Influence of citrus and guava branch architecture on foliage spider fauna
2011
Ghaffar, A. (University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (Pakistan). Dept. of Zoology and Fisheries) | Mushtaq, S. (University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (Pakistan). Dept. of Zoology and Fisheries) | Rana, S.A. (University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (Pakistan). Dept. of Zoology and Fisheries) | Khalil-ur-Rehman (University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (Pakistan). Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry)
The effect of habitat structure on abundance of foliage spiders was investigated in citrus and guava trees. Several characteristics of spider habitats were measured viz. diameter of the branch, height of crown, branch length and number of branching angles. Maximum spider population was recorded from structurally more complex branch. Spider abundance was positively correlated with branch characteristics except to crown height, which was negatively correlated. Number of branching angles was the best predictors of spider abundance on individual branch, which accounted for 71 and 62% variation in total spider abundance in citrus and guava, respectively in both years. Selected habitat variables predicted the abundance of spiders in orchard. Results suggest that branch structure is the most important factor in determining the abundance of foliage spider in citrus and guava orchard.
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