Co-Authors:
Shaltiel-Harpaz, L., Migal Galilee Research institute, P.O. Box 831, Kiryat Shmona, 11016, Israel
Soroker, V., Department of Entomology, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, P.O.Box 6, Bet Dagan, 50250, Israel
Kedoshim, R., Migal Galilee Research institute, P.O. Box 831, Kiryat Shmona, 11016, Israel
Hason, R., Migal Galilee Research institute, P.O. Box 831, Kiryat Shmona, 11016, Israel
Sokalsky, T., Migal Galilee Research institute, P.O. Box 831, Kiryat Shmona, 11016, Israel
Hatib, K., Unit of Deciduous Fruit Tree Sciences, Newe Ya'ar Research Center, Agricultural Research Organization, P.O. Box 1021, Ramat Yishay, 30095, Israel
Bar-Ya'akov, I., Unit of Deciduous Fruit Tree Sciences, Newe Ya'ar Research Center, Agricultural Research Organization, P.O. Box 1021, Ramat Yishay, 30095, Israel
Holland, D., Unit of Deciduous Fruit Tree Sciences, Newe Ya'ar Research Center, Agricultural Research Organization, P.O. Box 1021, Ramat Yishay, 30095, Israel
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: The pear psylla, Cacopsylla bidens (Šulc), is one of the most damaging pests of commercial pear orchards in Israel. Psylla control is a major obstacle to efficient integrated pest management, necessitating research on cultivars with natural resistance to pear psylla. Recently, two pear accessions (Py.760-261 and Py.701-202) from the local Newe Ya'ar fruit tree live collection were identified as having apparent resistance to pear psylla. Our goal was to evaluate the resistance of these two accessions relative to the commercial cultivar Spadona Estiva, and to identify whether the resistance mechanisms in the former interfere with insect colonisation of the plant (antixenosis) or inhibit insect growth, development, reproduction and survival (antibiosis). RESULTS: Settlement and development of C. bidens was evaluated under natural conditions (pear orchard), semi-natural conditions (potted plants), and on detached branches and leaves (laboratory). Our results indicate that the selection Py.760-261 is 10 times more resistant than Spadona while Py.701-202 is five times more resistant. CONCLUSIONS: The resistance mechanism in both accessions appears to be antibiosis affecting nymph survival. These resistant accessions may be used as rootstock or as a source of resistant genes in breeding programmes. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry.