The tree crown distribution and population densities of Bituberculate scale [Palaeolecanium bituberculatum (Targ.-Tozz.) (Hom.: Coccidae)] on different apple cultivars

Abstract

This study was carried out on four apple varieties including Ambassy, Cevaal, Golden and Topred in Konya province (Sarayönü town) in 2007-2008 years in order to determine the effect of tree side and height on population abundance of Palaeolecanium bituberculatum (Targ. and Tozz.) (Hom.: Coccidae). According to the results, the mean number of scales was higher at 0-1 m height (14.60±0.63) than 1-2 m height (9.78±0.58) and the P. bituberculatum mostly preferred the south side (16.58±1.18) of the trees.  The south side was followed by west (12.66±0.92), north (9.9±0.55) and east (9.6±0.59) respectively. The highest population was determined on Golden variety (16.51±0.94) and followed by, Topred (13.82±0.99) and Ambassy (12.03±0.87) which the differences between them were not statistically significant and the least population was observed on Cevaal variety (6.38±0.33).