Brevibacillus choshinensis Restricts Harmful Eurygaster integriceps in Wheat-Sown Fields and Enhances Beneficial Insect Population

Abstract

Abstract This study was carried out to determine the effects of plant growth promoting bacteria (Brevibacillus choshinensis) on Eurygaster integriceps Puton, 1881 (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae) and the predators Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) and Coccinella septempunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) at 2022-2023 season. The study was laid out in according to complete randomized design with three replications including areas with and without Brevibacillus choshinensis application. Sampling was carried out every 7 days until the harvest period. Predator insect species E. integriceps, C. carnea and C. septempunctata found in wheat plots were determined by using visual counting method. According to results, an average of 0.53 E. integriceps was found in the control plots, while an average of 0.2 in all B. choshinensis -treated areas. In addition, when the results were examined in terms of beneficial species, an average of 2.0 beneficial species was found in the control plots and an average of 11.4 in the plots where B. choshinensis was applied. The effect on all insect numbers was determined as 6.6 in the control plots, while an average of 13.7 insects was counted in the B. choshinensis applied plots. As a result, it was determined that B. choshinensis applications affected the average number of insects on the cultivated plant and as a result of the analyzes, there was a statistical difference compared to the control. It is thought that B. choshinensis can be an alternative bio-insecticide that can be used to control the harmful insect population and to encourage the beneficial insect population.