Determination of spread, infestation rate and population fluctuation of Cacopsylla pyri L. (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) in pear orchards in antalya province

Antalya ranks second in total pear production in Türkiye. Due to such intensive production, producers encounter pests and diseases that cause product losses in cultivation. In this context, studies were carried out in areas where pear production is intensive to determine the distribution areas and infestation rate of Cacopsylla pyri, the main pest of pear, districts and in Antalya province. In order to determine the infection rate, 100 shoots from all four sides of the tree were examined in the survey studies to cover the entire plant. Shoots with individuals or honeydew in the examined shoots were evaluated as infested. In addition, yellow sticky traps were hung in Elmalı district to determine the population fluctuation of the pest and the adult individuals in the traps were counted regularly. In the experiments conducted to determine the distribution areas of C. pyri in Antalya province, it was determined that the pest was widespread in Korkuteli and Elmalı, where pear production is intensive, as well as in Alanya, Kaş, Gazipaşa, Serik and Manavgat districts. It was determined that the pest was not seen in Döşemealtı district. The infestation rates of C. pyri were found to be 52.06, 69.67, 48.37, 19.88, 28.55, 21.71 and 1.60% in Korkuteli, Elmalı, Alanya, Kaş, Gazipaşa, Serik and Manavgat districts of Antalya province, respectively. The number of adults observed in yellow sticky traps hung to determine the population fluctuation of C. pyri reached the highest level in the orchards at the end of June in 2022. It changed according to the orchards in 2023. As a result, it is thought that the time to start the control is very important and that it would be appropriate to start the control in April by monitoring the population of the pest. In addition, it was observed that due to intensive chemical control, the natural enemy populations of the pest were low and could not be suppressed.