Determining host preferences, population density, and geographical distribution of Pochazia shantungensis (Chu & Lu, 1977) (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) in the Eastern Marmara Region

Authors : Gürsel Çetin, Pınar Hephızlı Göksel, Kibar Ak, Erdem Hızal

Pages : 57-68

Doi:10.16955/bitkorb.1699441

View : 67 | Download : 134

Publication Date : 2026-01-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Pochazia shantungensis (Chu and Lu, 1977) (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae), widespread across various countries in East Asia, is a crucial pest affecting a wide range of fruit-bearing trees, outdoor ornamental plants, and certain forest trees. Following its detection in Türkiye in 2019, this study was conducted ascertain its geographic distribution, population density, and preferred host species in the Eastern Marmara Region from 2020 to 2022. The existence of the pest in economically significant fruit species and its host preferences were studied in 0.1% of the regions where the plant species were located on a provincial basis. In addition, other various commercially significant fruit species and ornamental plants in Yalova Province were assessed for potential host suitability using the same methodology. As a result, a total of nineteen host plant species were identified, which included economically important fruit species such as European olive (Olea europaea), apple (Malus domestica), quince (Cydonia oblonga), persimmon (Diospyros kaki), common grapevine (Vitis vinifera), blackberry (Rubus fruticosus), black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa), and jujube (Ziziphus jujuba). It was determined that the most favored host plant was Japanese privet (Ligustrum japonicum). The study also indicated that the pest occurs in a range of ecological environments in Istanbul, Yalova, Kocaeli, and Bursa provinces.
Keywords : meyve ağacı, süs bitkisi, orman ağacı, kurtbağrı, istilacı böcekler, Türkiye

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