DETERMINATION OF THE FLIGHT PERIOD OF THE BARK BEETLE [Cryphalus piceae (RATZ.) (COLEOPTERA:SCOLYTIDAE)] ON FIR TREES IN ILGAZ NATIONAL PARK

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the population development and flight period of bark beetle [Cryphalus piceae (Ratz.) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)], the main pest of fir trees, by using sticky traps in Ilgaz National Park in 1999 and 2000. Sticky traps (10 cm diameter x 30 cm long) were placed 50, 100 and 170 cm heights from the soil. 5 traps were placed in Derbent (1800 m altitude) and 5 traps were placed in Doruk (1900 m altitude) before the beetles leave the overwintering sites. Traps were placed according to randomized plot design with 100 meters intervals and so adult flight period and flight height were determined. Besides, parcel band having tangle adhesive were wrapped on the tree branches and adult flight period was determined. At the same time, under the 100 cm2 and 300 cm2 bark area in 1999 and 2000 respectively, were examined and beetles were counted and so a comparison was made between the trap captures. Traps counts were made with 3 days intervals. Statistical analysis showed that adult flights were at 170–200 cm heights when they left the overwintering sites in spring. Adult density increased on the traps when the under bark counts decreased. Depending on the results of this study, it was concluded that adult flights and population fluctuations of the pest should be monitored by sticky traps and so timing of silviculture precautions can be determined. Keywords: Cryphalus piceae, Population Fluctuations, Sticky Traps, Fir Trees, Silviculture Precautions