Survey of Entomopathogenic nematode species on overwintering areas of Sunn Pest (Eurygaster spp. Hemiptera: Scutelleridae) and Sting Bug (Aaelia spp. Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Southeastern Anatolia Region and investigations on the use of Entomopathogenic nematodes in control of Sunn Pest and Sting Bug

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most common and most important cultivation plants in our country (Turkey). The main pests that cause economic losses in wheat production are Sunn pest (Eurygaster spp. Hemiptera: Scutelleridae) and Sting bug (Aelia spp. Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). In this study, the efficacy of three different doses of Entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) isolates [Steinernema carpocapsae (Black sea isolate), S. feltiae (isolate 09-31) (Aydin isolate) ve Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (isolate 09-43) (Aydin isolate)] in our country on the Sunn pest and Sting bug adults at different temperatures in laboratory conditions and also on the Sunn pest adults in natural conditions were investigated. In efficacy trials, infective larvae (IJs) were applied as 25, 125 and 200 IJs cm-2 to soil filled in plastic cups and the efficacy of EPNs on Sunn pest and Sting bug adults were investigated at different temperatures. In addition, in order to determine the efficacy of EPNs on Sunn pest adults in the natural conditions, EPNs applications were made to the trial parcels and in plastic container formed in the overwintering area. According to the results of the research, in the application of EPNs to the soil in plastic cups, the highest mortality rate on Sunn pest was occurred in 200 IJs cm-2 dose of S. carpocapsae isolate at 15°C and 12°C, 75% and 70% respectively. The highest mortality rate on Sting bug was also occurred in 200 IJs cm-2 dose of S. carpocapsae isolate at 15°C and 12°C, 75% and 70% respectively. In the natural conditions, the efficacy of S. carpocapsae, S. feltiae and H. bacteriophora isolates as 15%, 10% and 6.25% were determined respectively. Mortality rates were found to be low in natural conditions.