Research on species, population fluctuations and damage of harmful Miridae (Hemiptera) in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in Cukurova

In this study, population fluctuations and pest status of harmul Miridae species in cotton producing area were investigated in two ecologically different locations in Adana Province, Turkey during the years of 2013-2014. Creantiodes pallidus (Rambur, 1839) and Lygus italicus Wagner, 1950 were identified as harmful Miridae species, according to result of the field survey performed in Çukurova region. Lygus italic was found to be more common species than previous pest species. Population density of Miridae species started to increase after mid-July and thereafter declined after mid-August. Population increase of the mirid species coincided with the boll formation stage of cotton plants. Population densities of the predatory insects did not follow the population of pest Miridae species. Numbers of stained or abscised bolls due to mirid attacks was not correlated with the population dynamics of mirids every time. It was recorded that numbers of stained bolls and also abscised bolls were high at the period in which mirid numbers were high. Numbers of abscised bolls were low after beginning of August or mid-August even though presence of the mirid individuals. After releasing one, two and four mirid individuals into plant cages, all squares were shed. With increasing numbers of individuals released inthe cages, rates of damaged bolls increased and diameters of the bolls were decreased as compared to control.