Determination of Bioecology, Infestation Rate and Distribution of the Harmful Grapevine Cicada Klapperichicen viridissima (Walker) (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) in Vineyard Areas of Mardin Province in Türkiye

Abstract

Grape, which contains organic acids, minerals and vitamins in terms of human nutrition, is of great importance and is a type of fruit consumed as table and dry. Vine leaves are are used in the form of brine, whereas grapes are used as table, raisins, wine, as well as dried fruit pulp, boiled grape juice, must, juice, cosmetics, medicine, etc. Grape is an important export product for Türkiye’s economy as well as an important source of income for the country’s people. Carried out in large areas, viticulture is an important crop plant. The grapevine cicada is one of the important harmful insect species that causes entomological yield and quality loss in vineyard areas, as well as feeding on the roots and causing the vines to dry out over time. Studies on this pest are important. This study was carried out in order to determine the time of occurrence, distribution, bioecology in nature and rate of infestation of the adult grapvine cicada Klapperichicen viridissima (Walker) (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) in the vineyard areas of Mardin province in 2015–2016. Between June and September, weekly studies were carried out in a total of 40 vineyards, each of which has at least 50–70 vines, in Mardin. Visual control, culturing method and shoot removal method were used in the studies. As a result of the study, the first flight of K. viridissima adults in both years was on 20–25 June, the adult flights reached the highest level on 18–21 July and ended on 05–09 August. It has been determined that the pest is active in nature for about 40–45 days (end of June–early August). In addition, the distribution of this species according to the districts, the rate of contamination and the damage to vines in the vineyards were determined.