Seasonal population dynamics and environmental influences on Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in peanut fields of Çukurova Region of Türkiye

Abstract

This study investigated the seasonal population dynamics and environmental influences on Helicoverpa armigera in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) fields during 2021 and 2022 growing seasons in the Osmaniye and Adana provinces of Türkiye. A total of 2,931 and 2,099 adult moths were captured using five pheromone traps in 2021 and 2022, respectively, showing significant temporal variation (F = 12.05; P = 0.0001; F = 29.49; P = 0.0001). In 2021, a major population peak occurred on 16th August (145.2 moths/trap), while in 2022, two distinct peaks were observed, with the highest on 1st September (80.2 moths/trap). Larval counts reflected adult activity, with the highest numbers recorded on 16th August (2021) and 4th August (2022). Environmental monitoring revealed that temperatures ranged from 22.2°C to 30.2°C, while relative humidity varied between 31.8% and 78.0%. Both parameters exhibited a notable decline from mid-August to October.These fluctuations likely influenced moth emergence and larval development. Larval infestations were sporadic, underscoring variability in pest pressure. The results identify mid-August to early September as a critical period for implementing pest control strategies. The close alignment between environmental conditions, adult activity, and larval presence highlights the importance of integrated monitoring for effective H. armigera management in peanut cultivation.

Keywords

• Helicoverpa armigera
• Peanut
• Population Dynamics
• Pheromone traps
• Environmental influences

Çukurova bölgesi yer fıstığı tarlalarında Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)’nın mevsimsel popülasyon dinamiği ve çevresel etmenlerin etkisi

Abstract

Bu çalışma, 2021 ve 2022 yetiştirme dönemlerinde Türkiye'nin Osmaniye ve Adana illerinde yer fıstığı (Arachis hypogaea L.) tarlalarında Helicoverpa armigera'nın mevsimsel popülasyon dinamikleri ve çevresel faktörlerin etkilerini incelemiştir. İki sezon boyunca beş feromon tuzağı kullanılarak sırasıyla 2.931 ve 2.099 ergin birey yakalanmış olup, zamana bağlı olarak anlamlı farklılıklar tespit edilmiştir (F = 12,05; P = 0,0001; F = 29,49; P = 0,0001). 2021 yılında popülasyonun en yüksek seviyesi 16 Ağustos tarihinde (145,2 birey/tuzak) gözlenirken, 2022 sezonunda iki belirgin zirve oluşmuş ve en yüksek yoğunluk 1 Eylül tarihinde (80,2 birey/tuzak) kaydedilmiştir. Larva yoğunlukları, ergin aktivitesi ile paralellik göstererek 2021’de 16 Ağustos, 2022’de ise 4 Ağustos tarihlerinde en yüksek değerlere ulaşmıştır. Çevresel izlemeler neticesinde sıcaklıkların 22,2°C ile 30,2°C arasında, bağıl nem oranlarının ise %31,8 ile %78,0 arasında değiştiği; her iki parametrede de Ağustos ortasından Ekim ayına kadar belirgin azalma eğilimi olduğu belirlenmiştir. Bu çevresel değişimler, kelebek çıkışları ve larval gelişim süreçleri üzerinde etkili olmuş olabilir. Larva bulaşmaları düzensiz seyretmiş olup, zararlı baskısının değişkenliğini ortaya koymaktadır. Elde edilen bulgular, zararlı yönetimi açısından Ağustos ortası ile Eylül başı arasındaki dönemin kritik bir zaman dilimi olduğunu göstermektedir. Ayrıca, çevresel koşullar ile ergin ve larva popülasyonları arasındaki yakın ilişki, yer fıstığı üretiminde Helicoverpa armigera’nın etkin kontrolü için entegre izleme programlarının önemini vurgulamaktadır.

Keywords

• Helicoverpa armigera,
• Yerfıstığı,
• Popülasyon Dinamiği
• Feromon tuzakları
• Çevresel etkiler

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