Determination of some biological parameters of Capsodes infuscatus Brulle on summer asphodel (Asphodelus aestivus Brot.) in pastures of Canakkale Province

Abstract

This study has been carried out in the years of 2016–2017 to determine biological parameters of Capsodes infuscatus Brulle (Hemiptera: Miridae) on asphodel (Asphodelus aestivus Broth.) in the pastures of Canakkale, Turkey. In order to determine the population fluctuation of C. infuscatus, counting was done twice in a week on leaves, stems and flowers of plants in two different locations in the pasture. It was determined that the C. infuscatus aestivates in dried asphodel stalks as eggs. The first nymphal stages can be seen at the end of February, while adult population ends at the end of May. It was observed that both the nymphal and adult stages of C. infuscatus were feeding together on A. aestivus from March to May. In 2016, an average of 7.86%, 57.26%, 8.72% and 34.12% C. infuscatus individuals were recorded on plant, leaves, stems and flowers, respectively. In 2017, an average of 22.08%, 67.5%, 15.0% and 17.56% C. infuscatus individuals were recorded on plant, leaves, stems and flowers, respectively. The mortality rates of C. infuscatus nymphal stages were 94.76% in grazing area and 95.77% in non‐grazing area. We concluded that C. infuscatus has potential for the biological control of A. aestivus.