Damage and fighting methods of Leptoglossus occidentalis in Muğla forests

In this study, the damage and control method of Leptoglossus occidentalis, which is thought to cause damage to red pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) seeds in Muğla Forest Regional Directorate, Milas Forest Enterprise Directorate, were investigated. The traps set up to control the harm of this insect in Selimiye, Sarıçay and Labranda Forest Management Directorates in 2023 and 2024 were examined. In addition, L. occidentalis damages were investigated in the red pine seeds obtained from 7 different red pine stands and 6 different seed orchards in the Muğla region. Acording to the seed sources, healthy, empty and insect-damaged seeds were determined in number and proportion and their 1000-seed weights were determined. At the end of the study, it was determined that no insects were detected in 30 traps set in three different regions (Selimiye, Sarıçay and Labranda) affiliated to the Milas Forest Management Directorate in 2023 and 2024. However, examinations of the seeds have determined that insect damage occurs, although this varies depending on where the seed is obtained. According to the statistical analysis, the highest empty seed rate was determined in the seed orchard number TB 14 (61.18 %) and in the seeds supplied from Milas-Ören (42.71 %). Although not very high in general, the highest bug damage rate in red pine seeds was obtained from the seeds supplied from Milas-Ören (2.439 %) and TB 185 seed orchard (2.535 %).