Document Type : Research article
Authors
1
Corresponding author, Assistant Prof., Hamadan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Hamadan, Iran
2
Researcher, Hamadan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Hamadan, Iran
3
Expert, Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization of Hamadan Province, Hamadan, Iran
4
Associate Prof., Department of Conservation and Protection, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Background and objectives: Increasing societal demand for wood amid dwindling resources has spurred cultivation of fast-growing tree species. Among these, poplars hold a special place in wood production due to their outstanding characteristics. Expanding poplar cultivation and yield requires multifaceted ecological, agronomic, breeding, and pest/disease management studies. Monitoring poplar pests in Hamadan Province, Iran, to track, identify key pests, and detect emerging threats, will aid timely outbreak prevention and cost reduction.
Methodology: Four natural habitats (Heidareh, Najafieh, Darband, and Saleh Abad) were selected from stands of Populus nigra L. and P. alba L. Contamination and pest damage levels were assessed monthly from May 2019 to September 2022 during growing seasons at each site. At each sampling, 10 trees were randomly selected, and pests were collected via direct observation using hand collection, forceps, brush, aspirator, and Steiner traps. Wood-boring pests were sampled from trunks and crowns of suspect trees. Pest damage and infestation were estimated as percent per tree, then scored by degree. Labeled samples (date, location, damage degree) were freezer-bagged and transferred to the plant protection laboratory. Unknown larvae and pupae were reared in plastic containers until adult emergence.
Results: Field surveys identified key pests and diseases: Monosteira unicostata (Mulsant & Rey), Phloeomyzus passerinii (Sign.), Chrysomela populi Linnaeus, Pemphigus spp., Camarotoscena fulgidipennis Log., Melanophila picta Pall., Cytospora chrysosperma (Pers.), and Melampsora sp. across poplar habitats. Monitoring revealed flood-like emergence trends for some pests in certain years and constant trends for others. M. unicostata and P. passerinii showed highest contamination (61-80%) across all sites, while other pests and diseases ranged 5-20%.
Conclusion: Among identified pests and diseases, C. populi, C. chrysosperma, and Melampsora sp. were reported for the first time in Hamadan Province poplar habitats. Available soil water and water stress levels most strongly influence poplar resistance and durability against pests and diseases.
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