Insect pests in olive groves of Bursa (Turkey)

Abstract

Bursa is one of the most important table olive (cv. Gemlik) growing cities in Turkey, where many pests can cause appreciable losses in quality and quantity of olives. The objective of this study, which was carried out in olive groves in Bursa during 2000-2002, was to determine olive insect pests and their distribution. Weekly field surveys were conducted for the determination of species in olive groves. According to the results of this study, a total of 31 species of phytophagous insect pests were determined in 26 olive groves. The major pests of olive in Bursa were found to be Prays oleae (Bern.), Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) and, sporadic pests were Palpita unionalis (Hubn.), Euphyllura phillyreae Foerster and Saissetia oleae Bern. in 2001 and 2002. Serious damage was caused by P. oleae, attacking the anthers and fruit. Additionally, P. unionalis has recently become a serious pest of olives due to the destruction of natural enemies of this pest by broad-spectrum insecticides used for control of P. oleae.