Key factors in the successful adaptation of the pest <i>Corythucha ciliata</i> Say in the northern subtropics of the Black Sea coast

Abstract

   Aim. To identify a complex of factors in the successful adaptation of the sycamore lace bug Corythucha ciliata Say for the development of methods for regulating its numbers of and effective biological control measures against this dangerous pest.   Material and Methods. The research was carried out by studying scientific publications, analysing the dynamics of climate change in the Lazarevsky district of Sochi for 15 years and studying the reporting data of the Lazarevskaya Experimental Plant Protection Station, Branch of the Federal Research Center of Biological Plant Protection for the period 2008 to 2022.   Results. 5 key factors of successful adaptation of Corythucha ciliata to new invasion regions have been identified: the factors of food and climatic adaptation, the factor of interaction with natural enemies, the factor of resistance to entomopathogenic organisms and the factor of adaptation to anthropogenic load. The main conditions and possible vectors of further invasion of sycamore lace in new regions have been determined.   Conclusion. The development of effective methods of biological control of the invasive pest Corythucha ciliata Say should be based taking into account the totality of qualitative characteristics of the pest's living conditions. The sycamore lace bug Corythucha ciliata Say effectively builds new trophic connections, without prejudice to its population, adapts not only to new climatic conditions, but also to their changes. Natural entomophages and entomopathogens do not significantly affect the development of the Corythucha ciliata population. The pest has adapted to survival in conditions of high anthropogenic load and successfully uses it to invade new regions.