Assessment of Eurygaster integriceps parameters to improve integrated pest management in Southeastern Türkiye wheat fields

Abstract Cereals, as fundamental agricultural products, are a global food security concern. In Türkiye, cereals account for 50% of arable land, with wheat representing 67% of all cereal production. Sunn pest, Eurygaster integriceps (Puton) is the main pest of wheat and other cereals in Türkiye. This study was motivated by the need to understand regional variability in Sunn pest population parameters and their influence on pest management efficiency. We hypothesized that nymph density, parasitism rate, and feeding damage would show significant spatial differences, which could guide more targeted control strategies. This study was conducted between 2016 and 2022 in the southeastern provinces of Adıyaman, Batman, Diyarbakır, Mardin, Siirt, Şırnak and Şanlıurfa, where wheat production is intensive. Key parameters such as valuation survey area, egg parasitism rate, nymph survey area, average nymph density, management area, and suction rate were assessed. The relationships among these variables were analyzed using multivariate statistical techniques, including regression analysis and spatial clustering methods. Understanding key parameters such as valuation survey area, egg parasitism rate, nymph density, and management strategies is essential for mitigating the impacts of Sunn pest. The results showed substantial variation between provinces. For example, Adıyaman exhibited high nymph densities despite limited sampling coverage, while Mardin showed zero egg parasitism throughout the study period. A moderate positive correlation was observed between nymph density and parasitism rate, but no significant correlation was found with feeding damage. The study highlights that understanding these interrelated factors is essential for developing effective management strategies against Sunn pest. It also shows that the dynamics of these parameters can vary significantly between years and regions. Further research is recommended to better understand pest behavior and improve control strategies through region-specific approaches supported by statistical evaluations.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND

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