Mehdi Hassanpour - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Mehdi Hassanpour

Habrobracon hebetor Say is an important ectoparasitoid wasp that can control Pyralidae and Noctui... more Habrobracon hebetor Say is an important ectoparasitoid wasp that can control Pyralidae and Noctuidae pests in agricultural crops. In this research, the effects of Allium sativum L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., Piper nigrum L., Salvia officinalis L. and Glycyrrhiza glabra L. essential oils were investigated on the functional response of H. hebetor to its host. The GC-MS analysis showed that tetracosamethyl cyclododeca siloxan, alpha-pinene, caryophyllene, beta-thujone and aristolene were major constituents of mentioned essential oils, respectively. In the experiments; the mated females of H. hebetor (under 24 h old) were exposed to sublethal concentrations (LC30) of isolated essential oils for 24 h with fumigant exposure method. In the control, the treatment was performed by using distilled water. Then, six treated wasps were selected randomly to densities of 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64 Ephestia kuehniella Zeller 5 th instar larvae for 24 h under 25 ± 1 °C, 60 ± 5% RH and photoperiod of 16...

The lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae), is one of the important ... more The lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae), is one of the important pest of grains in Iran and many countries in tropical regions. In this survey, the effect of different ten wheat cultivars including Bezostaya, Gaskojen, Kouhdasht, Mihan, Orum, Pishgam, Sabalan, Saysonz, Takaab and 9009 was studied on population growth parameters of R. dominica under laboratory conditions (28±2 °C, 60±5% RH, and photoperiod of 14L: 10D h). Moreover, some physical and biochemical characteristics of wheat seeds were measured and any possiple correlations between the and life history parameters were examined. According to the obtained results, the longest total larval and pupal period and total development time of R. dominica were on cultivar Bezostaya (35.00 ± 0.63 and 41.79 ± 0.72 day), respectively and shortest one was on cultivar Saysonz (30.03 ± 0.57 and 36.98 ± 0.69 day). The highest total fecundity and female adult longevity were on cultivar Takaab (124.76 ± 15.15 e...

The functional response is one of the important components of predator-prey interactions. It can ... more The functional response is one of the important components of predator-prey interactions. It can be affected by different factors such as host plant quality. In this research, the functional response of the predatory gall midge Aphidoletes aphidimyza larvae to the nymphs of the melon aphid, Aphis gossypii reared on cucumber plants amended with different levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 100, 150 and 200 kg/ha) was investigated. The experiments were carried out at 25±1 °C, 60±5 % RH and a photoperiod of 16: 8(L: D). Different densities (2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16 and 24) of mixed 2and 3-d old nymphs of the aphid were separately offered to 4-d-old predator larvae. The numbers of killed preys were recorded after 18 h. Logistic and nonlinear regression analyses were used to determine the type of functional response and estimate of attack rate (a) and handling time (Th) parameters, respectively. At all treatments, the predator exhibited a type II functional response to change in A. gossypii dens...

The predator ccoccinellid, Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) is one of the most important aphid predat... more The predator ccoccinellid, Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) is one of the most important aphid predators throughout the world. In this research, the effect of feeding on Rhopalosiphum padi and Diuraphis noxia were evaluated on the biological and life table parameters of the predator at 25±1°C, 65±5% RH, and a photoperiod of 16:8 h (L: D). Newly hatched larvae of the predator were separately reared on each aphid. After adult emergence, the male and female were paired and transferred to Petri dishes containing each aphid species. Fecundity and survival of the predators were recorded daily until all of them died. The intrinsic rate of increase (rm) of the ladybird in feeding on R. padi and D. noxia were estimated to be 0.173 and 0.157 (day-1), respectively. Also, the finite rate of increase (λ) of the predator were calculated as 1.18 and 1.17 (day-1), net reproductive rates (R0) were 209.33 and 201.91(female/female/generation), mean generation time (T) were 30.78 and 33.33 days, and doubli...

Insects are poikilothermes and hence environmental factors and primarily temperature can affect t... more Insects are poikilothermes and hence environmental factors and primarily temperature can affect their biological activities and behavior. In this study thermal range preferred by Ooencyrtus fecundus Ferrier & Voegele was investigated by a device producing a thermal gradient from 16 to 47oC. Temperature of different parts of the arena was precisely recorded by eight thermometers entered the arena from marginal walls of the apparatus. Three entries were prepared in cold, middle and warm areas of the device. In order to exclude possible tendencies of the release point, experiment was done three times each from an entry. Twenty wasps were released each time and number of the parasitoids as well as current temperature of any part was recorded after 5, 15 and 30 minutes. The highest frequency of the wasp (89.25%) was occurred in a spectrum of 23.47-29.54oC while 46.66% of them were assembled in center of the arena where mean temperature was 26.03oC. Wasps' distribution was affected by...

Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, 2018

In a tri-trophic system, guild members may engage in IntraGuild Predation (IGP) and their interac... more In a tri-trophic system, guild members may engage in IntraGuild Predation (IGP) and their interactions may be affected by the host plants. We used a system composed of the predatory gall midge, Aphidoletes aphidimyza Rondani, the parasitoid wasp, Aphidius colemani Viereck, and the melon aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, to test how the outputs of IGP were affected by two cultivars of cucumber (Khasib and Karim). IGP between natural enemies were examined on a single cucumber plant of each cultivar infested with mummified, parasitized or healthy individuals of melon aphid in a controlled environment room at 25±2°C, 65±5% RH, and a photoperiod of 16L: 8D hours. According to the results, A. aphidimyza was the effective predator of parasitized aphids, but not on mummified ones. In treatments with either healthy or parasitized aphids alone, A. aphidimyza consumed significantly less numbers of healthy aphids or parasitized ones on Karim cultivar. When predators were provided with healthy aphid...

Arthropod-Plant Interactions, 2021

International Journal of Pest Management, 2020

In this research, we evaluated sublethal effects of five commercial insecticides of fenvalerate, ... more In this research, we evaluated sublethal effects of five commercial insecticides of fenvalerate, propargite, buprofezin, dayabon and palizin which are used in chemical control of target pests of Habrobracon hebetor Say (an idiobiont and gregarious ectoparasitoid), on the functional response of this important biocontrol agent. First, 80 mated females of H. hebetor were treated by LC 30 of selected insecticides for 24 h. Then, among them six wasps were selected and introduced to different densities of Ephestia kuehniella Zeller larvae (flour moth, an economical stored pest of cereals) for 24 h. The regression analyses based on Holling model indicated the functional response type II in the control, palizin and buprofezin and type III in fenvalerate, propargite and dayabon. Moreover, the highest and lowest attack rates were obtained in palizin and fenvalerate treatments, respectively. In addition, the treated wasps by dayabon and fenvalerate showed the shortest and longest handling times, respectively. Accordingly, palizin and dayabon due to the lowest negative effects on H. hebetor are compatible insecticides for combination with this biocontrol agent in integrated pest management.

Journal of Economic Entomology, 2017

Abstract The common green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), is a... more Abstract The common green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), is a well-known biocontrol agent.The current study examined host plant–herbivore-predator interactions with C. carnea and Myzus persicae on four host plants (peach, almond, pepper, and potato).The experiments were carried out at 25 ± 1°C and 65 ± 5% RH at a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h). Duration of the preadult growth period, adult longevity, fecundity, and population growth parameters were analyzed based on the age-stage, two-sex life table theory. The shortest and longest preadult developmental times of the predator were observed on the peach and potato, respectively. The highest and lowest predation rate, oviposition period, and male and female longevity of predator were also observed on the peach and potato, respectively. The lowest intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) were observed on the potato (0.1087 and 1.11 d–1, respectively) and the highest on the peach (0.1460 and 1.15 d–1, respectively). The maximum and minimum mean generation times (T) were 41.84 and 35.59 d in the potato and peach, respectively. Overall, peach was found to be a more appropriate host than the other host plants for development and predation fitness of C. carnea. These findings reveal that information on tritrophic interactions and subsequent life table evaluation of natural enemies improves integrated pest management programs.

BioControl, 2020

The performance of Venturia canescens Gravenhorst (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) parasitizing Ectom... more The performance of Venturia canescens Gravenhorst (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) parasitizing Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Zeller) were determined on five commercial cultivars of pomegranate, including Shahvare-Danesefid (relatively susceptible), Gabri and Tafti (moderately susceptible) and Esfahani-Daneghermez and Malase-Danesyah (relatively resistant) under controlled conditions. Significant differences were observed in the life history traits of V. canescens on various pomegranate cultivars. The shorter development time was detected on Shahvare-Danesefid and the longer one was on Esfahani-Daneghermez. The lowest value of intrinsic rate of increase (r) was found on Esfahani-Daneghermez. Life history parameters of V. canescens were significantly correlated with biochemical qualities of pomegranate cultivars. Esfahani-Daneghermez was found to be an unsuitable host in comparison with others for performance of V. canescens. These results may provide fundamental data to further understand crop-herbivore-parasitoid relationships. The combination of resistant host plant cultivars together with biological control agents could be proposed as an effective integrated pest management program against E. ceratoniae.

The Journal of the Lepidopterists' Society, 2020

ABSTRACT. The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lep.: Plutellidae), is a key pest of cr... more ABSTRACT. The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lep.: Plutellidae), is a key pest of cruciferous vegetables, throughout the world including Iran. In this study, the effects of vermicompost and humic acid fertilizers on the population growth of P. xylostella were investigated and, furthermore, root system development in the host plants, canola, white cabbage, and red cabbage, was evaluated under the same experimental conditions. Our results showed that brassicaceous plants fertilized by these fertilizers significantly reduced the immature survival rate of P. xylostella. Reared adults from larvae on the treated plants also showed statistically significant reductions in the longevity, oviposition period, and fecundity compared with the control. On canola, white cabbage and red cabbage, the values of R0 (35.4, 10.2 and 6.2 offspring/individual, respectively), r (0.151, 0.098 and 0.071 day-1, respectively), and λ (1.163, 1.103 and 1.074 day-1, respectively) on the plants fertilized with both humic acid and vermicompost were significantly lower than control plants. We also found that on the plants fertilized with humic acid and vermicompost, the number of eggs laid was lower than control plants. The tested fertilizers improved the development of root systems and subsequently enhanced the plant resistance to P. xylostella. Our results show that humic acid and vermicompost root application induces systemic defenses in canola, white cabbage, and red cabbage that have negative effects on the performance of P. xylostella. These findings will help to develop our knowledge regarding the effects of humic acid and vermicompost fertilizers on the resistance of plants to P. xylostella.

European Journal of Entomology, 2020

http://www.eje.cz Citrus tristeza closterovirus (Closterovirus: Closteroviridae) (Ayazpour et al.... more http://www.eje.cz Citrus tristeza closterovirus (Closterovirus: Closteroviridae) (Ayazpour et al., 2013). Chemical control is the main method used to control citrus aphids (Smaili et al., 2014). However, excessive use of insecticides reduces natural enemy populations and leads to resistance of the aphids to many common insecticides. Biological control is a safe alternative method for controlling aphids in citrus orchards (Alizadeh Kafeshani et al., 2018). Scymnus syriacus Marseul (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is a widely distributed species and is important in suppressing aphid abundance in citrus orchards (Allawi, 2006). Both larvae and adults actively search for leaves infested with aphids. They feed on many species of aphids, especially A. spiraecola and A. gossypii (Emami et al., 2004). The young larvae of S. syriacus usually suck out the contents of aphids, whereas adults eat the whole body of the aphids. The number of aphids consumed depends on the size of the aphid, developmental stage of the predator and environmental conditions, such as temperature. The mean number of aphids consumed by the larval stages of S. syriacus has reported to be 95 and 130 aphids at 25°C and 30°C, respectively (Allawi, 2006).

Journal of Economic Entomology, 2019

Plant–herbivore interactions can be influenced by plant developmental stages. Effects of four dif... more Plant–herbivore interactions can be influenced by plant developmental stages. Effects of four different developmental stages of pomegranate fruit (Hazelnut size, Walnut size, Juicy, and Ripe) were investigated on life table parameters, nutritional yield, and energy contents (protein, glycogen, and lipid) of Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Zeller) under controlled conditions in two pomegranate cultivars, namely Shahvare-Danesefid and Esfahani-Daneghermez as susceptible and resistant cultivars, respectively. Biochemical characteristics of the four developmental stages were determined, and a correlation was made with life-history and nutritional responses of E. ceratoniae. Significant differences were observed in developmental time and adult fecundity of E. ceratoniae across various tested stages in both pomegranate cultivars. The highest value of intrinsic rate of increase (rm) was found in Juicy and lowest in Hazelnut-size stage of Shahvare-Danesefid. The highest rm value was on Walnut-size ...

Frontiers in Physiology, 2019

The carob moth, Ectomyelois ceratoniae Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is the main pest of pomeg... more The carob moth, Ectomyelois ceratoniae Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is the main pest of pomegranate, Punica granatum L., in Iran and many parts of the world. In this study, the effects of 11 commercial cultivars of pomegranate (Aban-Mahi, Esfahani-Daneghermez, Gabri, Gorche-Tafti, Malase-Danesyah, Malase-Yazdi, Shahvare-Daneghermez, Shahvare-Danesefid, Tabolarze-Mehrmahi, Tafti, and Toghe-Gardan) were evaluated on life history variables, nutritional performance, and energy reserves of E. ceratoniae under the following laboratory conditions: 30 ± 1 • C, 60 ± 5% RH, and a photoperiod of 14:10 (L:D) hours. In addition, biochemical characteristics of the tested cultivars were assessed in order to understand any possible correlation between important demographic parameters and nutritional properties with biochemical features of pomegranate juice. Our research showed that various pomegranate cultivars have significant effects on life history, demographical parameters, nutritional indices, and energy reserves of E. ceratoniae. The shortest development time was observed on Shahvare-Danesefid cultivar and the longest was on Esfahani-Daneghermez and Malase-Danesyah cultivars. The highest intrinsic rate of increase (r m) was observed on Shahvare-Danesefid and the lowest was on Esfahani-Daneghermez. Six major anthocyanin compounds were detected in juice of various pomegranate cultivars. Significant positive or negative correlations were observed between life history variables and nutritional characteristics with biochemical traits of pomegranate cultivars. The results indicated that Shahvare-Danesefid was a relatively susceptible pomegranate cultivar and Esfahani-Daneghermez was the least appropriate (most resistant) cultivar for feeding of E. ceratoniae, which could be useful in the development of integrated pest management strategies for this pest.

Acta Biologica Szegediensis, 2019

The effects of Allium sativum L. (Alliaceae), Piper nigrum L. (Piperaceae) and Glycyrrhiza glabra... more The effects of Allium sativum L. (Alliaceae), Piper nigrum L. (Piperaceae) and Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Fabaceae) essential oils were investigated on the biological control agent, Habrobracon hebetor Say. The female wasps of H. hebetor were treated by LC30 concentrations of the tested essential oils for 24 h and their demography was investigated. Results indicated that the adult longevity, survival, fecundity, fertility, hatch rate, offspring sex ratio and the other demographic parameters negatively were affected by these essential oils. At the same time, our findings indicated that G. glabra essential oil has the less severe effect on H. hebetor. Accordingly, G. glabra essential oil seems to be a compatible botanical compound with H. hebetor for applying in integrated pest management programs.

Aquatic Insects, 2018

Cataclysta lemnata Linnaeus, 1758 is a semi-aquatic moth that feeds on Lemnaceae and few of other... more Cataclysta lemnata Linnaeus, 1758 is a semi-aquatic moth that feeds on Lemnaceae and few of other aquatic plants. In recent years, this moth has been seen feeding on Azolla Lamarck, 1783 in Iran in high numbers. The effect of the host plant on preference and performance of the moth was assessed under laboratory conditions. Despite the high survival rate of the young larvae, due to high mortality of the late instars and pupa on Lemna Linnaeus, 1753, the total survival rate on Azolla was higher. Feeding on Azolla increased the development time by almost a week and reduced fertility to half. However, by consuming more food, regulating the egg laying dynamic, and increasing emergence period, the moth retrieved most of the losses and adapted to feed on Azolla. A week before pupation, feeding activity increased between 2 and 8 times in all treatments and on Azolla, the larvae growth rate was slightly higher.

Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca, 2011

The alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal), feeds almost exclusively on alfalfa, Medicago sat... more The alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal), feeds almost exclusively on alfalfa, Medicago sativa L. in most region of the world where forage crop is grown. It has been investigated the population density and spatial distribution of alfalfa weevil on alfalfa in Ardabil during 2010. Using a 0.25 m2 quadrate sample unit a reliable sample size was 65, with maximum relative variation of 15%. The relative variation (RV) of the primary sampling data was 13.6. The highest population density of the alfalfa weevil was recorded on 17th April. To estimate the spatial distribution pattern of this pest, data were analyzed through index of dispersion, Lloyd’s mean crowding, Morisita’s index and two regression models (Taylor’s Power Law and Iwao’s Patchiness Regression). Taylor’s model showed an aggregated distribution pattern for all life stages. Iwao’s patchiness regression indicated that larvae, adult and total life cycle had aggregated spatial distribution (tc < tt), while pupae of alfal...

Nota Lepidopterologica, 2017

Water ferns (Azolla spp., Azollaceae) are reported for the first time as host plants for the larv... more Water ferns (Azolla spp., Azollaceae) are reported for the first time as host plants for the larvae of the small China-mark moth Cataclysta lemnata (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae: Acentropinae) in rice fields and waterways of northern Iran. Cataclysta lemnata is a semi-aquatic species that has been recorded to feed on Lemnaceae and a few other aquatic plants. However, it has not been reported before on Azolla spp. Larvae use water fern as food source and shelter and, at high population density in the laboratory, they completely wiped water fern from the water surface. Feeding was confirmed after rearing more than eight continual generations of C. lemnata on water fern in the laboratory. Adults obtained this way are darker and have darker fuscous markings in both sexes compared with specimens previously reported and the pattern remains unchanged after several generations.

International Journal of Pest Management, 2017

Habrobracon hebetor Say is an ectoparasitoid that has been used as a control agent of various lep... more Habrobracon hebetor Say is an ectoparasitoid that has been used as a control agent of various lepidopteran pests. Temperature-dependent life table and thermal characteristics of H. hebetor are important in understanding the dynamics of host-parasitoid relationships and for optimizing biocontrol programmes. The influence of five constant temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 C) on the biology of H. hebetor when parasitizing Anagasta kuehniella Zeller was studied. The survival rate of immature stages increased from 16.67% to 83.81% as temperature increased from 15 to 30 C and then decreased at 35 C. Total development time ranged from 45.70 days at 15 C to 7.10 days at 35 C. The lower temperature threshold for immature stages varied slightly around a value of 11-12 C. The net reproductive rate (R 0) values were significantly different among temperatures and the highest value was found at 30 C (85.10). The high survival rate and net reproductive rate combined with a relatively short generation time at 30 C resulted in the intrinsic rate of increase (r m) being highest (0.312 d ¡1) at this temperature. Considering the acquired results, the temperature range between 25 and 30 C was optimal for H. hebetor.