard aphid. The experiments were carried out at 20±2oC, 65±5% RH and 16L: 8D photoperiods. The life table parameters of L. erysimi were calculated using Carey's life table method. The LC50, LC25, and LC10 values of the flupyradifurone insecticidewere 0.385, 0.093, and 0.026 mg/L, respectively. The intrinsic rate of increase (r= 0.34, 0.30, and 0.23 Female/female/day), finite rate of increase (λ= 1.41, 1.36, and 1.27 Female/female/day), mean generation time(T= 10.84, 9.98, and 9.00 d) and doubling time (DT= 0.49, 0.50, and 0.54 d) were calculated in control, LC10, and LC25 treatments, respectively. The highest rates of reproduction and population growth rates of the mustard aphid, L. erysimi population were related to control, LC10, and LC25 treatments, respectively. Experiments showed that the sublethal effects of flupyradifurone significantly reduced gross rate reproduction,intrinsic rate of increase, finite rate of increase and mean generation time and increased doubling time of mustard aphid. Therefore, according to the results of this study, the insecticide flupyradifurone has a good potential in controlling mustard aphids in lethal and sub-lethal concentrations.

Acariphagous ladybird beetle, Stethorus gilvifrons Mulsant (Col., Coccinellidae) feeds on various growth stages of the tetranychus mites. Since Eutetranychus orientalis (Klein) mite is actively seen on castor bean crops during the months of autumn, winter and spring seasons, so it can be considered as a suitable host for maintaining ladybird beetles. Hence, the ladybird beetle population can be prevented from migration and maintained until the outbreak of sugarcane mite. In this study, possible use of castor bean, Ricinus communis Wild. (Euphorbiaceae) has been considered as a banker plant of acaraphagous ladybird beetle, S. gilvifrons. Initially, 30 castor bean plants were cultivated in the month of August 2016 around sugarcane fields in Khuzestan province and the population of mites and ladybird beetles were monthly sampled during one year (2016-2017) starting from August. The results showed ladybird beetles activity on castor bean plant throughout the year, however, during November till March only adults were observed that could start reproduction only from April to September. Also, the data analysis of the olfactometry system showed that the reaction of the ladybird beetle to volatile compounds of castor bean is significant. Therefore, the castor bean has the potential to form a niche for the acaraphagous ladybird beetle in maintaining its population throughout the year in order to control sugarcane mite population more efficiently and timely.

The cotton whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is one of the most important cotton pests. To control the whitefly, methods of biological control, chemical, and crop control especially resistant cultivar can be used. In this study, the resistance of different cotton genotypes to the cotton whitefly, B. tabaci was evaluated in field conditions in Garmsar region. For this purpose, the damage of B. tabaci on 10 cultivars was carried out in a split plot design with four replications. The experimental cultivars were including: BC244, SKT133 SAHEL, NSK847, SNK2772, GKTB113, K8802, SKSH249, K8801, and VARAMIN. The results showed that the time of beginning of infestation was different in various cultivars as BC244 and VARAMIN cultivars were infested with the pest sooner than others. At the peak of infestation, the highest population of pest was found on BC244 and VARAMIN and the lowest infestation was in GKTB113 and K8802 cultivars. During sampling at different times, the highest infestation was on BC244 and VARAMIN cultivars, and the least infestation was on K8802, SNK2772 and NSK847 cultivars. By calculating the yield components at harvest time, it was determined that the pest reduced the number and weights of the boll. This decrease was significant in VARAMIN and SAHEL cultivars and the lowest yield reduction was observed in SNK2772. Therefore, based on infestation rate and damage, the most resistant cultivar to the pest is SNK2772 and the most susceptible cultivar is BC244, among the tested cultivars.

The safflower fly, Acanthiophilus helianthi (Rossi) (Diptera: Trypetidae), is one of the most important pests of safflower in the world, causing a lot of damage to this crop every year. In Iran, the seed yield loss due to the safflower fly is estimated to be 30- 70 % for different safflower cultivars. The use of parasitoids is one of the pest management methods. In this study, the interaction between time and cultivar on the parasitism rate of safflower fly by two parasitoid species of Microdontromerus annulatus and Ormyrus gratiosus was investigated in the research field of Shahed University (south of Tehran). The study was conducted under a Completely Randomized Block Design with four replications. The treatments consisted of seven safflower cultivars including Zarghan, Padideh, Goldasht, Varamin, Pourdad PI, Acataria, Mec163. Sampling was performed every seven days and data analysis was done by the Kruskal Valis method. The highest percentage of parasitism by O. gratiosus on 19 July was observed on Mec163 and Varamin cultivars (12.35%). The lowest percentage of parasitism by this species was observed on 14 June in all cultivars. The highest parasitism rate by M. annulatus during the sampling period was observed on Padideh (7.56%) and Mec163 (7.52%) cultivars. The lowest percentage of parasitism (49.6%) by M. annulatus was observed on Varamin cultivar.

In this study, identification of clearwing moths and also effect of some environmental factors on the infestation level of babylon weeping trees to this pest species has been investigated in different landscape regions of Tehran city during 2016-2017. To this end, the landscape areas were divided into two regions based on the altitude: 1) between 1000-1400 meters (south Tehran region) and 2) between 1400-1800 meters (north of Tehran). Five parks were considered in each region. To evaluate effect of grassland type on the infestation, percentage of infestation in each park had been separately recorded for planting trees in meadows and trees on the boulevards. Data analysis was performed as a factorial experiment with a randomized complete blocks design consisting two factors (altitude and grassland type). According to the study, Paranthrene diaphana Torre & Strand (Lep.: Sesiidae) was identified as the dominant species which was not reported from Tehran region so far. The results of the statistical analysis showed that altitude had a significant effect on the pest dispersion so that level of infestation in south of Tehran was about 100 percent and almost two times more than the central and northern Tehran. Also, tree plantation in the meadows significantly reduced the pest infestation, up to 50%.

The tomato leafminer (TLM), Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is an important pest on tomato, potato and other Solanaceous with a great economic importance. Tomato borer can be regarded as a serious threat to tomato production in Iran. TLM larvae cause losses of up to 100% by attacking tomato leaves, flowers, stems, and especially fruits. TLM larvae act as leaf miners, and in high numbers, they can totally destroy the plant foliage; TLM infestation can destroy crop production early on by infesting both developing and ripe fruits. Management of the pest can be problematic, particularly when the infestation pressure is high. One of the main tools in its management is the use of conventional synthetic insecticides, however, this overreliance on the use of synthetic insecticides quickly leads to problems of insecticide resistance. The use of natural compounds such as plant essential oils is considered as alternatives to chemical pesticides due to their lower toxicity on the non-target and low persistence in the environment. In recent years essential oils of medicinal plants have received much attention as pest control chemical agents. The discovery of active compounds that are less persistent will be beneficial for both the environment and agricultural product consumers.
The egg, 2nd larval instars, and adult of TLM were used to determine the fumigant toxicity of the C. cavi. The essential oil of aerial parts of C. cavi, was extracted by hydrodistillation using a modified Clevenger-type apparatus. Conditions of extraction were: 50g of air-dried sample, 1:12 plant material/water volume ratio and 4h distillation. The obtained oil was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and stored in the refrigerator at 4°C until used. The fumigant toxicity of essential oil on larvae 2nd (inside leaf) and egg were tested in macro plastic container volume 1800 ml, The vials were contained leaves containing larvae mines with ten larvae (2nd instars) or 20 eggs, separately. Fore 2nd larvae (outside leaf) and adults bioassay experiments in glass vial volume 600 ml that contained ten larvae (2nd instars) or 10 adults, separately. No. 1 Whatman filter paper disks attached to the undersurface of vials. Filter papers were impregnated with series of pure concentrations of essential oil ranging from 20-100 µl L-1 air, 3-7 µl L-1 air, 0.1-1 µl L-1 air and 0.5-1 µl L-1 air were used in the main bioassay tests for the egg, 2nd larval instars (inside leaf and outside leaf) and eggs, respectively and each concentration and control included three replicates. The mortality was recorded for 2nd larvae and adults after 48 hours. Experiments were carried out at 27±2°C and 65±5% R.H. The rate of mortality was recorded after 48 hours. The type and amount of constituents of the essential oils were analyzed by GC/MS.
Results showed that the essential oil of C. cavi had high mortality on the different stage of TLM after 48 hours exposure. There was no mortality in controls. The essential oil showed strong adulticidal, larvicidal and ovicidal activity. The results showed that by increasing oil concentration, the mortality was increased. Based on Probit analysis, the LC50 values for egg, 2nd larvae inside the leaf, 2nd larvae outside leaf and adults were 44.24, 4.652, 0.335 and 0.624 µl L-1 air, respectively. The major constituents of C. carvi was Benzaldehyde, 4- (1- methyl ethyl) – (c) (21.26%)
Essential oil extracted from C. carvi proved to be very toxic different stage of TLM. On the basis of these LC50 values, larvae (outside leaf) and adults were much more susceptible than eggs and larvae (inside leaf). It should be noted that C. carvi showed remarkable insecticidal activity without any apparent phytotoxicity for leaves of tomato plants. The results showed that the caraway essential oil has high potential in controlling tomato leaf miner and will have purely to be advised for the safeguarding of the environment and the health of the user. Especially that application of synthetic insecticides arise development of resistance and pollution of the environment. In summary, results indicated that these essential oils have good fumigant toxicity on TLM.

The cotton shedder bug, Creontiades pallidus Ramber (Hemi.: Miridae) is one of the most important pests of cotton in Khorasan Razavi province, Iran. In recent years this insect had always been a main pest for cotton in east of Iran especially in Sabzevar region. To evaluate the damage caused by pest on different cultivars (Bakhtegan, Khordad, Sahel, Sepeed, Mehr and Varamin), an experiment was carried out at the Agricultural Research Station of Sabzevar during 2013-2014. Experiment was designed as randomized complete blocks with six treatments and four replications. In this study, ten constant plants in each plot were selected randomly and marked for sampling until the end of the project. On each count, the number of black spots due to feeding of C. pallidus on all bolls of each plant was counted and finally, the mean number of black spots on 10 plants were calculated. Samples were taken on 14 occasions from 14th July to 14th October 2013. Analysis variance showed a significant difference among the cultivars at the level of 1%. The mean comparison of cultivars treatments showed that the highest and lowest damage by C. pallidus were observed on the Varamin, Bakhtegan and Mehr cultivars, respectively.

The carob moth Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Lep.: Pyralidae) is the most important pest of pomegranate in Iran which annually causes considerable damages. Trichogramma wasps are one of the main factors in biological control of this pest, which can be used effectively to reduce damage. In this research, biological parameters of three species ofTrichogrammatids viz. T. brassicae, T. emryophagum and T. pintoi were evaluated on the carob moth, (E. ceratoniae) eggs under the laboratory conditions. The results showed that reproductive period, post-reproductive period and adult life span for T. brassicae reared on the carob moth were 7.8, 0.9, 8.7 days, respectively. These parameters for T. embryophagum were 8.2, 1.00, 9.2 days and for T. pintoi were 7.4, 1.1, 8.5 days, respectively. The studied species lacked pre-reproductive period. The results also showed that gross reproductive rate (GRR), intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm), mean generation time (T) and finite rate of population increase (λ) for T. brassicae reared on the carob moth were 38.021 (eggs), 0.286 (day-1), 12.659 (days), 1.330(day-1), respectively. The above calculated parameters for T. embryophagum reared on the same host were 39.247 (eggs), 0.311 (day-1), 11.659 (days), and 1.365 (day-1), and for T. pintoi they were 28.626 (eggs), 0.262 (day-1), 12.558 (days), and 1.300 (day-1), respectively, that was significantly different. It can be concluded that efficiency of T. embryophagum species compared with two other species, T. brassicae and T. pintoi on the carob moth eggs was higher. Therefore, it is recommended to use this species in integrated pest management program.

The corn stem borer, Sesamia cretica Led. (Lep.: Noctuidae),is the most important pest of maize and sugarcane throughout the world including Iran where its egg parasitoid wasp, Telenomus busseolae Gahan (Hym.: Scelionidae) is widely used in biological control programs. Due to the host specificity of the parasitoid wasp, S. cretica serves as the single host for the mass rearing of T. busseolae at the laboratory or insectarium. The present work was intended to find the optimum temperature and photoperiod for the reproductivity of S. cretica at laboratory condition. We evaluated the percentage of fertilized eggs, oviposition rate, peak of egg laying and adult longevity of S. cretica. Thermal treatments and photoperiod treatments included 24, 27 and 30 ºC as well as 24D, 12D: 12L, 8L: 16D (short day period), 16L:8D (long day period) hours respectively. The best temperature for oviposition was calculated between 24 and 27 ºC, but the rate of oviposition was significantly decreased at 30 ºC. Temperature and photoperiod had no effect on the percentage of fertilized eggs and adult longevity. Different photoperiods caused significant effect on the rate of oviposition and the highest oviposition rate occurred in 12L: 12D hours and in 16D:8L hours. The lowest rate of oviposition was observed in 24D period. The highest rate of oviposition occurred on the second day.

Outbreak of sugarcane whitefly, Neomaskellia andropogonis Corbett has occurred in the fields of sugarcane in Khuzestan province in recent years. The pest activity starts from early August and continues until late November. The aim of this study was to identify natural enemies and parasitism rate of the dominant species on the sugarcane whitefly in the south of Khuzestan. Adult wasps were collected directly by an aspirator from undersides of leaves. Pupae of the pest were also collected from field and then twere reared in the laboratory conditions (27◦C) until emerging of adult wasps. Number of parasitized nymphs were then counted and calculated for parasitism rate. Two collected parasitoid wasps on nymphs were identified as known Encarsia inaron (Walker) and Eretmocerus sp. (Hym., Aphelinidae). A true bug was also observed on the colony of nymphs. It appears that ants feed on eggs of the whitefly. During 2006, Results showed that the parasitism rate of the nymphs was over 30 percent in October and parasitism increased gradually to 85 percent to the late November. The parasitoids wasps have high potential to control nymphs of the sugarcane whitefly in this region.

The diamondback moth، plutella xylostella (Linnaeus، 1758) (Lep.: Plutellidae) is the most destructive insect pest of crucifer plants throughout the world. In order to study its seasonal population fluctuation، sampling was conducted in the cauliflower fields of south of Tehran from late may until October 2011. One hectare cauliflower field in the middle of a large field was randomly selected in Jahan-abad، Kahrizak، Shokr-abad and Palayin regions. 600 m2 fields in Collage of Agricultural Sciences، Shahed University، Tehran، Iran was selected، this field was not treated with insecticides. Each plant was presumed as a sampling unit and sample size was determined as 20 host plants. Sampling was carried out every 10 days and all eggs; larvae and pupa on the host plant were recorded. The peak of egg population (42. 30 eggs per plant) was observed in all regions at October 25th. The highest density larval and pupal density were recorded 6. 68 (larvae per plant) and 4. 92 (pupa per plant)، respectively in all regions at October 25th. The highest density of total stages was recorded in all regions at October 25th (53. 90 insect per plant) and lowest density of total stages was seen at June 19th (4. 86 insect per plant). The results showed that number of larval and pupal stages based on units density، between all experimental regions and Shahed university station had significant difference.

The diamondback moth,(DBM) Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lep.: Plutellidae) is one of the most important pests of cruciferous plants throughout the world. In this research the efficiency of different common insecticides (Indoxacarb, Thiodicarb,Hexaflomoron) with or without adjuvants (Bar-Tar®, DG®) on the third instar larvae of DBM was investigated. Results showed that 50% lethal concentration (LC50) for Indoxacarb, Thiodicarb and Hexaflomoron on 3rd instars larvae with significant difference were 46.79, 543.12 and 6.22 ppm respectively. Also, the results showed that there were significant differences among different insecticides. between applied adjuvants,. Bar-tar had the higher percentage of usage dose in insecide reduction.

In order to provide a phenological forecasting model, estimation of lower temperature threshold and thermal requirements are necessary. Therefore, current study was carried out to estimate lower temperature threshold and thermal requirements of Sesamia cretica Led., using Degree-days and Ikemoto and Takai linear models. Developmental times of the corn stem borer immature stages were determined at five constant temperatures, 18, 20.5, 24, 27, and 30 (±0.5)ºC, a photoperiod of 16L: 8D h and 50±10% relative humidity. Cut corn stems were used for feeding of the larvae. Between examined linear models, Ikemoto and Takai model was estimated thermal constant and lower temperature threshold for development of S.cretica more precisely than Degreedays model. Based on the estimations of Ikemoto and Takai linear model, lower temperature threshold of egg, larva, pupa and overall immature stages of S. cretica were 13.97, 13., 12.57 and 13.27 ºC respectively, and thermal requirements were 68.44, 328.73, 140.16 and 537.43 degreedays for above mentioned immature stages, respectively.

The safflower fly, Acanthiophilus helianthi is one of the most important pests of safflower in Iran. Using parasitoids is always considered as one of the integrated pest management methods. In order to evaluate parasitism rate and fluctuations of the safflower fly by parasitoids, seven safflowerr cultivars including Goldasht, Padideh, Zarghan, Varamin, PI, Acataria and Mec163 were cultivated with a Completely Randomized Block Design field experiment with four replicates in research field of Shahed University Research Center (south of Tehran).Goldasht cultivar was cultivated under experimental plots in four replicates in Shahed University, research fields in 2012. Sampling was carried out from safflower bolls every seven weeks. Results showed that two wasp parasitoids including Microdontomerus annulatus (Spinola, 1808) (Hym.: Torymidae)and Ormyrus gratiosus (Forster, 1860) (Hym.: Ormyridae)were active on the larvae and pupae of the safflower fly. The highest parasitism rate of O. gratiosus species in the 19th and 35th July (12.3%) was observed on the Mec163 cultivar. In these dates the lowest parasitism rate (6.58%) was occurred on PI and Padideh cultivars. The highest parasitism rate by M. annulatus parasitoid species was observed as 7.56% and 7.52% on the Padideh and Mec163 cultivars, respectively and the lowest parasitism (6.49%) was observed on the Varamin cultivar. Overall, it can be concluded that due to the application of insecticides for controlling safflower pests, especially A. helianthi in the cultivated areas, parasitoids activity was very low. Therefore, the use of selective insecticides and planting flowering plants as a living host of parasitoids can enhance their performances.

The carob moth, Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Zeller) (Lep., pyralidae), is the most important pest of pomegranate in Iran. The damage of carob moth is important both in orchard and harvested pomegranates. In this study, the effect of different doses of gamma radiation on different growth stages (one-day-old and four-days-old eggs, the first- instar larva, the last- instar larvae, pupa and adults) of carob moth were investigated. Results indicated that the range of lethal doses for different growth stages were estimated 125 to 225, 475 to 500, 600 to 1100, 900 to 1200, 1000 to 1300 and 800 to 1300 Gy, respectively. Consequently, the eggs and the first instar larva of E. ceratoniae in harvested pomegranates could be controled by maximum dose of 1000 Gy of gamma radiation.

Small cabbage white butterfly، Pieris rapae (L.) (L.) (Lep.: Pieridae) and diamondback moth، Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lep. Plutellidae) are two of the most important insect pests of the family Brassicaceae. Use of resistant varieties is suitable management strategy for control of these pests. In order to study the population fluctuations of P. rapae and P. xylostella، eight cultivars of cauliflower were planted in a completely randomized block design with five block and 40 plot at the Shahed University research field (south of Tehran) and a sampling was performed once every ten days. The highest total density of different stages of P. rapae was observed on Smilla and Dogol cultivars and the lowest density of total stages of this pest was observed on Abre-sefid and Tokita. The highest of the egg density of P. xylostella was observed on Smilla and Dogol cultivars and the lowest egg density was on Buris and Takgol cultivars. Larval and pupal density of P. xylostella on Smilla and Dogol cultivars was more than that on other cultivars.

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Lep.: Plutellidae) is the most destructive insect pest of crucifer plants throughout the world. In order to identify its parasitoids and study on seasonal fluctuation of parasitism, sampling was conducted in the cauliflower fields of southern Tehran from June until October 2011. One hectare cauliflower field in the middle of a large field was randomly selected in Jahan-Abad, Kahrizak, Shokr-Abadand Palayin regions. A field with the area of 600 m2' in College of Agricultural Sciences, Shahed University, Tehran was selected as control with no insecticide treatment. Each plant was presumed as a sampling unit and sample size was determined as 20 host plants. Sampling was carried out every 14_day and all larvae and pupa on the host plant were collected and reared under laboratory conditions. Also parasitoids were collected with calling method. In the present study, three species of parasitoid wasps were determined. These parasitoids were Diadegma anurum (Thomson, 1877), Cotesia plutellae (Kurdjumov, 1912) and Oomyzus sokolowskii (Kurdjumov, 1912). The highest percentage of parasitism of larval and pupal stages were recorded 47.57 (July 14th) and the lowest were 22.33 (June 19th). The highest percentage of parasitism (12.14) in Shahed field was caused by D. anurum. The highest percentage of parasitism (57.49) was observed in Jahan-Abad region and the lowest (8.22) was in Palayin region. The results of this study showed that there is significant difference between percentage of parasitism in Shahed University field and other fields.

The safflower fly, Acanthiophilus helianthi is one of the most important pests of safflower in the world that every year causes sever damage to the crop. In order to study population density of the safflower fly in 2012, seven safflower cultivars including Goldasht, Padideh, Zarghan, Varamin, PI, Acataria, Mec163 were cultivated under Completely Randomized Block Design with four replicates in research field of Shahed University (Southern Tehran). Once adult were captured, sampling was started from safflower bolls on weekly basis from late June to late of August. The number of larvae and pupae in each boll were counted separately for each cultivar and recorded in tables. Cultivar PI (10.81) had the highest density of larvae than other varieties. Cultivars Mec163 and Goldasht with rank mean of 60.45 and 62.83 had the lowest larval density than other varieties, respectively. Padideh and Zarghan cultivars with rank mean of 75.83 and 75.40 had the highest density of pupae than other varieties, respectively. Mec163 cultivar with a rank mean of 63.10 comparisons with other varieties had the lowest density of pupae. Varamin cultivar in comparison with other cultivars with rank mean rank of 77.9 had the highest safflower fly developmental stages, and then PI and Padideh cultivars with rank mean of 76.5 and 76.2 had the highest density of total developmental stages, respectively. Mec163 cultivar among varieties, with a rank average of 58.50 and Goldasht with the rank mean of 59.28 had the lowest density of all developmental stages. In general it can be concluded that mean density of different developmental stages of pest on some cultivar was low because of premature and early emergence and spiny bolls.

Temperature-dependent development of the common green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea was studied at four constant temperatures, 20, 25, 27 and 30ºC, 50 - 60% RH and a photoperiod of 16L: 8D h in growth chamber. Developmental rate of incubation period (egg), larval instars, pupal period and overall immature stages of the common green lacewing increased linearly in relation to temperature. Two mathematical models, including common and Ikemoto and Takai linear models, were used to describe temperature-dependent development of the common green lacewing. Based on the statistical criteria, whereas the common linear model had shown an acceptable fit to data, Ikemoto and Takai linear model estimated thermal indices more precisely than common linear model. Estimated values for thermal requirement for incubation period, 1st. 2nd, and 3rd larval instars, total larval period, pupal period and overall immature stages of the common green lacewing were 56.821, 52.719, 28.979, 33.199, 115.470, 120.432 and 290.986 degree-days, respectively, and the values of the lower temperature threshold for the mentioned above developmental stages were 10.848, 9.572, 13.307, 12.514, 11.487, 12.004 and 11.624°C, respectively, by using Ikemoto and Takaei linear model. Moreover, mathematical models for description of temperature-dependent development of the common green lacewing developmental stages were presented.

The cabbage white butterfly, Pieris rapae (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lep.: Pieridae) is one of the most important pests of Cruciferous or Brassicaceae family plants in regions of Shahriar, Kahrizak and Sahr’e Ray and every year its damage can be seen on the leaves of these plants. In order to study the seasonal population fluctuation of P. rapae, One hectare cauliflower field in the middle of a large field was randomly selected in five regions of cauliflower fields in south of Tehran were chosen and sampled every 10 days. Each plant was presumed as a sampling unit and sample size was determined as 20 host plants and all eggs, larvae and pupa on the host plant were recorded. Results of this study showed that Jahanabad and Shahed fields had the highest egg density (18.91±5.60) and the lowest egg density (16.53±4.04) was seen in the Playin field during season. In the Shahed field, highest egg density occurred in June 19 and the lowest egg density was seen on October 25. In the Playin field, the highest and lowest egg density was seen on September 29 and June 19, respectively. In the Jahanabad field the highest (2.99±0.66) and lowest (0.41±0.10) larval density was occurred during the season among different regions. Highest density was observed in the Jahanabad field during the harvest time on October 25 and the lowest larval density was seen on June 19. The highest and lowest larval density was seen in the field of Playin on 25rd October and 19th June, respectively. Kahrizak (0.87±0.16) and Playin (0.19±0.05) fields had the highest and lowest pupal density in different regions during the season. In the field of Kahrizak, highest pupal density was occurred on 25rd October and in the playin field, the lowest pupal density was seen on 19th June. In the Playin field, highest density of pupae was occurred on 14th October and 25rd October and the lowest density of pupae was observed on 19th June and 2th July, respectively. The results showed that number of larval and pupal stages based on units density, between all experimental regions and Shahed university station had not significant difference.

The effect of drought stress on damage of safflower fly، Acanthophilus helianthi Rossi (Dip.، Tephritidae) was compared on three cultivars of safflower، Carthamus tinctorius L. by an experiment in split plot arrangement in completely randomized design in 2011. Where levels of irrigation including complete irrigation during whole growing season (S1)، cutting irrigation at flowering stage (S2) and cease irrigation at heading stage (S3) as main plot، and safflower cultivars including Goldasht، Padideh and C44 as sub-plot. Percentage of infested boll and seed weight were sampled in the experimental plots. Results indicated a significant difference at 1% level in percentage of infested bolls among drought stresses. Also، percentage of infested boll and 1000- seed weight in healthy boll had significant difference among cultivars. The highest and lowest percentage of infested boll belonged to S3 (69. 44%) and S2 (65. 94)، respectively. The highest and lowest percentage of infested boll belonged to Padideh cultivar (68. 05%) and Goldasht cultivar (50. 09%). Results showed that in non-stress conditions، Goldasht has the best growth and resistance to safflower fly، while in drought stress conditions، Padideh is the best alternative but overall Goldasht was cultivar recognized as the most resistant in among of three cultivars. In this cultivar، damage of some seeds in a boll increased 1000-seed weight in healthy seed of the boll because 1000-seed weight in infested boll is more than healthy 1000-seed weight in infested boll. It is probable that compensation phenomenon in Goldasht cultivar appears against safflower fly damage.

The sugar beet moth, Scrobipalpa ocellatella Boyd. (Lep.: Gelechidae(is the specific pest of beet. The aim of the present study was to identify the Parasitoids of the moth. In this regard, sampling was conducted in Fields of Khorasan-e-Razavi Province during 2010 from early July until October. Larvae and pupa were collected along with tubers of sugar beet and then were reared under controlled conditions, 25±2°C, 65±5% Rh and 14L:10D until the emergence of parasitoid adults. Tubers were investigated daily and emerged parasitoids were collected. These parasitoids were put in alcohol 75°. In this study two species of larval parasitoids were collected and identified including Bracon intercessor Nees and Microchelonus subcontractus Abdinbekova and both of them belong to family Braconidae. B. intercessor is larval parasitoid and M. subcontractus is larva-pupal parasitoid. Paratype samples of the collected parasitoids are maintained in Laboratory of Entomology, Shahed University