East Mediterranean Region Of Turkey Research Articles

Enhancing Dairy Farm Welfare: A Holistic Examination of Technology Adoption and Economic Performance in Kahramanmaraş Province, Turkey

Technology and innovations have significant potential to enhance farm productivity, profitability, and economic sustainability. This study comprehensively investigates the relationship between technology adoption and economic performance within dairy farming. First, it seeks to clarify how socio-economic, information-seeking, behavioral factors and technical efficiency influence the level of technology adoption in dairy farms. It also compares the economic indicators of dairy farms depending on their technology adoption levels and evaluates whether technology adoption affects dairy farms’ technical, allocative, and economic efficiency. The data were collected from 188 dairy farmers in Kahramanmaraş Province in the East Mediterranean Region of Turkey in 2022. The results reveal that dairy farms’ technology adoption levels are influenced by income, household size, investment, ownership of cultured cattle breeds, Chamber of Agriculture membership, contact frequency with private veterinarians and other farmers, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and technical efficiency. Farms with high-level technology adoption demonstrate increased profitability and efficiency scores, highlighting the positive correlation between technology adoption and farm efficiency. Policymakers should focus on training and support programs for dairy farmers to optimize technology use and input management. They can also promote resource-efficient farming and provide financial incentives for sustainable practices and dairy technologies.

A Research on Quality Evaluation of Eight Wild Edible Macrofungi Collected from East Mediterranean Region of Turkey.

Eight edible macrofungal species (Suillus collinitus, Rhizopogon roseolus, Lactarius sanguifluus, Lycoperdon molle, Ganoderma adspersum, Pleurotus cornucopiae, Lycoperdon perlatum, Macrolepiota procera) grown in Osmaniye were studied. Besides the evaluation of fresh forms, the mushrooms were dried at 40 °C, and the color, texture, protein and mineral contents, and bioactivities (total phenolic content, (TPC) and antioxidant activities by DPPH, FRAP and ABTS techniques) were determined. The protein, macro and micro mineral contents of dried samples were in range of 11.31-55.31 %, 132.75-50844.80 and 0.30-812.05 mg/kg, respectively. TPC of fresh samples were 10227.13-42216.89 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/kg dry matter (DM) in methanolic solution, 3625.31-28809.99 mg GAE/kg DM in ethanolic solution, and decreased by drying process. ABTS method yielded higher results in fresh specimens, however, DPPH method in ethanol and FRAP method in methanol were the superior in dried forms.

Investigation of Chemical Composition and Phytotoxic Effects of Essential Oils Obtained from Schinus Molle Leaves and Resins


 
 
 Chemical composition of the essential oils of Schinus molle leaves and resins, collected from East Mediterranean region of Turkey were identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and phytotoxic effects of the oils at different concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 8.0 μl/ml) were investi- gated on Portulaca oleracea L. and Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. sativus (L.) Domin. At the highest concentration, it was found that the essential oil of S. molle leaves and resins inhibited at rates of 57%, 67% and 70%, 80% the seed germination of purslane and radish, respectively, when compared to the control. Also, S. molle leaves essential oil at the same concentration decreased Radicle length (RL) and Plumule lengths (PL) of purslane and radish in the rates of 82.94, 78.09% and 94.36, 81.30%, while RL and PL of both plants tested were inhibited in the rates of 78.03, 68.99% and 88.91, 76.95% by S. molle resins essential oil. This study is the first report on P. oleracea L. and R. raphanistrum subsp. sativus (L.) Domin about phytotoxic effects of the essential oils of Schinus molle leaves and resins
 
 

Potential Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Vectors of Plum-pox Virus (Virus:Potyviridae) and Status of Sharka Disease in Stone Fruit Orchards in the East Mediterranean Region of Turkey

This study was conducted in stone fruit orchards in five provinces of the East Mediterranean Region of Turkey between the years of 2009-2011. The aim of the study was to determine the potential aphid vectors of the quarantine pathogen PPV (plum pox virus, family Potyviridae) that causes serious yield losses. During the surveys, 542 orchard/nurseries were sampled and 6 aphid species (Hemiptera: Aphididae) [Brachycaudus persicae (Passerini,1860), B. helichrysi (Kaltenbach, 1843), B. cardui (Linnaeus, 1758), Hyalopterus pruni (Geoffroy, 1762), Myzus persicae (Sulzer, 1776) and M.cerasi (Fabricius, 1775)] from stone fruit trees and 4 aphid species [Aphis craccivora (Koch, 1854), A. fabae Scopoli 1763, A. gossypii Glover 1877, A. nasturtii Kaltenbach 1843)] from weeds that were known as the efficient vectors of PPV were detected in the stone fruit orchards. Stone fruit samples (flower, leaf, fruit), weed samples and aphid samples were tested by DAS-ELISA to determine the presence of PPV. PPV infected samples that resulted uncertain from DAS-ELISA were processed to conventional RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) to finalize the decision of PPV presence. A total of 8 orchards were resulted as PPV-infected with both analyzing methods in the region. Three of these orchards were infected with aphids as well. B.cardui collected from the PPV-infected orchard in Hatay-Samandağ were also run to analyse for the presence of PPV and resulted virus positive.

Notes on the Distribution of the Genus Oreochromis in the East Mediterranean Region of Turkey

Tilapias are freshwater species which are the common name of three genera of cichlids, Oreochromis, Sarotherodon, and Coptodon . Many of the species belonged to these genera have been used for aquaculture products. Although their main native distribution areas are tropical and subtropical regions, they have spread to other areas due to their high invasive characteristics. This study was aimed to investigate the distribution of genus Oreochromis in the East Mediterranean Region of Turkey. The study was conducted at 18 stations located in Adana and Mersin from 2014 to 2017. The introduction of the species in these systems was mainly recorded weed control, transfers of fisherman, and escape from aquaculture facilities. However, the distribution of genus Oreochromis in Turkey and their effects on the aquatic ecosystems are unknown. The results showed that the species of genus Oreochromis were easily adapted the different conditions such as various flow rates, salinity, and temperature.

Ichneumonidae (Hymenoptera) Fauna of Natural Protection Areas in the Eastern Mediterranean Region of Turkey, Part II

In order to study fauna of Cryptinae, Pimplinae and Tryphoninae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), three Natural Protection Areas (Halep Camligi, Kengerliduz, and Habib-i Neccar) were chosen sampled by various techniques from East Mediterranean Region of Turkey between 2007-2008. The same localities were again sampled between 2014-2015 and added. A total of 112 samples were collected and 38 species determined. Eleven species are new records for Turkey. Centers of diversity are given for each species.

Bacterial and yeast microbial diversity of the ripened traditional middle east surk cheese

Surk is a cheese produced by the addition of certain spices to the skim-milk cheese and it is known especially in the East Mediterranean region of Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, and the Middle East. Surk is also named as shanklish, shinklish, shankleesh, sorke, or sürke. In this study, the bacteria, and the yeasts in ripened surk cheeses obtained from the market were identified. 103 bacterial isolates and 40 yeast isolates were obtained from 27 surk samples. The LAB isolated from ripened surk cheese were Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Companilactobacillus alimentarius, Ligilactobacillus acidipiscis. The non-LAB isolated from samples were Staphylococcus sciuri, Bacillus sp., Staphylococcus lentus, Bacillus pumilus, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. The yeasts identified were Debaryomyces hansenii, Candida zeylanoides, Yarrowia lipolytica, and Kluyveromyces lactis. The microbial diversity of surk shows that it may be a natural functional food. This is the first identification study about the bacterial and yeast diversity in ripened surk.

Entomological Survey for the Detection of Sand Fly Fauna and Vector Species in the Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Endemic Area in East Mediterranean Region of Turkey, Mersin Province.

Cutaneous (CL) and visceral (VL) forms of leishmaniasis, transmitted by sand flies, are seen in all countries located in Mediterranean Basin including Turkey. In this study, we aimed to conduct an entomological survey for the detection of sand fly fauna and vector species in Mersin province, one of the important endemic areas for CL in Turkey. In total, 912 sand fly specimens were collected in 2010 and 2011 using CDC light traps. Nine Phlebotomus (Diptera: Psychodidae) and three Sergentomyia (Diptera: Psychodidae) species were detected. Of the collected Phlebotomus sand flies, P. sergenti Parrot, 1917 (30.1%) was the most dominant followed by P. alexandri Sinton, 1928 (18.2%), P. neglectus/syriacus Tonnoir Adler (12.0%), P. tobbi Adler & Theodor, 1930 (11.7%), and P. papatasi Scopoli, 1786 (10.2%), while S. minuta Rondani, 1843 (11.3%) was the dominant species among Sergentomyia. During the field work in 2011, female specimens (n = 81) were screened for the presence of Leishmania promastigotes by midgut dissection, and all were found negative. The rest of the collected female specimens (n = 334) were pooled according to species (P. alexandri, P. neglectus/syriacus, P. papatasi, P. sergenti, P. simici, and P. tobbi) and location (Mut, Silifke, and Anamur). In total, 29 pools were generated and real-time ITS1 PCR assay was performed to detect and identify natural Leishmania Ross, 1903 (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatida) infection. Two pools, both from Mut town, containing P. sergenti specimens were found positive and Leishmania tropica Ross, 1903 was identified as an infectious agent for both pools. In conclusion, the sand fly fauna was determined in an endemic area for CL. The detection of L. tropica DNA in P. sergenti specimens showed the possible vectorial role of this species in Mersin province.

The mosses analysis along Kahramanmaraş-Adana Highway in East Mediterranean region of Turkey

Bu araştırmada; Kahramanmaraş-Adana otoyolu çevresindeki karayosunları analiz edilmiş ve bölgenin ağır metal kirliliği hakkında bilgi edinilmiştir. Bu çalışma da araziden toplanan karayosunları laboratuarda makroskobik ve mikroskobik incelenmeleri neticesinde tür teşhisleri gerçekleştirilmiştir. Ağır metal analizleri, Enerji ayırımlı X-Işını floresans spektrometresi (EDXRF) ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Analizler neticesinde karayosunlarında, Al, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn ve Pb olduğu belirlenmiştir. Mevcut çalışma ile; Doğu Akdeniz bölgesinde bulunan Otoyol boyunca ağır metal kirliliği hakkında bilgi edinilmesi amaçlanmaktadır. Bu çalışma, bölgedeki trafik yoğunluğu ile ilişkili karayosunlarının analiz edilerek ağır metal kirliliğinin belirlenmesinde ki ilk çalışmadır. Bundan dolayı bu çalışmada; otoyol boyunca toplanan karayosunlarında ağır metal analizleri gerçekleştirilmiştir. Bulunan sonuçların, İnsan ve çevre sağlığı üzerine muhtemel etkileri tartışılmıştır. Elde edilen sonuçlardan bir diğeri ise bu tür çalışmalarda kullanılan karayosunlarının iyi bir indikatör bitki grubu oldukları sonucu tekrar belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca ağır metallerin yoğunluklarının çevre ve insan sağlığı açısından önemli olduğu da gösterilmiştir.

Economic analysis of dairy cattle farms in east Mediterranean region of Turkey

The purpose of this study was to calculate costs of milk production, gross production value, gross margin, absolute profit, and relative profit of dairy cattle farms located in the provinces of east Mediterranean region of Turkey. Primary data were collected from 148 dairy cattle farms designated using the Neyman Stratified Sampling method through surveys. Dairy farms were classified into four groups according to the number of cows. The data belong to the 2012 production season. A single product budget analysis method was used for calculating production costs. According to the results, variable costs amounted to 65.91% of total production costs. Feed cost (86.52%) was the main component of variable costs. The cost of 1 kg of milk, on average, was calculated as USD 0.261. The cost of milk was USD 0.499 on group 1 farms, USD 0.399 on group 2 farms, USD 0.272 on group 3 farms, and USD 0.233 on group 4 farms. Among the farms under study, average gross margin value was negative only on group 1 farm, and positive in all other groups. Absolute profit value was positive only on group 4 farm, and negative in all other groups. The average relative profit of the farms was 0.9067. The expansion of dairy farms could be reached by reducing the feed cost as well as increasing the scale of farms.

First record of the egg parasitoids of Chilo partellus (Swinhoe, 1885) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in Turkey unveiled by DNA Barcoding

Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is an invasive insect species attacking maize ( Zea mays L.) and other cereal crops causing important yield losses. The occurrence of this insect in Turkey was first reported in maize growing areas of some provinces in the East Mediterranean region of Turkey in 2014. Chemical or other pest control methods do not always provide acceptable control of this pest, so biological control is considered an important alternative. However, for a successful biological control, the first step is to reliably identify the natural enemies of a target pest, which is difficult to achieve using methods based on morphology. Recent developments in molecular techniques allow more reliable identification of insect species and their parasitoids. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the egg parasitoids of C. partellus by molecular methods. Parasitized eggs were collected from maize fields in Hatay province, Turkey, from September to October 2014 and in September 2015. Eggs were maintained in the laboratory and emerging adult parasitoids were subjected to molecular analysis. Using DNA barcoding, two native natural enemies, Trichogramma brassicae Bezdenko (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) and Telenomus busseolae (Gahan) (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) were identified as egg parasitoids of C. partellus for the first time in Turkey.

First report of Chilo partellus in Turkey, a new invasive maize pest for Europe

AbstractThe spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe, 1885) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), an invasive pest of wild and cultivated grasses in Asia and Africa, was found for the first time during periodic surveys of maize fields in the East Mediterranean region of Turkey in September and October 2014. The pest was recorded in maize fields of three of four provinces surveyed (Adana, Hatay and Osmaniye; it was not detected in Icel province). The Mediterranean corn stalk borer, Sesamia nonagrioides Lefebvre (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is the dominant maize pest in the East Mediterranean region of Turkey, followed by the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). The new invasive species comprised 4.9% of the total number of collected lepidopteran pests collected from maize stems and cobs in locations infested by C. partellus. No natural enemies of the new pest were recorded during our surveys. We discuss possible interactions among these three lepidopteran pests sharing the same habitat, prospects for control of C. partellus by the control methods currently used against S. nonagrioides and O. nubilalis, and also speculate on the path of invasion taken by C. partellus into Turkey.

Determination of self-(in)compatibility in some Turkish cultivated and wild apricots

In this study, self-(in) compatibility of 34 wild apricot genotypes, called as Sakit apricots, sampled from Sakit valley located in east Mediterranean region of Turkey and 9 well known Turkish apricot cultivars were determined by using molecular methods. Genomic PCR with S-RNase and SFB-specific primers was conducted using the degenerate primers EM-PC2consFD and EM-PC3consRD for the amplification of the second intron region of the S-RNase gene. To amplify the first intron, the fluorescently labelled (JOE) forward primer SRc-F was used in combination with the reverse primer SRc-R. According to the results, Sc (self-compatible) allele is not present in all wild and cultivated materials. All wild genotypes had same S allele (S6S19) composition indicating they do not carry the SC-haplotype. These wild materials previously reported self-compatible by fruit set studies on field. Mutations rendering the S-locus non-functional in these genotypes can be supposed and checked in the future. The most important dried apricot cultivars of Turkey such as Hacihaliloglu, Kabaasi, and Cataloglu were observed to be self-incompatible cultivars.

<p><strong>NEW PSEUDAMNICOLA SPECIES OF TURKEY (MOLLUSCA: GASTROPODA: HYDROBIIDAE)</strong><strong></strong></p>

New samples of freshwater molluscs collected by the second author in the East Mediterranean region of Turkey revealed three new species of the genus Pseudamnicola Paulucci, 1878, i.e., P. goksunensis n. sp., P. merali n. sp., and P. marashi n. sp. Descriptions and photos of the species as well as the type localities are presented.

M694V and E148Q Mutations as Potential Molecular Markers for the Diagnosis of Familial Mediterranean Fever among Patients in the East Mediterranean Region of Turkey

The purpose of the present study was to estimate frequency of M694V and E148Q mutations in the Mediterranean Fever (MEFV) gene among different families living in the East Mediterranean region of Turkey. A total of 78 members from 19 families, who had the Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) disease as diagnosed in clinics, and a control group consisting of 100 members were examined in this work. The member who was clinically diagnosed with FMF gene had attracted the researchers' focus to take blood examples from the entire family members. The M694V and E148Q are point mutations located in different exons of the affected gene. It is employed PCR method with specific oligonucleotides primers pair to detect mutations in the populations. The gel electrophoresis procedure was used to visualize the presence of point mutations in FMF and control group. The M694V mutation turned to be present in 75 out of 78 members (96%) of 19 FMF-diagnosed families. Among 100 members of the control group, in 26 members 26% carried the M694V. The E148Q mutation was observed in 28 members (35.89%) of the FMF group and 8 members (8%) of the control group. To the extent of the researchers' knowledge, this is to study target E148Q mutation for FMF gene in Turkey, so this research assumed to have crucial importance in clinics to diagnose FMF gene.

M694V and E148Q Mutations as Potential Molecular Markers for the Diagnosis of Familial Mediterranean Fever among Patients in the East Mediterranean Region of Turkey

The purpose of the present study was to estimate frequency of M694V and E148Q mutations in the Mediterranean Fever (MEFV) gene among different families living in the East Mediterranean region of Tu...

Communication for Development as a Strategy to Enhance Agricultural Extension Performance In Turkey

Turkey dating back to the 1930s, has experimented with varying agricultural extension models combined with huge financial investments, to transform her nearly four million smallholder farmers but with limited results. This study of 98 extension professionals in the East Mediterranean Region of Turkey found that many extension workers are primarily trained in the agricultural sciences. Their roles as facilitators of integrated rural development also require training in development and communication, otherwise known as “Communication for Development” (C4D) as it would strengthen their performance. The World Bank, in its 2007 report, World Congress on Communication for Development: Lessons, Challenges, and the Way Forward, strongly recommends C4D as a strategy for addressing human dimension concerns, such as local participation, interagency collaboration and capacity building, which are the main issues facing extension in this newly industrializing nation. Therefore, communication for development (C4D) is recommended as a strategy for improving extension performance in Turkey and offers a model for mainstreaming it in extension programming.Keywords: Agricultural extension in Turkey, Communication for extension Development.

Parasitoids and hyperparasitoids (Hymenoptera) on aphids (Hemiptera) infesting citrus in east Mediterranean region of Turkey.

The aphids, aphid parasitoids, and hyperparasitoids found in citrus orchards, the parasitoids’ and hyperparasitoids’ seasonal abundance, and the plant–aphid–parasitoid relationships in Hatay, Osmaniye, Adana, and Mersin provinces of the east Mediterranean region of Turkey are presented in the present 2-yr study. Aphidius colemani Viereck, Binodoxys angelicae (Haliday), and Lysiphlebus confusus Tremblay and Eady (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) were encountered as the most common parasitoids among 10 identified aphidiine and aphelinid taxa on different citrus species. Hyperparasitoids belonging to the genera Alloxysta , Phaenoglyphis , Asaphes , Pachyneuron , Syrphophagus , and Dendrocerus are reported for the first time emerging from aphids feeding on citrus in Turkey. Among them, Asaphes spp., Pachyneuron spp., and Syrphophagus spp. were recorded as the most common ones. Citrus reticulata Blanco and Citrus limon (L.) Burm. fil. were recorded as main hosts for the aphid parasitoids and their hyperparasitoids.

Factors Influencing the Adoption of Selected Innovations by Sheep Farmers in the East Mediterranean Region of Turkey

Factors Influencing the Adoption of Selected Innovations by Sheep Farmers in the East Mediterranean Region of Turkey

A sandfly fever virus outbreak in the East Mediterranean region of Turkey

To report a sandfly fever virus (SFV) outbreak that occurred in Kahramanmaras Province, Turkey. We investigated the cases of 40 patients with a history of sandfly bites and with clinical findings, who were referred to our emergency service between July and August 2010. Serum samples of 19 patients were selected and analyzed using a commercial mosaic immunofluorescence test (IFT) to detect IgM and IgG antibodies against SFV. Sandfly fever was diagnosed in nine patients. All cases had a history of fly bite, and the clinical findings included fever, headache, myalgia, conjunctival hyperemia, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. In two patients, the diagnosis was confirmed by real-time PCR as sandfly Sicilian virus (SFSV). Laboratory findings in the patients included leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatine kinase, and C-reactive protein. All patients made a complete recovery with symptomatic treatment. SFV is endemic in the Mediterranean Basin and data regarding SFV activity in Turkey are limited. This is the first report of an SFV outbreak from Kahramanmaras Province, Turkey, and provides information on epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory aspects of SFV infections.