Western Mediterranean Region Of Turkey Research Articles

Survey of the Ficus Whitefly, Singhiella simplex (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), and Its Natural Enemies in the Western Mediterranean Region of Turkey

En este estudio, se investigó la distribución de la mosca blanca del ficus, Singhiella simplex (Singh) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), y sus enemigos naturales en la región mediterránea occidental de Turquía. Para tal efecto, el muestreo se realizó a partir de árboles de Ficus spp. durante agosto, septiembre y octubre, cuando la población de plagas alcanzó su punto máximo en los diversos distritos de la provincia de Antalya en el 2018 y 2019. Además, también se determinó la tasa de parasitismo natural en los períodos de muestreo. Para determinar la dispersión y parasitoides de S. simplex se recolectaron al menos 100 ramas de árboles de Ficus en cada distrito, los árboles de Ficus fueron revisados visualmente para la determinación de los depredadores. Los resultados mostraron que la mosca blanca del ficus está dispersa en todos los distritos dentro de la provincia de Antalya. Encarsia protransvena Viggiani (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) ha sido identificada como el parasitoide de la mosca blanca del ficus en Antalya y sus distritos, donde se encontró que la tasa de parasitismo natural más alta del 32,88% y el 21,66% en octubre de 2018 y 2019, respectivamente. Se determinó Chrysoperla mutata (McLachlan) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), Semidalis aleyrodiformis (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Coniopterygidae), Conwentzia psociformis (Curtis) (Neuroptera: Coniopterygidae), Conwentzia sp., Oenopia conglobata (L.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), y Serangium parcesetosum Sicard (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) como depredadores. Los resultados obtenidos en el estudio pueden contribuir al control de S. simplex mediante el uso de sus enemigos naturales.

Batı Akdeniz Bölgesi’nde Doğal Olarak Yetişen İğde (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.) Çeşitlerinin Antioksidan Aktivitesi, Fiziko-Kimyasal Özellikleri ve Yağ Asidi Kompozisyonu

Elaeagnus angustifolia L. belongs to the family of Elaeagnaceae, and its fruits are consumed as an appetizer. Mesocarp tissue of Elaeagnus fruits contains mainly carbohydrates while endocarp part (kernel) is rich in lipids. In this study, fatty acid profiles and nitrogen contents of the endocarp tissues of four different Elaeagnus angustifolia varieties naturally grown in the Western Mediterranean Region of Turkey were determined as well as the total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity of their mesocarp and exocarp tissues. The crude fat content of endocarp tissues of Elaeagnus fruits ranged from 24.45 to 30.13%, and the highest nitrogen content (0.205%) was in the Native variety. The dominant fatty acid in endocarp tissue lipids was linoleic acid (ca. 48%), and the content of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids in this tissue was about 90%. Varietal differences were found in the total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activities of mesocarp and exocarp tissues. The mesocarp tissues of Sugar variety had the highest total phenolic content (161.9 mg GAE 100/g dry matter (dm)) and antioxidant activity (118.3 µmol Trolox® equivalent (TE) g dm) while the highest total flavonoid content (216.5 mg catechin equivalent (CE) 100 g dm) was in the exocarp tissue of Native variety. Results indicated that endocarp tissue lipids can be a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids for human consumption in food, feed and cosmetics industries.

Modeling of energy and emissions from animal manure using machine learning methods: the case of the Western Mediterranean Region, Turkey.

In Turkey, facilities for the use of biomass resources in energy production are increasing, and new conversion facilities are commissioned every year to provide environmentally friendly energy production. Therefore, reliable energy potential estimates are needed. In this study, the animal manure-based-biogas potentials of Antalya, Isparta, and Burdur provinces in the Western Mediterranean Region of Turkey were calculated. Here, special information on cattle, small ruminants, and poultry, and animal age, number, and manure amount information were used in detail. In addition, carbon dioxide emissions, coal, electricity, and thermal energy, methane emission values with the Tier 1 and Tier 2 approaches were calculated and predicted by machine learning algorithms. To determine the model with the best results, machine learning algorithms support vector machine (SVM), multi-layer perceptron (MLP), and linear regression (LR) were used, and hyper-parameter optimization was performed. According to the results of biogas potential, CO2 emission, electricity production, and thermal energy estimations SVM models are seen as the best models with R2 = 0.999. When the coal amount estimation is examined, the LR models produce better results than SVM and MLP with R2 = 0.997. In the estimation of CH4 using the Tier 1 approach, the MLP model can perform the best estimation with R2 = 0.977. In the CH4 modeling obtained using the Tier 2 approach, the LR models were superior to the other models with the performance value of R2 = 0.962.

Comparing The Reference Strains and Turkey Isolates of Bovine Parainfluenza Virus 3 (BPIV3) Detected Around Western Mediterranean Region with Its Amino Acid and Nucleotide Positions

One of the major viral pathogens of respiratory system disease complex in cattle, BPIV 3 is a viral agent generally appearing during autumn and winter months in Northern Hemisphere and causing upper respiratory tract infections. Even though the isolates of this virus are in close antigenic relations, it is classified within three different genotypes as BPIV3 Genotype A, BPIV3 Genotype B and BPIV3 Genotype C. In this research, we aimed to compare the strains of BPIV 3 strain circulating around Western Mediterranean region of Turkey and isolated from different regions of this country and the reference strain of BPIV 3, Shipping Fever (SF-4) with amino acid and nucleotide positions. In the study, previously detected BUR/BPIV 3 isolate with M gene region partially analyzed was used. Phylogenetic researches carried out partially on M gene region in Turkey, different BPIV 3 isolates recorded in gene bank and amino acid and nucleotide positions of BPIV 3 strain detected by ourselves were compared. The changes in Turkey strains of BPIV 3 and nucleotide and amino acid positions of the reference strain were revealed. As a result, detecting base and codon differentiations caused by point mutations among BPIV 3 isolates and correspondingly the appearing amino acid changes was considered crucial in terms of revealing the immunization power of the strain to be used in vaccine production and providing the standardization of BPIV 3 molecular detection.

The Frequency of Fabry Disease in Hemodialysis Patients in The Western Mediterranean Region of Turkey

Aims: The aim of the present study was to identify patients with chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology or of other detected etiology among those who were undergoing hemodialysis in the Western Mediterranean region and to detect the prevalence of Fabry mutation in these patients. In addition, we aimed to screen the family members of the cases with mutations in our study.
 Methods: A total of 664 patients over the age of 18 who received hemodialysis treatment in 11 different hemodialysis centers in the Western Mediterranean region of Turkey were screened. Alpha-galactosidase A enzyme levels were first tested in male patients, and for patients with alpha-galactosidase A levels < 3.3 nmol/mL/h, GLA gene sequence analysis was performed. GLA gene sequence analysis was performed directly in female patients. 
 Results: In total 664 patients [313 (47.1%) male and 351 (52.9%) female] have been scanned. Fabry mutation was positive in eight female patients and one male patient. 
 Conclusion: According to the output of the research, the prevalence of Fabry disease among the patients who receive hemodialysis treatment determined 1.35%. In order to eliminate the conflicts upon whether the mutations which is effective on the etiology of Fabry disease are pseudo alleles it is required that new researches should be done, prospective scanning programs in a wider patient population and genetic consultancy and preventive medicine services should become more prevalent.

Total tree height predictions via parametric and artificial neural network modeling approaches

Height-diameter relationships are of critical importance in tree and stand volume estimation. Stand description, site quality determination and appropriate forest management decisions originate from reliable stem height predictions. In this work, the predictive performances of height-diameter models developed for Taurus cedar (Cedrus libani A. Rich.) plantations in the Western Mediterranean Region of Turkey were investigated. Parametric modeling methods such as fixed-effects, calibrated fixed-effects, and calibrated mixed-effects were evaluated. Furthermore, in an effort to come up with more reliable stem-height prediction models, artificial neural networks were employed using two different modeling algorithms: the Levenberg-Marquardt and the resilient back-propagation. Considering the prediction behavior of each respective modeling strategy, while using a new validation data set, the mixed-effects model with calibration using 3 trees for each plot appeared to be a reliable alternative to other standard modeling approaches based on evaluation statistics regarding the predictions of tree heights. Regarding the results for the remaining models, the resilient propagation algorithm provided more accurate predictions of tree stem height and thus it is proposed as a reliable alternative to pre-existing modeling methodologies.

Some Fertility Traits of Holstein Friesian Cattle Raised at Various Production Scales in the Western Mediterranean Region of Turkey

Bu çalışmanın amacı, Türkiye'nin Batı Akdeniz Bölgesi'ndeki süt sığırcılığı işletmelerinin fertilite özelliklerini araştırmak ve üretim ölçekleri ile diğer çevresel faktörlerin fertilite özelliklerine etkisini belirlemektir. Çalışmada süt sığırcılığı işletmeleri hayvan sayısına göre Grup I (1-10 baş), Grup II (11-50 baş), Grup III (51-100 baş) ve Grup IV (≥101 baş) olmak üzere 4 gruba ayrılmıştır. Sonuçlar, işletmelerin üretim ölçekleri ile buzağılama aralıkları ve servis periyodları arasındaki ilişkinin oldukça anlamlı olduğunu göstermiştir (P<0,001). Grup I en yüksek buzağılama aralığına (468,95 ± 7,93 gün) ve en yüksek servis periyoduna (185,95 ± 7,93 gün) sahipken Grup II’nin en düşük buzağılama aralığı (414,06 ± 5,71 gün) ve servis periyodu (131.06 ± 5.71 gün) değerlerini taşıdığı saptanmıştır. Bu çalışma, işletmelerin üretim ölçeğinin fertilite özelliklerini etkileyen ana çevresel faktörlerden biri olduğunu göstermiştir. Bu nedenle, bölgede süt verimini artırmaya yönelik ıslah yerine, ekonomik verime odaklı süt ve döl verimini içine alan kapsamlı bir ıslah faaliyetinin daha doğru olacağına inanılmaktadır.

Examining the financial relationships between producers and commission agents in the greenhouse vegetable farming industry in Turkey

PurposeThis paper is intended to investigate the economic, organizational and social factors affecting the receipt of advance payment by greenhouse vegetable producers from commission agents operating in the wholesale market.Design/methodology/approachThe data were gathered through questionnaire forms developed for this specific purpose through face-to-face interviews with 180 producers growing greenhouse vegetables in the central district and Serik, Antalya in the Western Mediterranean Region of Turkey. A logistic regression model was employed to analyse the factors affecting the likelihood of greenhouse vegetable growers getting advance from commission agents.FindingsA good financial status of enterprises producing greenhouse vegetables and the fact that their production input needs are met by cooperatives reduce their dependence on commission agents, thereby increasing their bargaining power when selling their products. Since producers can readily meet their need for the capital required for the vegetable production process from commission agents, they do not prefer to borrow from lending institutions making agricultural loans with requirements such as collateral. The fact that greenhouse vegetable farmers receive technical and market information and advice from commission agents strengthens their relationship with them.Originality/valueIt is the first study that evaluates in detail the financial aspect of the relationships between producers and commission agents in the greenhouse vegetables wholesale market. It contributes significantly to agricultural policymakers regarding the functioning of the greenhouse vegetable market, and in particular, the regulations on agricultural loans for production processes.

Characterization of powdery mildew (Leveillula taurica) in globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus)

Globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) is an economically important plant that is mostly grown in Mediterranean Basin in the world. In 2016 and 2017, chlorotic spots on adaxial surface but white fungal patches abaxial surface of leaves of globe artichoke were observed in the Western Mediterranean Region of Turkey. To determine causal agent of these symptoms, leaf samples were taken sporadically in 2016, 2017 and 2020. Based on morphological and ITS sequence data, the causal agent was determined to be powdery mildew fungus Leveillula taurica (Lév.) G. Arnaud. Pathogenicity test was conducted using seedlings of globe artichoke in a greenhouse. Additionally, infections caused by the fungus were examined in a two-year field study. Several surveys were carried out according to simple random sampling method and a total of 79 farmer fields (570 da) were screened in the region. Disease incidence and prevalence of the powdery mildew in 2016 were 14.2 and 36.1%, while they were 30.1 and 53.4% in 2017, respectively. Mean disease incidence and prevalence in the both years were 22.1 and 45.5%, respectively. The disease was previously reported on globe artichoke in Italy, U.S.A., Spain and Egypt. To our knowledge, this is the first record of L. taurica causing powdery mildew on globe artichoke in Turkey and globe artichoke is a new host for L. taurica in Turkey.

Batı Akdeniz Bölgesi’nde Enginar baş çürüklüğü (Botrytis cinerea Pers.) hastalığının yaygınlığı ve üretime etkisinin belirlenmesi

Globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) is an herbaceous, edible plant and is cultivated for its immature head (bud) part. In 2016 and 2017, significant damages due to rots on the heads of globe artichoke plants were observed in the farmer fields in the Western Mediterranean Region of Turkey. To determine the cause of the rots, samples were taken from necrotic tissues. Fungal isolates were obtained by the agar-plate method and examined in detail. Based on the morphological and ITS region of the rDNA of the isolates, the causal agent of the disease was determined as Botrytis cinerea Pers. that was previously reported in the USA and Argentina. To our knowledge, this is the first publication that reports the occurrence and prevalence of B. cinerea that causes head rots and economic losses in globe artichoke production in the Western Mediterranean region of Turkey. Although B. cinerea is a common plant pathogenic fungus with a wide range of hosts and little is known Botrytis rot of globe artichoke in Turkey. With this study, the causal agent of the disease was identified, and the status of the disease in globe artichoke growing areas and the influence of the disease on the production were investigated. Surveys were conducted in seven locations (Muratpasa, Kepez, Aksu, Serik, Manavgat, Gazipasa, and Kumluca) in the Western Mediterranean Region in 2016 and 2017. A simple random sampling method was used in the surveys and a total of 95 samples were selected from 79 fields in both years. Mean disease incidence and prevalence were 14.7 and 37.0% in 2016, and while they were 17.5 and 51.1% in 2017, respectively. This study revealed that B. cinerea has a significant impact on globe artichoke production by inducing head rots and accordingly 16.1% annual yield loss in pre-harvest period.

Identification and Characterization of White Mold Disease (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) in Globe Artichoke

Globe artichoke ( Cynara scolymus L.) is an economically important plant that is cultivated over 30 countries in the world. In 2017, wilting and lodging symptoms were observed on globe artichoke plants in three locations (Serik-Gebiz, Serik-Karadayi and Gazipasa-Bakilar) in the Western Mediterranean Region of Turkey. To determine the cause of the symptoms, samples from necrotic tissues were cultured in vitro. Based on the morphological and ITS sequences, the causal agent was identified as Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary. Pathogenicity test was conducted using cv. Bayrampasa in the greenhouse. Three isolates (Ser3, Ser4 and Gzp3) of S . sclerotiorum were characterized on the basis of mycelial compatibility, colony radial growth, sclerotia formation, sclerotia size, sclerotia weight and sclerotia number. Virulence of the isolates was also determined using detached leaf technique. No mycelial compatibility was detected among the isolates. Significant (P<0.01) differences were found in the examined morphological features and virulence of the isolates. Gzp3 was the most virulent isolate forming average 8.60 cm lesion length. However, lesion lengths formed by the other isolates, Ser3 and Ser4, were average 4.16 and 1.93 cm, respectively. This is the first detailed characterization of S . sclerotiorum causing crown and stalk rot in globe artichoke.

Certification decision of forest products industry in the Western Mediterranean Region of Turkey and the effects of this decision

Bu çalışmanın amacı; Batı Akdeniz Bölgesindeki orman ürünleri sanayinin sertifikasyona yönelik kararı ve bu kararın etkilerini incelemektir. Araştırmada imalatçıların sertifikalı olup olmama kararı vereceklerinde kullanabilecekleri karar sürecini modellemek için “Analitik Hiyerarşi Süreci (AHS)” tekniği kullanılmıştır. Araştırmada iki hedef kitle bulunmaktadır. Bunlar; Batı Akdeniz Bölgesindeki odun esaslı sertifikalı olmayan orman ürünleri imalatçıları ve sertifikalı orman ürünleri imalatçılarıdır. Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu (SGK) kayıtlarına göre çalışan sayısı 30 kişiden fazla, orta ve büyük ölçekli olan 10 sertifikalı olmayan orman ürünleri imalatçıları çalışmaya dâhil edilmiştir. Sertifikalı orman ürünleri imalatçıları olarak ise araştırmanın yürütüleceği zamanda bağımsız bir üçüncü taraf sertifikasyon kuruluşu olan FSC (Orman Yönetim Konseyi) tarafından sertifikasyona tabi tutulmuş orman ürünleri üreten 4 imalatçı alınmıştır. Sertifikalı olmayan imalatçılar için hesaplanan AHS tekniği çıktısı, hem sertifikalı hem sertifikalı olmayan orman ürünü üretmedir. Bununla birlikte AHS tekniği, sertifikalı imalatçıların sadece sertifikalı orman ürünü üretmesi gerektiğini ortaya koymuştur.

Predators and Parasitoids of Pine Processionary Moth (Thaumetopoea wilkinsoni Tams) in Western Mediterranean Region in Turkey

The pine processionary moth, (Thaumetopoea wilkinsoni Tams, 1924 [Lepidoptera: Notodontidae]) is the most important defoliator pest of pine forests in the Mediterranean Basin and Turkey. Natural enemies of the pine processionary moth are various species of predators and parasitoids. In this study, field studies were performed in nine study areas which were chosen from four provinces (Isparta, Burdur, Antalya, Muğla) in the Western Mediterranean Region of Turkey to determine the potential predators, larva and egg parasitoids of pine processionary moth. Wintering nests and egg batches of the pine processionary caterpillars were sampled from selected study stations throughout 2018. Calosoma sycophanta (L.) and Forficula smyrnensis Serville were sampled as predator species and Phryxe caudata (Róndani), Trichogramma sp., Ooencyrtus pityocampae (Mercet) and Anastatus bifasciatus (Geoffroy) were sampled as parasitoids. Forficula smyrnensis is recoreded for the first time as a predator of T. wilkinsoni. Results may contribute to the literature on ecology, forestry studies and biological control efforts.

Investigation of Rift Valley Fever Virus Infection Serologically and Pathologically in Aborted Cattle, Sheep, Goats and in Fetuses

In this study, Rift Valley Fever Virus (RVFV) infection was searched serologically and pathologically in cattle (178 Holstein), sheep (160 native), goats (66 ordinary goats, 98 Honamli goats, 16 Saanen goats) with an abortion history and in unborn cattle (8), sheep (24) and goat (5) fetus. Samples were collected between July 2009 and September 2010. As a result of studying specific antibodies to RVFV by using the c-ELISA method in blood serum samples collected from cattle, sheep and goats suffering abortion, seropositivity was identified in 7 cattle (7/178; 3.93%), 4 sheep (4/160;2.50%) and 18 goats (18/180;10.0%). 18 seropositive goats were distributed according to race as 13 ordinary goats (19.70%), 2 Honamli goats (2.04%) and 3 Saanen goats (18.75%). When liver, spleen and brain samples of the unborn fetus of cattle, sheep and goats were studied histopathologically, no pathological findings on RVFV disease were obtained. Consequently, in this study, where RVFV infection in cattle, sheep and goats raised in Western Mediterranean Region of Turkey was serologically revealed, it was concluded that RVFV did not take place in the aetiology of abortion cases in relevant species.

Photosynthetic capacity, nutrient and water status following precommercial thinning in Anatolian black pine

Changes in gas exchange, photosynthetic pigments, midday xylem water potential (Ψmd) and needle nutrient status of the trees and environmental conditions following precommercial thinning (PCT) in the naturally regenerated Pinus nigra Arn. subsp. pallasiana (Lamb.) Holmboe stand was studied in forest districts of the western Mediterranean region of Turkey. An experiment involving two PCT treatments (spacing varied between 3.0 to 3.5 m and between 2.0 to 2.5 m) and one control (unthinned) was established in late April 2015. Different physiological responses to environmental changes following thinning were observed during the next three growing seasons. The soil water content (SWC) and temperature, Ψmd, chlorophyll pigments, needle N, P, and K concentrations, and gas exchange parameters were affected by PCT and the season. Compared to the unthinned plots, PCT increased the SWC and the soil temperature. The SWC was higher in the 3–3.5 m spaced plots. Increases in soil temperatures were generally similar between PCT treatments. The Ψmd, net photosynthetic rate (A), transpiration rate (E) and stomatal conductance (gs) of the trees in the thinned plots increased significantly compared to unthinned trees. This increase was attributed to increases in the SWC and decreases in soil temperature. The PCT with 3–3.5 m spacing had the highest Ψmd and A or similar to the 2–2.5 m spacing. However, the A, E, and gs was higher at 2–2.5 m spacing in the dry period (July) of the second and third years after PCT. Needle N (May 2015), P (September 2015), and K (July 2016) concentrations increased after the PCT with 3–3.5 m spacing compared with the unthinned and the 2–2.5 m spacing. Needle K concentration was negatively correlated with Ψmd and positively with WUE. A, gs and E were positively correlated with needle P concentration but not correlated with needle N concentration. The chlorophyll content of the unthinned trees remained high in the spring, similar to the 3–3.5 m spacing in the summer. The Ψmd, A, gs, and E varied seasonally in both unthinned and thinned plots, with the higher values in the spring and lower values in summer. According to the short-term results, the PCT with the 2–2.5 m spacing appeared more appropriate when the 3–3.5 m spacing might negatively impact soil, water, and photosynthetic parameters in extreme drought years and management objectives such as improvement of stem quality are considered.

Determination of some parameters of landrace green bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes collected from Western Mediterranean Region of Turkey

Being one of the agricultural products to be commonly grown and consumed in the world, beans display a wide range of production and sort in Turkey though it is not a native land. Although the beans production is limited to some parts of Turkey, it is commonly cultivated for family consumption both at low and high-altitude territories. However, the demand towards the commercial seeds seems to increase today, and this situation threatens the presence of landrace genotypes. The landrace genotypes, one of the genetic sources, are crucial for maintaining the genetic variability, food safety and breeding applications. From this point of view, this study was conducted in order to determine some parameters of landrace green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes collected from Antalya, Isparta, and Burdur in Western-Mediterranean of Turkey between 2013 and 2014. In order to develop a gene pool and to make a beginning material for breeding studies, 124 landrace common bean genotypes adapted to both coastal line and highlands have been gathered, recorded and taken under protection with the detected locations. As a result of the study, the most genotypes were collected from Antalya province. It has been determined that there are more landrace common bean varieties (56.5%) in higher altitude areas and it is detected that the pole type (5.5%) is more common than the bush type. Furthermore, the seeds of 62.9% of the collected genotypes were unicolor and white color was predominant in the seed color.

Attitudes of Students of the Fine Arts Educational Department towards Postgraduate Education in the Context of the Perception of Academicians

This study examines the metaphors relating to the attitudes of students of the art painting education department towards post-graduate education and the concept of the academician. A total of 81 students participated in the study who continues their education at a university in the Western Mediterranean Region of Turkey in the 2017-18 academic year. Of the students in the study group, 48 were female and 22 were male. This research refers to the mixed research design that combines both quantitative and qualitative data. In the collection of the data, the students were first asked to fill in the blanks in the sentence An academician is like..., because..., for the purpose of identifying their metaphors towards the concept of academician. Then, the attitude toward Postgraduate Education Scale, which was developed by Konokman and Al?c? [8] was used. The acquired metaphors were analyzed in a content analysis that is a qualitative data analysis, and the responses provided to the attitude scale were analyzed with the t-test and one-way analysis of variance, which are inferential statistics. As a result of the study, 46 metaphors were acquired for the concept of academician, and these metaphors were gathered in 5 categories. These categories were named guide, information goldmine, impressive, fair, and innovative. Considering the attitude toward Postgraduate Education Scale, it was determined that there was no significant difference (.35>p) between the genders of the students. A highly significant difference was found (.00<p) between the attitude of post-graduate education and the status of wanting to pursue post-graduate education.

Weed Flora of Citrus Orchards and Factors Affecting its Distribution in Western Mediterranean Region of Turkey

ABSTRACT: Citrus is an important export commodity, mostly grown on Mediterranean and Aegean coasts of Turkey. Weeds are hidden foes impairing citrus productivity. Limited knowledge of weed distribution and factors affecting the distribution are among major hurdles in successful weed management. In this study, weed flora of citrus orchards and factors affecting its distributions in Mugla province of Turkey were determined. Sixty orchards were surveyed in spring and autumn seasons of 2010 and 2011. Data relating to frequency, coverage and density of weed species were recorded. Soil samples (0-30 cm depth) were collected and analyzed for physicochemical properties. Climatic variables, altitude and soil properties were correlated with weed flora. Sixty-eight weed species belonging to 30 families were documented. Higher number of weed species (54) was recorded in spring season compared with autumn (29 weed species). Annuals and therophytes were the most dominant growth and life forms, respectively. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) to correlate soil properties and weed vegetation data yielded three distinct groups dominated by phosphorus, sand and silt contents, which affected weed distribution. CCA to correlate vegetation data and weather attributes produced two distinct groups affected by altitude and precipitation. Generally, cosmopolitan weeds adapted to different ecosystems were observed during the survey. Keeping in view the spatial variability of soil and nature of weeds, site-specific/orchard-specific weed management practices are recommended to be opted for successful weed management.

Influence of salinity levels on vegetative development of landrace dwarf common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Genotypes

In this study, plant growth parameters of 16 landrace dwarf common bean genotypes collected from Western Mediterranean region of Turkey at different salinity levels were investigated. The salt concentrations were applied 0.5 (regular irrigation water), 2, 4 and 6 dSm-1. The study continued until the first flowering was observed in the plants. The results of analysis of the variance revealed significant variations among different salinity levels, genotypes and interaction effects of salinity levels × genotypes for morphological characters. According to statistical analysis results, there was no correlation between stem diameter and other morphological characters. It was determined that there was a statistically significant positive strong correlation between plant height and plant dry weight (r=0.703). There was a moderately statistically significant positive correlation between all other characters. The increased salinity level negatively affected the vegetative growth of the common bean genotypes. However, low doses of salt have promoted development in some genotypes (AGB10, AGUN25, BY4, BY24, IYOZ10). However, a slight increase in salt level caused a sudden drop in development. These genotypes are thought to be suitable for soils with low salinity. The genotypes gave different responses to salt stress and ISGA1 and ISGA10 genotypes gave the best results. Besides them, prominent genotypes were detected as AGUN6, BKARA2, AGB10 and IYOZ10.

Evaluation of oral health status and influential factors in children with autism.

The aim of the present study was to comparatively analyze oral health status and influential factors in children with autism living in the Western Mediterranean Region of Turkey. This cross-sectional study was conducted in two steps: 1 - questionnaire and 2 - interview. This study was conducted at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Süleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey, within the period from March to July 2016. Although the questionnaire part involved 126 children with autism and 111 children without autism, 63 children who did not satisfy the inclusion criteria were excluded from the study in the interview part. The forms were sent to previously determined schools, and factors such as age, socioeconomic status, medical history, dental history, eating habits, bad habits, and treatment methods preferred by children's parents were analyzed. Later, interviews with the children were carried out by the same researcher and their oral health conditions were recorded. Children with autism often have nutritional problems, and early initiation of special education appears effective in preventing these conditions. Although children with autism apply for dental services, the rate for these children receiving dental services is considerably low and most of the services rendered are tooth extractions. It appears that the oral status of children with autism is affected negatively by many factors. Thus, the parents, the educators, and the dentists should be aware of this fact and encouraged to improve such children's oral hygiene and provide the dental care they need.