Safflower fly, Acanthiophilus helianthi Rossi is one of the most important pests of safflower, Carthamus tinctorius L. in most parts of the country. Losses caused by larval feeding lead to disrupted plant activities, reduction in flower buds and ultimately decreased quality and quantity of the crop. In order to study seasonal flight activity of A. helianthi, experiments were conducted for two consecutive years at two different fields in Gachsaran region in 2007-2008. The seasonal flight of A. helianthi was investigated by using Baits traps and collecting samples from eggs, larva and pupa stages of the pest. The results showed that A. helianthi has three generations with an incomplete 4th in the region. Damage of first and fourth generation was very low. The flower heads were mainly damaged by the second and third generation of A. helianthi that happened about ten days after the adult emergency.
کلید واژگان :
Acanthiophilus helianthi, flight activity, Population dynamics, fluctuations
