Abstract:

Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is a native insect to East Asia (China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan), and the insect, which is an important polyphagous pest in its natural habitat, invades areas where it poses a significant threat to crop production, establishing a large population in a short period. It may significantly decrease the yield and quality on many products, as well as hazelnuts, especially in areas where it spreads along Turkey's Black Sea coastline. The purpose of this research is to determine the native egg parasitoids of H. halys and their effectiveness in various habitats in Sakarya. For this reason, 20 egg masses (600 eggs) of H. halys at < 24 h-old obtained under field conditions were exposed to field condition on different plants in 9 different locations, and these were carried to the laboratory, collecting 4 days after field exposure. Despite the fact that the overall parasitism rate of the collected eggs was 7.5%, only three parasitoids emerged successfully from these eggs. These parasitoids were identified morphologically as Telenomus turesis (Walker), which was confirmed by molecular identification using the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (CO1). With this study, the native egg parasitoid species was reported for the first time in Turkey. One of the critical stages of the management is the investigation of natural enemy fauna in areas in which invasive species have spread in Turkey, and additional studies are needed. Furthermore, quick and controlled mass production and release of imported Trissolcus japonicus (Ashmead) is critical within the framework of classical biological control, which is a long-term sustainable method.

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