Monitoring the flight dynamics of raspberry cane midge Resseliella Theobaldi Barnes by pheromon traps in western Serbia region

Abstract

The flight phenology of raspberry cane midge (RCM) Resseliella theobaldi (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) was monitored over two successive years (2006-2007) in raspberry plantings (open field) at three locations, Arilje (Zlatibor district - area 6142 km2), Zdravljak and Djeradj (Moravica district - area 3016 km2) - the first time in these provinces. No insecticides were used during the monitoring period in the experimental plot. The pheromone-baited traps were placed on 11 April 2006, 4 May 2007 (Arilje), 4 April 2006, 4 May 2007 (Zdravljak) and 26 and 23 April in 2006 and 2007 (Djeradj), respectively. Obtained results are the part of RCM ring test coordinated by East Malling Research. Throughout the investigated period the midge presence was detected from April-May to September-October. We registered variations in numbers of midges caught per trap, as well as those in the total numbers of midges trapped across years and peak numbers per trap. On the locality Arilje the highest total number (1914) of midges during the season, the highest number of midges and earliest maximum per trap in a sample (91 occurred on 9 May) were recorded in 2006. In Djeradj the highest total number (4876) of midges was recorded during the season, the highest average number of midges per trap in a sample (395.5 occurred on 20 July) and the earliest maximum catch per trap (309.5 occurred on 4 May) were recorded in 2006. In Zdravljak the highest total number (2419) of midges during the season, the highest number and earliest maximum of midges per trap in a sample (369.5 occurred on 11 May) were recorded in 2007. Monitoring of the first emergence of overwintering RCM generations is very important in signalling the optimum time for an insecticide application aimed at suppressing midge numbers. In Serbia no registered active compound for suppression RCM.