Effects of some stand features and topographic factors on gall formation of beech gall midge (mikiola fagi (Hartig, 1839))

Turkey's 22,342,935 hectares are covered with forests. 8,50% (1.899.929 ha) of this area is covered by pure or mixed beech (Fagus sp.) forests. The beech forests are widespread the country and studies on biotic factors affecting this species are quite important. In this study, it is aimed to investigate the effects of topographic factors such as altitude and aspect and some stand features on the spread of Mikiola fagi (Hartig, 1839) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) which causes gall formation in Kastamonu-Bozkurt beech forests. The field studies of the research were carried out in the beech forests of Kastamonu-Bozkurt Forest Management Directorate between 2013-2016. As a result of the study, the number of leaf galls was higher along the edges than the inside of the stands. The edge effect did not make a significant difference on the length and weight of the galls caused by Mikiola fagi. The density of the galls did not differ according to the aspect, but it was observed to be higher at the lower altitudes than the upper altitudes.