Abstract:

Adana and Osmaniye are the provinces with the highest share in the field of peanut production and cultivation in the country and make a great contribution to the country's economy. This study was carried out in Adana and Osmaniye provinces of Turkey in 2017 and 2018 to determine the distribution, infestation and population dynamic of cotton bollworm [Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera; Noctuidae)] in peanut cultivation areas. The larval and adult populations of the pest were followed weekly in two different fields, the larval population was directly counted on the plant, and the adult population was monitored using a funnel type pheromone trap. Field controls in areas where peanuts planted intensively were conducted weekly to determine the distribution and infestation of the pest. The distribution and infestation status were determined at five different points according to the field size. The larvae population of the pest rise above the Economic Damage Threshold (EDT) with 14 larvae / plants in Osmaniye and decreased after insecticide application, in 2017. Other than in 2018, the population of the pests in Adana and Osmaniye was below the (EDT). The adult population in Adana and Osmaniye reached two peaks in July and September in 2017 and remained low in 2018. The infestation rate of H. armigera in peanuts varied in 2017 and 2018. While the infestation rate in Adana was 40.26% and 17.91% in 2017 and 2018 respectively. In Osmaniye, the infestation rate was 36.36% in 2017 and 48.28% in 2018. In 2017, while the infestation in the field was 0.2-1.0 larvae / plant in Adana and Osmaniye, it was 0.2-0.8 larvae / plant in 2018. In the surveyed peanut fields, H. armigera does not cause economic damage on the first peanut crop, but on the second peanut crop it can cause economic damage during the flowering period. It was concluded that detailed research is recommended on this subject.