The Mites and Insect Fauna of Squash (Cucurbita pepo var. pepo L.) Area in Gülağaç Town of Aksaray Province' Turkey

Abstract

In Turkey, Cucurbitaceae species constitute 23% of the vegetable production. The squash, (Cucurbita pepo var. Pepo L.), has considerable economic value and usually has been producing in the eastern part of Central Anatolia; Kayseri, Aksaray, Nevşehir provinces etc.

The present study was carried out in Gülağaç Town of Aksaray where squash is nearly monoculture. In 2010 growing season, to determine the harmful and beneficial acar and insect fauna on the squash areas; surveys were started in June 13 and continued by six-eight day intervals for collecting; sweeping net and checking directly plant material were used as methods.

As a result; 8 harmful insect species from 6 families of four order and 8 beneficial insect species from 5 families of 3 order were determined. From the pest species, Empoasca decipiens Paoli , Tetranychus urticae Koch., Thrips tabaci Lind., Myzus (Nectarosiphon) persicae Sulzer,  Aphis gosspypii Glover, Aphis nasturtii Kaltenbach and between the beneficial species Coccinella septempunctata L. Adonia variegata Goeze ve Chrysoperla carnea Step. were the common insect and acar species. Empoasca decipiens Paoli was the most important and dominant pest of squash in the area. Consequently It can be advised that the future work should be done on this species together vector aphids.