Determination of distribution and population fluctuate of peach twig borer (Anarsia lineatella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) and oriental fruit moth (cydia molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in appricot orchards in Akçadağ district of Malatya

Anarsia lineatella Zell. (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) and Grapholita molesta (Busck, 1916) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) are important pests of apricots. This study was conducted in Akçadağ district of Malatya province, in the years 2022-2023 A. lineatella and G. molesta it was conducted to determine the distribution areas of population fluctuations and damage rates. The studies were carried out in 6-7 neighborhoods located in different directions and elevations connected to Akçadağ district. Data were collected using eye control and sexual attractant traps to determine the spread of species, population changes and damage situations. Delta type sexual attractive pheromone traps were hung on a branch of the tree in a south-easterly direction at a height of 1,5-2,0 m from the ground before the adult's exit, so that there would be a trap for every garden, and the pheromones were changed every 4 weeks. After the adults were caught in the traps to determine the damage to the fruit, 5-10 trees were marked in 3 orchars and in each orchard. As a result of the study, in the gardens A. lineatella and G. molesta has been identified. It was determined that the damage rate varied between 0,68% and 67,6%. May 11 and 12, respectively, in the lowland part of 2022-2023, Anarsia lineatella adult exits took place, and in the orchard in Gürkaynak, where the altitude is high, on June 2 and 7. The adult exits of Anarsia lineatella occurred on May 11 and May 2023, respectively. The last adult's exit lasted until November 16. It has been observed that Anarsia lineatella remains active for about 6 months in the lowland region and 5 months in the high part. The theoretical number of progeny in the gardens in the Anarsia lineatella lowland region is 3,52 in 2022 and 3,56 in 2023. In gardens where the altitude is high, the theoretical number of progeny has been calculated as 3,19-3,2 respectively, according to the years. May 26– October 18 the adult flight of Grapholita molesta was observed between. No significant population fluctuation has been observed in this species. Also hanging in the gardens is G. molesta to sexual attractant traps with pheromones. It has been found that many moth species of different species come from the Tortricidae family. Keywords: Anarsia lineatella, Grapholita molesta, apricot, Tortricidae, Arga