Determination of Flight Activities and Populations of Ambrosia Beetles in Hazelnut Orchards

Abstract

Ambrosia beetles are highly invasive pests that cause thousands of hazelnut branches to dry out in hazelnut orchards each year. The manegement against these pests in hazelnut orchards, first of all, it is necessary to know the time of emergence of these pests during the year and the dates when their populations are concentrated. Between 2017-2019, studies were carried out in the Çarşamba and Terme districts of Samsun, which play an important role in hazelnut production in Turkey. Populations of three invasive ambrosia beetle species (Anisandrus dispar, Xylosandrus germanus and Xyleborinus saxesenii) in hazelnut orchards were monitored using sticky traps from mid-March to mid-October. Anisandrus dispar adults begin to emerge in mid-March, their populations increase in April-May, and their populations begin to decrease from mid-June. The emergence of Xylosandrus germanus adults begins in April, their population peaks in late May and early June, and then the population begins to decline. In addition, their population shows a slight increase in August. The emergence of Xyleborinus saxesenii adults begins at the end of March, their population increases slightly at the end of April, increases significantly in late June and early July, and finally some population increase is observed in August. Thanks to this information obtained, it has been understood when an effective control against these pests in hazelnut orchards will be more beneficial.