An investigation on entomophagous (predator and parasitoid) insects in parks and gardens in Antalya city center

There are many pests that are obstacle for the green and healthy appearance of parks and gardens. Since they are the entertainment and recreation places of both people and pets, chemical control is not healthy against pests in parks and gardens. As such, the most appropriate control method that can be applied here is 'Biological Control' which has no negative impact on the environment and human health. In this study, entomophagous (predator and parasitoid) insects feeding with harmful arthropods (insects and mites) on the plants in the parks and gardens in Antalya city center were collected. For this purpose, a total of 33 parks and gardens were visited at least every 2 weeks in the central districts of Antalya. In the collection of beneficial insects; the methods, visual inspection and collection, leaf jarring (beat sheets), sticky traps and sweep nets, were used. At the end of this study, a comprehensive knowledge on the entomophagous insect fauna in the parks and gardens in the city center of Antalya and the effectiveness of the spontaneous natural biological control were revealed. In addition, artificial biological control against the pests that cause occasional epidemics in the parks and gardens has been allowed to introduce and the municipalities have been informed about the impacts of sprayings applied against in some parks and gardens on the biodiversity there. The results obtained from the study are capable of taking place in reputable national and international publications. This will contribute to the scientific knowledge of our country and world literature.