Studies On the Parasitoid Complex Attacking the Globose Scale Sphaerolecanium prunastri (Fonscolombe) (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) on Prunus Species in Turkey

The globose scale (GS), Sphaerolecanium prunastri Fonscolombe (Hemiptera: Coccoidea), is a principle pest of Prunus trees, but it is also found on other stone fruit trees in Isparta Province, Turkey. The parasitoid complex was studied in 2006 and 2007 and total of eight (five primary and three secondary) hymenopterous species were found associated with S. prunastri at the five sites studied, but not all species were recorded at all five sites. The most important primary species reducing GS population were Discodes coccophagus, Metaphycus silvestrii, Coccophagus spartanus and C. lycimnia (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea). Average percent parasitism at the five sites by primary parasitoid species was 27%. The level of total parasitism of S. prunastri was 71.4% in 2007 in Egirdir. The parasite complex was richer and percent parasitoid-caused mortality was higher at those sites that did not receive chemical treatment to suppress the host population. Seven of the eight species of parasitoids were recovered at Mehmet Tonge in 2006 and at Gonen in 2007.