Determination of species, population development, biological characters of the most abundant species and effect of some pesticides on Orius spp. (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) in cotton cultivars in southeast Anatolia region

In this study, the population development, densities, biological characters of the most abundant species, and side effect of some pesticides in laboratory and field condition on predator Orius spp. was determined in cotton cultivars in Southeast Anatolia Region in Turkey.In the study areas, totally 5 species belonging Anthocoridae family were identified, which are Orius albidipennis (Reuter), Orius horvathi (Reuter), Orius vicinus (Ribaut) Orius niger Wolff, and Orius laevigatus (Fieber). O. albidipennis is the first record for Turkey fauna, and was determined the most abundant in the study years of 2005-2006, by the 91.98% ratio. The population of Orius species reached the its highest level in middle of August in both two study years. The most common predatory species O. albidipennis completed egg hatching, pre-adult, preoviposition, oviposition and postoviposition periods in 4.14±0.75, 13.98±1.28, 3.72±0.81, 26.22±2.88, and 7.37±1.39 days respectively at 25±1 0C and 65±5% RH. Adult female longevity was found 37.31±1.79 days. During the oviposition period females laid an average 85.07±10.64 eggs per female and egg hatching ratio was 69.01±6.29%. In general the effect of some pesticides were harmful to nymph and adults and moderate harmful to eggs of O. albidipennis under laboratory conditions, also moderate harmful to active stages of Orius spp. in field conditions.