Characterization, presence and distribution of pathogens of IPS sexdentatus (Boerner) and IPS typographus (l.) in the Black Sea Region of Turkey

In this thesis, natural protist pathogens of Ips typographus and Ips sexdentatus(Coleoptera: Scolytidae) from Eastern Black Sea Region, their characterization and distribution in population of this region are studied. Samples were collected from 4 different localities (Ordu, Giresun, Trabzon and Artvin) during May, June, July and August, between 2009 and 2012. During this thesis, 5444 I. typographus, 4372 I. sexdentatus samples were examined with a total of 9816. Presence of Gregarina typographi and Metschnikowia typographi was determined in I. sexdentatus samples, Gregarina typographi and I. typographus Entomopoxvirus were found in examined I.typographus samples, during the examination nematodes were also recorded in intestine and hemocoel. While pathogens were generally single, mixed infections were also observed. Entomopathogens observed in I. typographus samples, Gregarina typographi and ItEPV, are new records for Turkey. In addition, ItEPV is the first virus pathogen recorded from bark beetles in Turkey.During the study infection rate of Gregarina typographi was 24.92% in Trabzon, 18.11% in Ordu, 6.91% in Giresun and 14.4% in Artvin between 2009 and 2012. Entomopoxvirus was found only in Artvin and total infection rate was 20.3%. Ips typographus Entomopoxvirus infection was also confirmed by Transmission Electron Microscopy studies. Key Words: Ips typographus, Ips sexdentatus, Gregarina typographi, Metschnikowia typographi, ItEPV, Entomopathogen, Turkey, Eastern Black Sea Region