The weevil, Hypolixus pica (F.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) as a potential biological control agent of Amaranthus species (Amaranthaceae) in Adana Province, Turkey

Abstract

Amaranthus species (Family) are among the most important weeds in summer crops and orchards in Turkey. The detrimental effects of pesticides on the environment and human health and the development of high levels of resistance to several herbicide classes by Amaranthus species have generate interest in alternative weed control methods. Since the biological control of weeds has gained great prominence recently, this study was carried out to determine the potential biological control agents of Amaranthus spp. in Adana Province. Turkey. For this aim, ten randomly selected fields randomly were in three districts (Yüreğir-Ceyhan-İmamoğlu). In each field, ten Amaranthus plants were collected randomly and dissected, and the numbers of the weevils and theirdifferent stages were recorded. In this study, three Amaranthus species were identified and A. palmeri was the most common, followed by A. retroflexus and A. spinosus. Fifty-nine larvae, 26 pupae and 10 adults were collected from the Amaranthus plants. All adult individuals were identified as H. pica according to their genital organs. Our results show that H. pica could be considered to be a potential biological control agent of A. palmeri and A. retroflexus. More detailed studies are needed to determine its ecology and role as a biological control agent of the target weed species. In addition, it is crucial to develop mass rearing methods for potential beneficial insects such as H. pica.