The effect of inorganic fertilizers on population density of common pistachio psylla, Agonoscena pistaciae Burkhharat and Lauterer (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae) on two pistachio varieties in orchard conditions

Common pistachio psylla, Agonoscena pistaciae Burkhharat and Lauterer (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae), is one of the most critical pests of pistachio trees in Iran. Considering the dangers of excessive use of synthetic chemical pesticides, the use of inorganic fertilizers as insecticides may be a way to reduce the presence of harmful chemical residues. In this study, the effects of inorganic fertilizers on the population density of A. pistaciae nymphs were investigated. The results showed that potassium nitrate reduced the population growth of A. pistaciae nymphs in the Ohadi variety, while in the Ahmad Aghaei variety, it increased the population growth rate. Moreover, potassium sulfate and zinc sulfate were found to decrease the population growth rate of common pistachio psylla during the 12 days after spraying. Therefore, the use of certain inorganic fertilizers has the potential to be a safe method in the integrated management of common pistachio psylla.