Determination of flight dynamisc of chestnut gall wasp with some trap types in the anatolian chestnut forests of Bursa region

The Anatolian chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.), holding significant economic value worldwide, especially boasts a wide distribution in the Bursa region of Türkiye, making it a crucial agricultural product there. However, recent years have seen a growing threat posed by the chestnut gall wasp (Drycosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu), severely impacting the production and quality of this valuable plant. Environmental changes and anthropogenic activities have led to rapid shifts in the distribution of these pests, with new harmful species continually being added to the list. The increase in international plant trade and climate change have facilitated the spread of exotic species across geographical borders into foreign ecosystems, posing serious threats not only to biodiversity but also adversely affecting forestry, agriculture, and human health. Turkey's climatic conditions and rich plant diversity have allowed a multitude of insect species to thrive in forest ecosystems for extended periods. Climatic factors play a significant role in the occurrence of entomological damages, reducing the resistance of host plants and leading to increases in the reproductive capacity and populations of harmful insect species. As a result of climate change, there has been a noticeable increase in the number and spread of invasive species in Turkey's forests, with certain harmful species causing significant damage.The chestnut gall wasp (Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu), first identified in Türkiye's forests in 2014, has inflicted severe damages on chestnut trees, resulting in notable losses in fruit, timber, and honey production areas. This study aims to detect the flight dynamics of the chestnut gall wasp [Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae)] in the European Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) forests of the Bursa region using various trap types. The study examined the capture rates of adult insects using colored sticky traps combined with different attractants. Observations have shown that yellow sticky traps and a yellow attractant containing a mixture of beer (malt extract) and powdered sugar are the most effective methods for attracting the chestnut gall wasp. Additionally, the study explored the effects of climatic factors and elevation on adult flight dates and population densities. The results indicate that the combination of these traps and attractants could be an effective tool in combating the chestnut gall wasp. The highest insect population was observed in Karacabey on July 2, 2022, and in Uludağ on August 1, 2022, depending on climatic conditions and elevation. These findings will contribute to the development of alternative methods for pest control and enable sustainable chestnut production.