Seasonal Occurrence and Species Composition of True Bugs in Hazelnut Orchards

Abstract

True bugs (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae, Coreidae and Acanthosomatidae) are very common pest species in hazelnut orchards. They cause quantity and quality problems by feeding on nuts. Main damage types of these pests are early nut droppings and kernel necrosis, in addition to other minor damage types. In this study, species composition of true bugs, their density and seasonal occurrence were determined during 2005. Hazelnut orchards from six main hazelnut growing provinces of Turkey (Düzce, Giresun, Ordu, Sakarya, Samsun and Trabzon) were surveyed twice in a month. In each province, three hazelnut orchards from each of selected three towns were surveyed from early May to late September, on each survey date. Beating sheet and sweep net methods were used to collect insect specimens. In total 12 true bugs species were determined in hazelnut orchards, including Palomena prasina, P. viridissima, Raphigaster nebulosa, Piezodorus lituratus, Nezara virudula, Holocostethus vernalis, Graphoma lineatum, Dolycoris baccarum, Gonocerus acuteangulatus, Coreus marginatus, Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale and Elasumcha grisea. P. prasina was the most common and widespread species. Population changed depending on sampling site and date. Bug populations reached highest level during August.