Characterization and abundance of arthropods associated with various citrus cultivars in Sargodha, Pakistan

Citrus is the largest genus in the family Rutaceae and is the most traded horticultural produce in the world. The average production of citrus in Pakistan is far below than other citrus growing countries. Many insect pests have been reported in citrus. The objectives of this study were to characterize and document the arthropod community associated with citrus. Sticky traps, Pitfall traps, Berles funnels, aspirator and aerial nets were used to sample the associated arthropods in fourteen of citrus cultivars. The members of insect order Hemiptera were found most in all cultivars followed by Coleoptera and Hymenoptera. The insect pests belonging to order Diptera and Lepidoptera were also found in sufficient numbers. The members of family pseudococcidae and coccinellidae were found in all cultivars. Mars early cultivar of citrus was found with high numbers of termites. The Olinda valencia and Mars early cultivar were found to have more diversity of arthropods while Valencia late the least. This study provides useful information about the seasonal abundance of arthropods in citrus plantation in order to devise a suitable management technique for harmful insects