Monitoring damage caused by harmful pests in hazelnut orchards in Samegrelo region, Georgia

Abstract

Hazelnut is a traditional crop of Georgia, where hazelnut growing is enlarging and export is increasing. Samegrelo is the main hazelnut producing region of the country. Unfortunately, different species of insect and mite pests have been detected in the orchards of this region, which cause quality and yield reduction of this valuable crop. In this paper we present the results of a study carried out in five villages of Samegrelo region where we surveyed the incidence of important pests. The three main pests: ambrosia beetle (Xyleborus dispar), bud mite (Phytoptus avellanae) and hazel long-horned beetle (Oberea linearis) were surveyed. X. dispar was widespread and caused considerable damage to hazelnut orchards in all five villages, while P. avellanae and O. linearis were detected in only three of the surveyed orchards. The mean number of abnormal buds and shoots damaged by these pests was not significantly different among the investigated orchards. The locations, surveying details and amount of damage is presented.