Identification of snails in citrus orchards in Mazandaran province, Iran
Subject Areas :
Keywords: fauna, Weeds, identification, Mazandaran Province, Snail, Orange (Thompson variety),
Abstract :
Snails are among the most important pests in citrus orchards that cause much damage to different orange varieties. They induce quantitative and qualitative damage by feeding the leaves, stems and fruits. In the north of Iran, due to its particular ecosystem conditions (high relative humidity and moderate temperature) snails damage to citrus orchards, particularly in the nurseries, that result in increase of molluscicides' utilization. Presence of weeds in citrus orchards can also boost the damage of snail pests, given that some of the weeds are suitable niche for snails. In this study, several species of snails were collected and identified; both from citrus trees and the weeds. In total, 24 species belonging to 19 genera out of 11 families are identified based on morphometric characteristics including (shape and size of operculum, aperture, dextral or sinistral profile of shell, pneumostome, keel, radula, renal ridge and reproduction system). As a result, Cochlicella acuta and Laciniaria lessonae identified as new record for Iranian mollusc fauna. In addition, the most damaging species within the yielded list identified as Caucasotachea atrolabiata.
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