Studies on harmful insect species of tomato planting areas in kizilirmak - çankiri

This M.Sc thesis was carried out in order to determine the insect pests in the tomato fields in Kizilirmak (Cankiri) and to obtain the basic data for the control of the Cotton Bollworm [Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)] and Tuta [Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)] and to monitor the populations of these pests. The field studies were carried out between 2017 and 2018 and started at the seedling stage of tomatos and continued during the harvest period. Field studies were carried out weekly. Results of the surveying showed that 10 insect species [Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae); Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel), Agrotis segetum (Den.&Schiff.), (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae); Agriotes sp. (Coleoptera: Elateridae); Melanogryllus desertus Pall. (Orthoptera: Gryllidae); Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa L (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae); Locusta migratoria L., Oedipoda schochi Sauss. (Ortahoptera: Acridiade); Cailiptamus tenuicercis Tarb (Orthoptera: Catantopidae)] were determined at the tomato fields in Kizilirmak (Cankiri). H.armigera and T.absoluta were found as the main pests of tomato at fruit stage, also Agrotis ipsilon, Agrotis segetum, Agriotes sp., M. desertus, G. gryllotalpa were found as secondary pests. L. migratoria, O. schochi and C. tenuicercis were determined as faunistically important species. H.armigera moths were captured a pheromone traps during 10-34 days within the population monitoring studies. The first infections were observed 30-44 days after the pheromone trap catchments. Thus, all farmers were warned for control measures as the H.armigera moths captured. The damage at the tomato fields of which owners heeded to warnings and applied control measures, were generally below the economic damage threshold level that is 3%. However, the damage at the tomato fields of which owners did not heed to warnings was very high (25-37%). Thus, it is concluded that the populations of both H.armigera and T.absoluta should be observed each year and more detailed studies needed on the bio-ecology of these pests and also the control measures.