hamed ghobari

Oak is a common and the most important species in Zagros forests of Iran. Zagros forests play a crucial and effective role in water supply, soil conservation and climate modification. Unfortunately, a significant part of those forests suffer from oak decline. Zagros forest covers almost 40% of Iran’s woodland which especially during the last two decades the population of oak trees (Quercus spp.) decreased mainly due to drought, diseases and insect pests. One of the most important pests in western oak forests is green oak leaf roller, Tortrix viridana L., (Lep.: Tortricidae) feed on oak leaves as the main host.  

This research aimed to assess and predict the degree of damage to the oak forests using remote sensing and GIS methods through regression analysis of the oak foliage remaining ratios of field plots with a vegetation indices of Sentinel-2 data during a year. Field monitoring carried on from April- 27-2020 to May-14-2020. For this purpose, in a two-kilometer-wide vector along the route from Sarovabad city to Bashmaq border, 100 sampling locations were randomly determined using GIS software. In each sampling location, four trees were selected in the four main geographical directions (in order to reduce the effect of directions on distribution of T. viridana population). Then, four branches (length about 100 cm) were randomly cut as a sampling unit, and the number of fifth instar larvae of T. viridana, were counted. The correlation between the number of T. viridana and elevation, slope, distance from the road, distance from the river, distance from residential areas, NDVI and solar radiation index were analyzed using Pearson's correlation test and multiple linear regression. Data normality was checked using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistical test. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (Version 26).

The results of Pearson's correlation analysis between the those variables and T. viridana population show the highest and lowest correlation of the T. viridana population with elevation (r= 0.651) and slope (r= -0.015), respectively. According to multiple linear regression, elevation had the highest correlation coefficient with T. viridana population density. In addition, solar radiation index, NDVI and distance from the river were ranked with strong to weak correlation, respectively. Results showed that, the relationship between slope and vegetation density is also significant (P= 0.032; r= 0.214). According to the distribution intensity map of the T. viridana, which was obtained using the multiple linear regression equation, it has been shown that the most distribution of the T. viridana was observed in the southwest of Sarovabad city. Clearly NDVI was convenient for separating different levels of damage.

It can be concluded that the population of T. viridana is obviously high at high altitude and in high tree densities. The results showed that the population density of T. viridana is higher wherever a dense vegetation was occurred. This research provided a feasible and quantitative method in the spatiotemporal prediction of green leaf roller occurrence by remote sensing and GIS. In conclusion, with the availability of population models, it is possible to limit the spread of T. viridana through earlier detection of pest incidence.

One of the most harmful pests of Zagros forests is the Tortrix viridana (Lep. Tortricidae). Genetic diversity of Tortrix viridana host plant populations in the oak forests of northwestern Iran and the northern Zagros region was investigated using 28s gene sequence. The samples were collected from the forest areas of west Azarbaijan, Lorestan, Kurdistan and Kermanshah provinces. They were in the larval stage, were kept in laboratory conditions until they turned into pupa and then into a complete insect. DNA extraction was done by CTAB method. Also, in order to amplify the 28s region, the 28s gene sequence of Tortrix genus was used from NCBI for primer design. The desired region was amplified using the PCR method and the PCR products were sequenced. 21 samples were selected to investigate genetic diversity using the 28s gene, and 18 sequences DNAs were of suitable quality for further investigations. The DNA sequences were edited using Bioedit software and aligned using MegaX software, and the phylogenetic tree was drawn by UPGMA method with 1000 sampling repetitions. The evaluation of the genetic structure of populations showed that the diversity between populations is greater than within populations. The results of the phylogenetic tree also showed that different samples of the Tortrix viridana have genetic diversity based on geographical distance. Therefore, the time of appearance of the pest, their behavior and their type of control and management are also different.

Three ladybird (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) species, Coccinella septempunctata L., C. undecimpunctata L. and Hippodamia variegata (Goeze), were recorded as hosts of Dinocampus coccinellae (Schrank, 1802) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in the Iranian provinces of Khuzestan and Kurdistan. Coccinella undecimpunctata is a new host of this parasitoid in the country and both provinces are its new distribution records. The rates of emergence of D. coccinellae from field-collected C. septempunctata and H. variegata were very low (below 1%), while C. undecimpunctata was parasitized to a much higher degree (26.7%).

The study was conducted in oak forests and the conifer stands in Marivan county located in west of Kurdistan province. The leaf litter and soils samples from these forests were taken during 2016 to 2019 and specimens were extracted by the Berlese funnels. Results of the study led to identification of 39 species of 11 families. The three genera Doutnacia Rusek, 1974 (Tullbergiidae), Heterosminthurus Stach, 1955 (Bourletiellidae) and Calx Christiansen, 1958 (Entomobryidae) and eight species including Willemia virae Kapruś, 1997, Xenylla tullbergi Börner, 1903 (Hypogastruridae), Axenyllodes caecus (Gisin, 1952) (Odontellidae), Thalassaphorura franzi (Stach, 1946) (Onychiuridae), Doutnacia xerophila Rusek, 1974 (Tullbergiidae), Calx kailashi Mandal, 2018, Seira dori Gruia, Poliakov & Broza, 2000 (Entomobryidae) and Heterosminthurus insignis (Reuter, 1876) (Bourletiellidae) are new for Iranian fauna. All species from the present study are reported for the first time from Kurdistan province. Short explanation of each collected species including material examined, distribution and short description and illustration for the new records are given.

The green oak leafroller moth, Tortrix viridana Linnaeus, 1758 (Lep. Tortricidae) is one of the key pests on Quercus spp. The larval instars of the moth feed on the developing buds and the leaves and cause oak  trees to be leafless completely,  significantly damaging the oak forest of northwestern Iran each year. The genetic differences in the host plant associated populations of oak leafroller moth have been assessed in the oak forests of northwestern Iran using inter-simple sequence repeat markers (ISSR). In this study 171 specimens representing nineteen populations feeding on various oak tree species including Quercus branti Lindl. 1840, Quercus infectoria Oliv. 1801 and Quercus libani Oliv. 1801 were investigated. Results indicated that populations related to Q. libani had the highest genetic diversity, while populations related to Q. branti and Q, infectoria had lower genetic diversity. Assessment of genetic structure of the populations showed that higher diversity was demonstrated in intrapopulations (92%) than interpopulations (8%) geographically, while strongly significant host-associated differentiation was also indicated by Approximate Bayesian Computation analyses among populations, with major clusters corresponded to the three species of host plants. These findings revealed that the host plant association can have a stronger effect on the genetic variations among the populations of T. viridana than the geographical barriers.

This study was carried out in the province of Kurdistan (Iran) during April to August 2015 in order to document the click beetle fauna (Coleoptera: Elateridae) of this region. The specimens were collected using sticky traps, window traps and pan traps. Fifteen species from six genera were identified, of which three species are new for the fauna of Iran: Melanotus kravchenkoi Platia, 2010, Melanotus orbachorum Platia, 2010 and Melanotus chikatunovi Platia, 2010. In addition, nine species are recorded from the province of Kurdistan for the first time. Brief diagnoses for the new record species from Iran and zoogeographical information for all species are provided.

In order to evaluate the quantitative and qualitative traits of safflower and chickpea in additive and replacement intercropping series, an experiment was conducted as randomized complete blocks design with 11 treatments and 3 replications at research field of Kurdistan University during 2015-2016 growing season. Experimental treatments included sole cropping of safflower, sole cropping of chickpea, replacement series consisted of 4:4, 2:2, 1:1, 3:1, 1:3 and additive series consisted of 20% and 40% chickpea (in two situations: I, between and II, around of safflower rows). Results showed that the highest and lowest seed, biological and oil yields of safflower obtained from 40% I and 4:4 intercropping patterns, respectively. The highest seed and biological yields of chickpea obtained from its sole cropping, but the minimum number and weight of chickpea root nodules were achieved from this treatment. The highest value of LER obtained from 40% I additive series. It seems that the mentioned treatment improved yield and quality of safflower; therefore choosing the suitable cropping pattern has positive effect on quantitative and qualitative yield of plants.

In this study, the efficiency of different traps including window trap and colored pan traps (white, yellow, red, purple and blue ones) to capture members of the order Coleoptera was assessed in the two rangeland and farmland habitats of the Saral Agricultural Station of Kordestan province. During the study, a total of 18509 individuals from 19 families of the Coleoptera were collected using the different traps. The results showed that the rarefaction curve of window trap had the most coordination and estimation with total rarefaction curve. There was significant difference (α=5%) among the traps in value of Shannon-Wiener index (P=0, df=5, F=37.07) and Simpson index (P=0, df=5, F=10.87) in rangeland area. While window trap had higher mean Shannon- Wiener and Simpson indexes (0.9±0.06 Bit and 5.8±1.1 respectively) than colored pan traps. In farmland area, there also was significant difference (α=5%) among the traps in value of Shannon-Wiener (P=0, df=5, F=16.84) and Simpson indexes (P=0, df=5, F=9.18) in, while window trap and white pan traps had highest mean Shannon- Wiener index (0.9±0.02 Bit and 0.8±0.08 Bit respectively) and Simpson index (6.1±0.5 and 5.6±1.5 respectively).

Safflower fly, Acanthiophilus helianthi Rossi (Diptera: Tephritidae), is one of the important pests of safflower in the world. The intercropping pattern can be one of the suitable and safe methods to control the pest. Therefore, the influenceof different intercropping patterns of chickpea and safflower (sole cropping of safflower, replacement series consisted of 4:4, 2:2, 1:1, 3:1, 1:3, and additive series consisted of 20 and 40% chickpea in two situations: between and around of safflower rows) on the population density and infestation rate of this pest was studied in a randomized complete block design at the research field of Kurdistan University. Results showed that different intercropping patterns affected the population density of the pest significantly. The population density of the pest in all intercropping patterns of chickpea and safflower except 20% I pattern was lower than the sole cropping of safflower. 1:3 and 3:1 intercropping patterns resulted in the lowest average population density of the pest among other cropping patterns (18.33 ± 0.6 and 220 ± 3, respectively). Studying the infestation rate of the pest also showed thatthe mean density percentages of the infested capitula per plant were significantly different among the cropping patterns, and 1:3 and 3:1 intercropping patterns had the lowest mean densities of the infestation rate (6.1 ± 1.1 and 8.3 ± 0.5%, respectively). According to the results, 1:3 and 3:1 intercropping patterns showed a high potential for using in the integrated management of safflower fly among the other studied patterns.

Spite the limitations of classical classification causes many Arthropods especially insect are not identified yet, Investigation of Biodiversity, Description, taxonomy and systematic of different living organisms like insects have been done with emphasis on morphological and behavioral characters since the time of Karl Linneaus about 250 years ago. In recent years DNA barcoding provides an alternative tool for species identification based on a short DNA sequence diversity.DNA barcoding is generally considered as a novel, rapid, accurate, reliable, cost-effective and easy molecular identification tool with a wide applicability across metazoan taxa especially insect. DNA barcoding has established as a mature field of biodiversity sciences filing the conceptual gap between traditional taxonomy and different fields of molecular systematics and have recently been proposed as solutions to the crisis of taxonomy. The method provide a framework for the taxonomy of poorly known groups and comprise large numbers of notorious pest species whose identification often requires highly specialized taxonomic skills and evenly  determine cryptic species. As well as it could be very useful to routinely identify difficult taxa of economic and medical importance.  In addition, DNA barcoding could be pivotal for the identification of certain life stages (e.g. eggs, larvae, nymphs or pupae), which are often impossible to identify otherwise. However, despite these highly positive claims, DNA barcoding also seems to suffer from a number of potential limitations when used for the identification of insects. The recent speciation, the prevalence of paraphyly and the regular interspecific hybridisation in many insect taxa, as well as their often poorly-established taxonomy and their high degree of infection by endosymbiotic bacteria such as Wolbachia  may all negatively affect the performance of insect DNA barcoding. Even more importantly, the reliability of insect DNA barcoding may be questioned because insects include >1,000,000 described species and probably millions of still undescribed taxa. This exuberant species richness may, indeed, severely constrain the ability of the DNA barcode reference databases to adequately represent the overwhelming insect taxonomic diversity. According to mentioned stated content, Integration of Molecular methods like DNA barcoding  is suitable to identify living organism especially insect.

Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) is one of the most important weeds of fields and orchards over the world. Up to now lots of studies have been performed considering its biological control that insects have the highest share. We spotted a leaf-feeder beetle of C. arvensis, named Hypocassida subferruginea (Col.; Chrysomelidae), on farms, in Kurdistan province (Sanandaj, Kamyaran and Divandareh Counties). Adults and larvae feed on the leaves. According to our observations, the body length of male and female is 4.5and 5.3 mm respectively. In addition, this species has 5 larval stages with prepupal and pupal stages. The lengths of all larval instars, prepupa and pupa were calculated as follows: 1st instar: 1.5±0.1 mm, 2nd instar: 2.3±0.2 mm, 3rd instar: 3.0±0.5 mm, 4th instar: 4.2±0.1 mm, 5th instar: 5.1±0.1 mm, prepupa: 5.2±0.1 mm and pupa: 5.4±0.2. Moreover, the insect found to overwinter as adults in the soil and emerged in late April. Therefore, they have five generations per year. The results of host preference tests revealed that H. subferruginea feeds only field bindweed as compared to the other plants such as tomatoes, potatoes, chickpea or wheat.

This study is based on survey on soil inhabiting Laelapidae that was carried out in year 2015 in different habitats of Shahrood region. In this study, 19 species belonging 10 genera and 3 subfamilies were collected and identified and determine some characteristics of biodiversity. According to results of Laelaspisella berlesi (45) was the most abundant and Gaeolaelaps kargi, Gaeolaelaps angusta and Pseudoparasitus hajiganbari (0/46) were the least abundant. The highest Margalef index and Shannon-Wiener’s diversity index were calculated for forest and Simpson index were calculated for Bastam.

The results of faunistic survey of jewel beetles (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) carried out in Kurdistan Province of Iran are presented. 30 species belonging to two subfamilies (Buprestinae and Agrilinae) and 8 genera were collected. Of these 1 species is new for Iranian fauna and 19 species are new for Kurdistan Province.

Laelapidae is a large and cosmopolitan family comprises a multitude of morphologically and behaviorally diverse mites that are free-living predators that inhabit soil-litter habitats or associated with arthropods, mammals, or birds. This study is based on survey on soil inhabiting Laelapidae that was carried in 2015 from different habitats of Shahrood region. Soils and litter were collected then transferred to laboratory and put in Berlese-Tullgren funnel. Mites were extracted using it. Specimens were preserved in 75% ethanol and cleared in Lactic acid. Mites were then directly mounted into Faure medium on microscopic slides. Figures were capture and measurements were calculated using a CH2 Olympus microscope. In this study, 19 species belonging 10 genera and three subfamilies were collected and identified, all species considered as new records for the mite’s fauna of Semnan Province. Identified species are as follows:Subfamily Hypoaspidinae: Cosmolaelaps rectangularis (Sheals, 1926); Cosmolaelaps vacua (Michael, 1891); Cosmolaelaps lutegiensis (Shcherbak, 1971); Gaeolaelaps aculieifer (Canestrini, 1884); Gaeolaelaps angusta (Karg, 1965); Gaeolaelaps kargi (Costa, 1968); Gaeolaelaps nolli (Karg, 1962); Gaeolaelaps queenslandicus (Womersley, 1956); Euandrolaelaps karaawaiewi (Berlese 1903); Euandrolaelaps sardoa (Berles, 1911); Pseudoparasitus dentatus (Halbert, 1920); Pseudoparasitus hajiganbari Kazemi, 2014; Ololaelaps gamagarensis (Jordaan & Loots, 1987); Subfamily Melittiphidinae: Laelaspis pennatus (Joharchi & Halliday, 2012); Laelaspis dariusi Joharchi & Jalaeian, 2012; Laelaspisella berlesi; Joharchi, 2016 Gymnolaelaps myrmophilus (Michael, 1891);. Subfamily Laelapinae: Haemolaelaps shealsi (Costa, 1968); Haemolaelaps casalis (Berlese, 1887).

Feeding performance of the green oak leaf roller, Tortrix viridana (Linnaeus) was determined on three host plants including Quercus libani Oliv, Quercus infectoria Oliv, and Quercus branti Lindl, under laboratory conditions. Mean total leaf weight consumed by larvae was the highest on Q. branti (0.31 g) and the lowest on Q. libani (0.14 g).The feeding index was the highest on Q. libani while the other two host plants were not significantly different. Significant relationships were found between amount of consumed leaf tissues and resulting pupal weight, on all host plants. Larval and pupal mortality were not significantly different on host plants. Findings indicated that the feeding index could be a key factor to assess performance of T. viridana on Quercus species.

Buprestid beetles are one of the important components of the biodiversity of forest ecosystem in Kurdistan Province. Different characteristics of biodiversity of buprestid beetles were studied by use of window trap، colored pan and colored sticky trap in these forests during 2009 and 2010. A total of 1205 specimens of 44 species were caught by use of considered traps during appearance of adults. Evaluation of dominance structure of species composition by use of Heydemann’s، classification showed that Buprestid beetles of Kurdistan forests include 3 dominant species، 3 subdominant species، 12 rare species and 26 subrare species. X2 test of parametric indices showed that structure of species diversity conformed logarithmic series. Investigation of fluctuations of species richness during appearance of adults showed that maximum and minimum of considered index in May and October were 30 and 1 respectively. As well as maximum of obtained species diversity was 4/02 bit in June.

The family of Sesiidae includes about 1400 species in 150 genera. The larvae of these insects feed on the cambium of the tree and dry the tree. Using pheromone trap is one of the suitable methods for monitoring the pest in orchards. Therefore, in this study, the presence and distribution of clearwing moth were examined in the province, in 7 locations with an average distance of 20 km from each other in the city of Sanandaj using 6 pheromone traps in each region. Also in order to study the activity of the adult insects of different species of the mentioned insects in every 3 garden areas 6 traps (pheromone capsule containing two species Synanthedon myopaeformis (Borkhausen) (Lep.: Sesiidae) and Synanthedon tipuliformis (Clerck) (Lep.: Sesiidae)) were deployed that they were continuously (every 3 days) visited. The results showed that Synanthedon tabaniformis (Rott.) (Lep.: Sesiidae) species is present in all regions of trapping and the highest density of this pest is related to Qeshlagh dam garden (43 moths per  trap) (p< 0.05) and the S. tipuliformis species was observed in none of the trapping areas; also species of S. myopaeformis was observed in 3 regions at low concentrations. Studying the emergence period of S. tabaniformis adult insects showed that the first moths were trapped in the region of Qeshlagh dam garden in 2014/6/6, in the region of Salawat Abad in 2014/6/10, and in the region of Grize in 2014/6/13. The peak of the flight was observed in the two regions of Qeshlagh dam garden and Grize in 2014/6/23 and in the region of Salawat Abad in 2014/6/20. Finally, the last moths were trapped in the region of Grize in 2014/7/25, in the region of Salawat Abad in 2014/7/18 and in the region of Qeshlagh dam garden in 2014/7/21.