[Study of Genetic Variations for Almond Seed Wasp, Eurytoma amygdali End ( Eurytomidae-Hymenoptera ) in Syria and Extraction of The Sex Pheromone for The Integrated Pest Management]

Morphological description of the stages of Eurytoma amygdali. End. was studied and it was possible to recognize the sex of immature larval stages using stereomicroscope and Scanning Electron Microscope. Results indicated that egg possesses two pedicles, varied in length. The female larva was larger than that of the male's, and it could be recognized by conspicuous head, against the hidden head of the male. The pupa of the female differ in size and shape especially in advanced stage, where the ovipositor become clear. There were differences between female and male adults in size, head and abdomen, as the female has bigger and wider head, while the male is distinguished by long sensilla (trichoed) on the antenna and the apparent petiole, while the rest of abdomen in the female is larger and wider. Detailed examination of reproductive genetalia showed two pairs of valves and dorsal plate in the ovipositor, and phallobase, endophallus, aedeagus and an excrescents in the reproductive apparatus of male. Genetic differences was conducted at five regions of Syria where this insect distributed in; Homs, Al Sweedaa, Qunaitera, Damascus countryside (Beetema and Der Ateah), in addition to the study of five villages of Homs which they are: Alfhila, Sukkarah, Fairozah, Zaidal, Al thabtia, using ISSR with 18 primers. Only 13 primers succeeded in amplifying the DNA, with polymorphism of (31.01%) between females. The females of Beetema and Der Ateah were the most closer. The clusters analysis separated the female of Homs in an independent group and the others were all in another group. Polymorphism between males was (52.23%) and the males of Beetema and Qunaitera were the most closer, the males were separated into two clusters one had males of Homs and Al Sweedaa and another had the rest. The study of genetic differences for the villages of Homs showed that the polymorphism between females was (38.14%) with highest relation between the females of Zaidal and Sukkarah. Cluster analysis indicated that the females of Sukkarah, Zaidal and Althabtia were separated in a group, and the rest in another group. The polymorphism between the males was (39.89%) and the males of Alfhaila and Althabtia were very close. Males of Sukkarah were separated in a group, and the others in different one. Protein study showed a difference in storage at the wasp stages, it starts in larval stage and increase with the larva development and overwintering. In comparison between both instars of pupa, protein content was less in the second instar, may be due to consuming them in building the adult body. The proteins of female and male were compared, the results indicated that there 124 were special proteins in female exhibit since the first day of age, and they would be used in composition of the egg yolk. Whole body extracts of males and virgin females (from Homs) were analyzed by GC-MS to detect their components and to determine the sex pheromone and different compounds between the sexes. Results indicated the presence of (10) alkanes, (5) alkenes and (5) unknown substances at both sexes. Males exhibit an alkane and two alkenes while the females exhibit (3) alkanes, (7) alkenes and two unknown substances. Two distinguish substances (alkadienes) were found in females and they are involved in mating process. Both compound contain two double bond at carbon 6 and 9 and both were (Z) isomere one has 23 Carbons and the other has 25 Carbons, so the two alkadienes were named (Z,Z)-6,9 tricosadiene and (Z,Z)-6,9 pentacosadiene. Five insecticides were evaluated for the control of almond seed wasp, at Alfhaila _ Homs in 2009-2010, to determine the most practicable and economical to farmers. Insecticides were, Concord Super, Karate Zeon, Zenith, Lentrak and Desis 50. Results indicated that using Concord super significantly reduced the percentage of infestation and was the lowest (2.66%) compared to the control (39%) in (2009). In 2010, Karate Zeon caused the lowest infestation (2.66%) while it was (40%) in the control. Economically, Concord super was the best because of its lowest cost and highest saving of money (5832.2) Syrian pound, but Karate Zeon was the lowest saving of (5525.4) Syrian pound.