Coastal Region Of Turkey Research Articles

Morphological and molecular diagnosis of the pine processionary moth in Marmara University Göztepe Campus

Pine processionary moth are known as oligophagous forest pests, usually found in cocoons on Pinus trees. While these moths are found in the south of Europe and the north of Africa worldwide, in Turkey they are found in the Mediterranean, Aegean, Black Sea and Marmara regions. Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Den. & Schiff.) and Thaumetopoea wilkinsoni (Tams) species have been observed in the coastal regions of Turkey. Identification of the species is an important step in the development of biological control strategies. The starting point of this study is the desire to control the pine processionary moth in Marmara University Göztepe Campus. However, since both of these species are found in Turkey, especially in the Marmara Region, the main aim of this study is to determine which species the pine processionary moth in the campus belong to. Morphological and molecular methods were used. As a result of the study, based on both morphology and molecular data, it was determined that the species found on the campus was Thaumetopoea wilkinsoni.

Land cover change detection in the Turkish coastal zone based on 28-year (1990-2018) Corine data.

In this research, land cover changes in the coastal region of Turkey were analyzed using the Corine dataset between 1990 and 2018. Changes in each period were analyzed by using the rate of change and the annual rate of change, the transition matrix of net changes, and the transition probability matrix. In order to predict land cover change trends and to determine future land cover change probabilities, a combination of Markov and cellular automata models was used. It was determined that the highest increase in each study period was in artificial surfaces and the highest decrease was in the forest and the semi-natural area. The total forest areas were converted to the other land cover type in the first study period amounting to 2479.32 km2. Also, it was decreased and transformed by about 62.47 km2, 118.82 km2, and 203.09 km2 of the forest area that existed in the second, third, and fourth periods respectively. The results indicate that the probabilities of the increasing area will be covered by artificial surfaces and agricultural areas. It is estimated that the rate of 57% in 1990, the initial year of the forest areas, will decrease to 53.4% in 2034 and to 53% in 2050. Also, the rate of 2.1% in 1990, the initial year of the artificial surfaces, will increase to 4.5% in 2034 and to 5.0% in 2050. It is seen that more artificial surfaces will be needed in the Turkish coastal region due to the increasing population and number of tourists. It is important to evaluate and investigate the coastal areas where more artificial areas are expected to be needed within the scope of the coastal area management plans to be prepared at the national scale.

Interannual Variability of Stormy Day Over Turkey

The effects of climate variability are seen in many areas of the globe. In addition to the changes experienced in climates for many years, the variability in climate elements due to the effects of climate change in recent years is critical. In this study, spatial and temporal changes of the year to year experienced variability and trends in storm records in Turkey were examined. Also, atmospheric teleconnections that control storm frequency were examined within the scope of the study. According to the results of the study, significant reductions in recent years in the frequency of storm events are being experienced across Turkey. Stormy days show statistically significant upward trends in the interior and eastern half of Turkey. All coastal regions of Turkey, especially the western coasts and terrestrial areas in the eastern parts of the Mediterranean region experienced statistically significant downward trends. In Turkey, the NAO’s activity on the number of stormy days is quite evident in winter. NCP and frequency of storms is characterized by significant positive correlations in eastern Turkey. When evaluating the relationships between Turkey’s storm frequency and Atmospheric oscillations, one can say that NAO and AO are atmospheric oscillation indices that best explain storm frequency across the country.

Contribution of Passive Sampling Devices on the Determination of Hydrophobic Organic Contaminant Bioaccumulation in Marine Organisms

Hydrophobic Organic Contaminants (HOC) are a group of chemicals needed to determine the health of marine ecosystems, and passive sampling devices are promising tools that offer a convenient monitoring opportunity. Traditional biomonitoring studies involved different types of marine organisms, and it appeared that simultaneous deployment of passive samplers with biomonitoring organisms provided the necessary information for the calculation of the aquatic organisms’ bioaccumulation factors (BAF). There was not any other parameter than BAF, that could be used to determine the biomagnification and fate of contaminants in the upper trophic levels, which eventually affect all marine and terrestrial ecosystem health. In the light of the essence of BAF, this study applied a modified version of BAF estimation dependent on the contaminant concentrations both in the passive and active samplers. Thus, BAF parameters could be calculated properly without any need of a contaminant concentration in the surrounding water environment. For this purpose, the HOC concentration detected from the anthropogenic settlements in the coastal regions of Turkey were collocated, evaluated, and represented for different HOC groups. It was concluded that the present method is appropriate and applicable for BAF calculations of different groups of HOCs, where there are simultaneous deployments of both active and passive samplers in the process of biomonitoring studies.

Evaluation of MODIS C6 and C6.1 Dark Target AOD products over Turkey based on NDVI and aerosol type

This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of the MODIS C6 and C6.1 Aerosol Optical Depths (AOD) from Terra and Aqua satellites over the two sites located in the urban and coastal regions of Turkey. This is the first study in Turkey focusing on comparison of MODIS Dark Target (DT) C6 and C6.1 AOD against AERONET AOD to provide a better understanding of applicability and suitability of MODIS products under different surfaces and aerosol loadings. Analysis was performed with direct comparisons between MODIS DT AOD retrievals with 3 km and 10 km resolutions and Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) Version 3 Level 2 ground-based observations at site scale. Meanwhile, the spatial and temporal variations were also compared and discussed. Accuracy of the spatially and temporally collocated AOD retrievals was analyzed with the correlation coefficient (R), normalized mean bias (NMB), the root mean square error (RMSE), and the expected error (EE) (0.05% + 20%) and (0.05% + 15%) of the DT 3 km and 10 km algorithm over land, respectively. The C6.1 showed better accuracy than the C6 with the higher number of the retrievals falling within the expected error (EE). The C6.1 DT exhibited more significant improvements over the urban site than the coastal site, but both the DT 3 km and 10 km products did not show satisfactory performance with the lower percentages of the retrievals falling within EE (ranging from 36.7% to 50.6%), that was less than one standard deviation confidence interval over the urban site. Moreover, C6.1 DT had a little effect on improvements over the coastal site. Higher percentages of the retrievals falling within EE (ranging from 80.2% to 90.7%) were found at the coastal site. The effects of the surface reflectance based on NDVI and SSA parameter for understanding the aerosol type effect on aerosol retrievals were also discussed. Underestimation of the AOD over the coastal site indicated an inaccurate assumption in the aerosol model. Highly absorbing aerosols also caused overestimation over the urban site. This study suggests that further improvements are required to provide better estimates of satellite-based AOD over urban areas of Turkey.

The Effect of Mycorrhiza Inoculation and Phosphorus Application on Phosphorus Efficiency of Wheat Plants

ABSTRACTThe effect of indigenous soil and selected mycorrhizal inoculation and phosphorus (P) applications on wheat yield, root infection and nutrient uptake was monitored for two successive years under field conditions. In addition, phosphorus efficiency and inoculation effectiveness (IE) were determined. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants were used as host plants in a Menzilat soil series (Typic Xerofluvents) in the Mediterranean coastal region of Turkey. Three levels of phosphorus were applied with Glomus mosseae to wheat plants over two successive years. Mycorrhizal inoculation significantly increased root colonization. G. mosseae-inoculated plants in both years exhibited a two-fold higher root colonization than the indigenous mycorrhizal colonization. Compared with non-inoculated plants, mycorrhizal inoculation increased wheat yield for both years. In addition, increasing P fertilizer levels enhanced the wheat grain yield. In both years, the inoculum efficiency (IE) decreased with increasing P level addition. Phosphorus efficiency is higher under low P application than the higher P application. However, with mycorrhizal inoculation P efficiency is higher than the non-inoculated treatment.The effects of mycorrhizal inoculation on plant nutrient concentrations were determined: mycorrhiza-inoculated plants exhibited a higher zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) nutrients concentration than non-inoculated plants. After two years of field experiments, it is concluded that mycorrhizal inoculation can be used in large arable areas; however, it is also very important to manage the indigenous mycorrhiza of arable land.

Radiological maps in beach sands along some coastal regions of Turkey

In the present research, the gamma-emitting radionuclides in beach sands along the coastal regions of the Ordu, Giresun and Trabzon provinces, Turkey have been determined. The natural and anthropogenic radionuclide concentrations of the samples have been measured employing a germanium (HPGe) detector with high resolution and purity. The activity for 238U, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs of the samples were found to vary in the range from below detection limit (BDL) to 65Bq·kg−1, from BDL to 28Bq·kg−1, from 9 to 1936Bq·kg−1 and from BDL to 22Bq·kg−1, respectively. The activity concentrations were compared with those in the literature. The associated radiological hazard indices were estimated, and were compared to the internationally recommended values. The radiological map of beach sand in the surveyed area was imaged. The data presented in the study are crucial since they constitute a baseline for the radiological mapping of the region in the future.

Molecular identification and genetic structure of Aedes phoeniciae (Diptera: Culicidae) in Northern Cyprus and Turkey

Aedes mariae, Aedes phoeniciae and Aedes zammitii are three sibling species of the Mariae complex with a limited distribution. All these three species use semi-saline/saline rock pool habitats on the coastal areas of Mediterranean countries. The Eastern coast of the Mediterranean basin, including Turkey and Cyprus coasts, is a unique distribution area for Ae. phoeniciae. This study was designed to identify three sibling species of the Mariae complex based on molecular markers and also to determine the distribution pattern and genetic structure of the Ae. phoeniciae along the eastern Mediterranean basin. Larval and adult samples of Ae. zammitii and Ae. phoeniciae were collected from different rock pool habitats along the coastal regions of Turkey and Northern Cyprus. Species identifications were done primarily based on morphological identification key. Identifications were supported by using mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and nuclear DNA Internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequences. Population genetic analyses of Ae. phoeniciae were implemented based on NADH dehydrogenase 4 (ND4) sequence and 17 haplotypes were detected in the study area. Analyses of molecular variance (AMOVA) determined that the majority of the variation was within the populations (60.15 %) while variation between groups was 30.68 % and the variation within groups was 9.17 %, indicating low genetic structuring among groups.

Determination of domestic genotypes of Bombus terrestris L. in West Mediterranean and Aegean Coastal Region of Turkey and foreign genotype introduction by AFLP

Determination of domestic genotypes of Bombus terrestris L. in West Mediterranean and Aegean Coastal Region of Turkey and foreign genotype introduction by AFLP

First record of a melanistic golden jackal (Canis aureus, Canidae) from Turkey

AbstractThe golden jackal is a locally common mammal species widely distributed along the Black Sea and other coastal regions of Turkey. Between February 2009 and April 2010, we conducted a camera trap study in Artvin, northeastern Turkey that revealed the presence of ten medium or large mammal species. We report here the first ever photographic evidence of a melanistic golden jackal, along with its normal-colored probable mate. Dark fur color in wolves has been shown to be historically transferred from domestic dogs, and interbreeding among wolves, coyotes and dogs is well documented. However, we consider this an unlikely mechanism for the present observation, and instead suggest independent mutation as the source of this possibly adaptive trait.

Virulence of Puccinia triticina in Turkey and leaf rust resistance in Turkish wheat cultivars

Leaf rust caused by Puccinia triticina is a common disease on wheat in the coastal regions of Turkey. Collections of P. triticina from infected wheat leaves were obtained from the main wheat production zones of Turkey in 2009 and 2010. A total of 104 single uredinial isolates were tested for virulence on 20 lines of Thatcher wheat that differ for single leaf rust resistance genes. Forty-four different virulence phenotypes were identified over both years. Four phenotypes were found in both years. Phenotype FHPTQ found in 2009, with virulence to genes Lr2c, Lr3, Lr16, Lr26, Lr3ka, Lr17a, Lr30, LrB, Lr10, Lr14a, Lr18, Lr3bg, and Lr14b, was the most common phenotype at 15.4 % of the total isolates. Forty-three winter and spring wheat cultivars from Turkey were tested as seedlings with 13 different P. triticina virulence phenotypes from Canada, the US and Turkey. The infection types on the cultivars were compared with infection types on the Thatcher near isogenic lines to postulate the presence of seedling leaf rust resistance genes in the cultivars. Resistance genes Lr1, Lr3a, Lr10, Lr14a, Lr17a, Lr20, Lr23, and Lr26 were postulated to be present in the Turkish wheat cultivars. DNA of the wheat cultivars was tested with PCR markers to determine the presence of the adult plant resistance genes Lr34 and Lr37. Marker data indicated the presence of Lr34 in 20 cultivars and Lr37 in three cultivars. Field plot evaluations of the wheat cultivars indicated that no single Lr gene conditioned highly effective leaf rust resistance. Resistant cultivars varied for combinations of seedling and adult plant resistance genes.

Yield responses of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. Botrytis) to different water and nitrogen levels in a Mediterranean coastal area

Global warming along with the increasing population and fresh water shortages necessitates a specific fertilization programme under water-scarce conditions. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different irrigation and nitrogen levels on yield, growth components and water use characteristics of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. Botrytis cv. Tetris-F1) cultivated in a field for three consecutive years from 2005 to 2007 in the Eastern Mediterranean region of Turkey. Four irrigation (Kcp) levels with a drip irrigation system based on adjustment coefficients (0, 0.75, 1.0 and 1.25) of pan evaporation were used. Nitrogen (N) treatments were consisted of four different nitrogen rates (0, 75, 150 and 225 kg N ha–1). The following yield and quality parameters were determined: curd weight, curd diameters, number of leaves per crop, above ground biomass (AGB) and curd/AGB ratio. Fertilizer use efficiency (FUE) and leaf mineral contents were also determined to clarify the productivity of N treatments. According to the results; the amount of irrigation water and/or total received water affects the plant water consumption, consequently, crop yield in a field grown cauliflower. The highest yield was obtained in Kcp1.0 irrigation level which represents full irrigation treatment. The excess water applications had negative effect on yield and AGB of cauliflower. Highest yield was obtained at 225 kg N ha–1. The water use efficiency and irrigation water use efficiency values increased with decreasing irrigation rate. However, lower Kcp coefficients resulted in lower total yield. The FUE in irrigation treatments showed linear increases from non irrigation to full irrigation plots. However, excessive irrigation caused a decrease in FUE. It can be recommended that the Kcp1.0 crop-pan coefficient with 225 kg ha–1 nitrogen application can be used to achieve the highest yield for field grown cauliflower in the Eastern Mediterranean coastal region of Turkey.

Quality of Shallow Groundwater and Drainage Water in Irrigated Agricultural Lands in A Mediterranean Coastal Region of Turkey

Spatial and seasonal differences in water quality of drainage water and unconfined shallow groundwater were related to irrigation in Samandağ, a Mediterranean coastal region. Eighteen wells, seven drainage points and Orontes River were monitored bimonthly for one year for analyses of electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), cations (Na, K, Ca + Mg) and anions (CO(3), HCO(3), Cl and SO(4)). Agricultural irrigation using saline groundwater decreased water quality of Orontes River during the irrigation season (May to September) more than during the non-irrigation season (October to April). Seasonal fluctuations in water quality of shallow groundwater were greater during the irrigation season than the non-irrigation season in the study area. Excessive use of groundwater resulted in a decline in the water table levels in the irrigation season. Water table level rose up to the soil surface in areas where there was a lack of drainage or poor drainage, due to the impact of precipitation in the winter. SAR and pH values of drainage water increased in the irrigation season, while the other properties of drainage water decreased. Irrigation water quality of Orontes River was classified as C(3)S(1) in both seasons. Irrigation water quality of shallow groundwater and drainage water varied from C(2)S(1) to C(4)S(2) in one year. Drainage and well waters were found to be different on yearly basis in terms of Na, SAR (p<0.01) and Ca + Mg concentrations (p<0.001). Ca + Mg concentrations for both sources were different for all sampling dates (p<0.001).

Heritability of yield components in common vetch (Vicia sativa L.)

One of the most effective ways of crop improvement is by evaluating promising accessions in the target environments for yield and adaptation. In this study 150 accessions and two cultivars of common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) collected from different agro-ecological regions and countries were studied to evaluate heritability and correlations among 13 agro-morphological traits. Experiments were carried out in the Akdeniz University, Faculty of Agriculture experimental fields located at the Mediterranean coastal region of Turkey in 1997–2000. Seed yield strongly correlated with straw yield. A moderate positive correlation was observed between seed yield and number of seeds per plant, spring vigour, and number of pods per plant. Heritability for 1000-seed weight, number of podding nodes, harvest index and number of days to flowering were higher than other traits. Results in this study demonstrated that seed yield of common vetch could be improved by bulk selections based on number of days to flowering, harvest index, number of podding nodes and most importantly on 1000-seed weight traits by selecting the promising accessions.

TÜRKİYE’DE SINIRLI YAYILIŞA SAHİP BİR MEŞE TÜRÜ: QUERCUS ILEX (PIRNAL MEŞESİ)

Quercus ilex which is the natural evergreen oak species occurs in the very limited very areas in the coastal regions of Turkey. It grows within Pinus brutia forests and macciha formations in the humid habitats. This oak species begins at the sea level and rises up to 1100 m altitude in which Mediterranean climatic conditions prevail. In this area Qaercus ilex is mostly composed of macchia elements such as Arbutus andrachne, A. unedo, Phillyrea latifolia, Laurus nobilis, Styrax officinalis, Cercis siliquastrum, and Quercus coccifera. Palinological studies on Tertiary flora of Turkey have revealed that Quercus ilex had a wider dispersal area then, and it formed associations in some areas which today do not carry suitable ecological conditions for their growth.

The Mediterranean City: Arab and Western Encounters—Traditions and Futures

The Mediterranean city is a distinct urban type1. Whether located in Europe, in North Africa, or in the coastal regions of Turkey and the Levant, Mediterranean cities are unique and distinct in their histories, in their urban designs, in their architecture, and in their specific functions and hinterland relationships. Greek-Roman planning principles are still visible in many circum-Mediterranean cities, with Oriental or “Islamic” urban designs superimposed not only in Africa or Asia but also on the Iberian peninsula, in Southern Italy, and in significant areas of Greece and the Balkans. European influences are responsible for the most recent layers, creating a unique blend of old and new, of Eastern and Western urbanity. Historically, Mediterranean cities have always been trading hubs and/or residential centres for aristocrats, administrators, traders, and landlords. They still are today. Industrialization came late and remains focussed on a few locations. For the most part, city-hinterland relationships ...

Trends of Growing Degree-Days in Turkey

Variations in the surface air temperatures show an associationwith the atmospheric CO2 under the hypothesis that warmertemperatures promote increases in plant growth in mid-northernlatitudes. Historical daily temperature records at seventy-fourweather stations (around 60-yr) in Turkey are used in orderto investigate this hypothesis. Separate calculations and analyses are undertaken for monthly and seasonal growing degree-days (GDD). The sequential version of Mann-Kendall rankstatistic is applied to demonstrate existence of any possible non-linear trends in accumulated GDDs above 5 °C over the months and seasons. Spatially coherent and statisticallysignificant trends of GDD are shown in some parts of Turkey. The statistically significant trends are negative mostly in summer and autumn seasons over the coastal areas of Turkey.These results strongly agree with the previous studies where weak cooling trends are observed in maximum temperatures overTurkey. They suggest the significant decreases in GDD may lead to long-term decreases in vegetation growth mostly overthe coastal regions of Turkey.