Insect pests in forage crops

What is it about?

Insect pest with economic importance in Pisum sativum is Bruchus pisorum L., Sitona spp., Acyrthosiphon pisum, and Thrips tabaci, while in Vicia sativa - Bruchus rufimanus Boh. and Tychius quinquepunctatus L. In the European Union, including Bulgaria, a greater emphasis on Integrated Pest Management as part of the agricultural policy may lead to innovations and environment-friendly and energy-efficient technologies.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

This paper describes key insect pests in common legume forage crops in Bulgaria and approaches for an integrated protection system. About 10 insect species limit alfalfa production. The first four species are the most common insect pests of alfalfa in the order Coleoptera - Hypera postica Gyllenhal, species of Sitona genius, Apion seniculus Kirby, and Otiorrhynchus ligustici L. The next species belong to orders Hemiptera and Thysanoptera. The leaf aphids (order Hemiptera, Sternorrhyncha: Aphidodea) occupy a special place as alfalfa pests. They appear annually in high density and can quickly cover large areas. Therioaphis maculata Buckt. is the main harmful species, as considerable part had Acyrthosiphon pisum Kalt. One of the most important pests belong to the order Hemiptera – Heteroptera, as serious and dominant insect pests are Adelphocoris lineolatus Goeze and Lygus rugulipennis Poppius, and subdominant species was Piezodorus literatus. From order Hemiptera: Fulgorormorpha and Cicadomorpha economic importance species for alfalfa are dominant species Empoasca pteridis Dhlb. and Agallia ribauti Oss., and subdominant species - Peragallia sinuata M.R., Philaenus spumarius, and Paraphlepsius irroratus L., while from order Thysanoptera main pests are dominant species Thrips tabaci L., followed by subdominant species T. atratus Haliday.

Perspectives