Study on the role of cultural management on the population density of Dubas bug Ommatissus lybicus

Cultural control is one of the oldest methods for insect pests’ management. To elucidate the role of cultural activities on population fluctuations of Dubas bug (Ommatissus lybicus De Bergevin), 12, 19, and 29 date palm plantations were chosen as sampling plots in Abadan, Behbahan and Bam, respectively. Samplings were done using the cluster random method. Population densities were estimated by leaf sampling and yellow card installations. The impact of management activities was evaluated by direct observations and interviews with plantation owners and extension service officers. Results showed that the efficiency of management factors in population reduction was of different values so that the pattern of cultivation including intercropping and planting space, nutrition management, and other activities including leaf pruning, basal offshoot removal, and chemical control were effective in population reduction.