Aphid species (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on medicinal-aromatic plants in Artvin (Türkiye)

Authors : Hayal Akyıldırım Beğen, Özgür Eminağaoğlu, Gazi Görür, Özhan Şenol, Emrah Yüksel

Pages : 5-15

Doi:10.16955/bitkorb.1650386

View : 147 | Download : 242

Publication Date : 2026-01-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Medicinal and aromatic plants have recently gained popularity, contributing to the economic strength of countries or regions by increasing employment opportunities and representing the areas where they are grown, thus creating various tourism possibilities. However, exposure of these plants to insect groups consuming plant sap, such as aphids, in their natural or unnatural habitats can lead to product loss. There are 350 species of plants exhibiting medicinal-aromatic properties in Artvin province. In this study, medicinal-aromatic plant species distributed in the province were evaluated in terms of aphid population, and 80 aphid species were identified from 72 medicinal-aromatic plants. According to the data obtained from the fields, the highest number of aphid species were found on apple (Malus sylvestris), poplar (Populus nigra), plum (Prunus spp.) and oak (Quercus petreae) species respectively. Aphids were rarely found in medicinal-aromatic plants that give off a strong odor, such as thyme and mint, and it was observed that they did not form dense populations. It was determined that the identified aphid species generally formed dense populations on the leaf surface of fruit-bearing species while they fed on stems and leaves in annual species. To conclude, the study highlights the significant impact of aphid populations on the medicinal-aromatic plants in Artvin, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring and effective management strategies to protect the plants and the economic opportunities they represent.
Keywords : afit, tıbbi ve aromatik, zararlı, Türkiye

ORIGINAL ARTICLE URL