Population dynamics of Lygus rugulipennis in agroecosystems of NW Italy
Di.Va.P.R.A. Entomologia e Zoologia applicate all'Ambiente “Carlo Vidano”, University of Torino, Italy
Correspondence: luciana.tavella@unito.it
In NW Italy severe damage due to the European tarnished plant bug Lygus rugulipennis Poppius (Heteroptera: Miridae) has been reported above all on peach and strawberry. So research was carried out in 2004–2006 to assess seasonal abundance and movement of L. rugulipennis inside and outside crops. In peach orchards, the plant bug generally lives and reproduces on herbaceous plants, and migrates onto peach trees when winter cereals are harvested and usual host plants are lacking. Overall, in the investigated orchards, damage to peach fruits collected was rare until mid-July when adults migrated into fields from other host plants such as alfalfa and clover; in this period the plant bug could cause serious injuries to fruits.