Phenology of elm seed bug (Arocatus melanocephalus) in Almaty City of Southeastern Kazakhstan

Abstract

The phenology of the elm seed bug (Arocatus melanocephalus) and the effects of environmental factors on its population dynamics were studied during the months of May and June from 2016 to 2019 in the Almaty region, Kazakhstan. The study comprised the sampling of 15 elm trees at 10 different selected sites. The insects were caught using entomological nets for population dynamics studies. The extent of leaf damage was determined by measuring the damaged square area using Blunk’s formula. In the Almaty region, the elm seed bug laid eggs in mid-April, and the imago appeared in mid-June. The insect laid eggs on the regenerative organs of the elm trees and caused significant damage to the leaves, ranging from 60%–95%. However, the significant leaf damage was not caused by the said elm trees insect as what is common in other regions of the world. In the Almaty region, the elm tree foliar damage is notably made by bugs. A negative correlation was recorded between the insect population and rainfall during May. The elm seed bug reproduction and growth occurred, and population size grew during May and June, but, no correlation was found on temperature for these two months. The present results would help in understanding the phenology and population dynamics of the elm seed bug and design the strategies for its control.