Akif Keten

Population dynamics of Monochamus galloprovincialis Olivier (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in two pine species under laboratory conditions

The study of the life history dynamics of the pine sawyer beetle Monochamus galloprovincialis (Olivier) is important because the beetles vector the pinewood nematode. The objectives of this study were to investigate differences in beetle life history parameters between the two common host tree species in Turkey, Pinus sylvestris and Pinus nigra. Relationships between the number of oviposition sites, holding time (time between log cut and oviposition), log moisture content, log volume and area, and adult survivorship were evaluated. No significant differences were found between the two tree species except adult density per m2. The holding time did not influence the number of oviposition sites, larval entry holes or adults for P. sylvestris. There was a negative correlation between the holding time and the number of oviposition sites for P. nigra. The number of adults emerged per log was correlated with the number of larval entry holes only for P. sylvestris. Only 12 and 15% of the initial cohort completed development and emerged as adults for P. sylvestris and P. nigra, respectively. Both tree species are equally suitable hosts for M. galloprovincialis development. We conclude that the high within-log mortality of beetles is a combination of resource quality and quantity factors and intraspecific competition and cannibalism during larval development.

Bursaphelenchus Fuchs, 1937 (Nematoda: Parasitaphelenchidae) species associated with Pinus species in northern Turkey

SummaryA survey for Bursaphelenchus nematodes, associated with different conifer trees, was conducted in several forest areas in the northern regions of Turkey. Only pine trees (Pinus nigra, P. pinaster and P. sylvestris) yielded Bursaphelenchus specimens. Nematodes were identified using several morphological diagnostic characters of the genus (male spicule structure, number of lateral incisures, number and distribution of the male papillae, presence of female vulval flap), and confirmed by using RFLP analysis of the internal transcriber spacer (ITS) regions of ribosomal DNA. Three different species were identified from several sampled areas, namely B. mucronatus, B. pinophilus and B. sexdentati, representing a first report of the last two species for Turkey. The association of B. pinophilus with black pine (P. nigra) is herein reported for the first time.

Effect of log seasonality on reproductive potential ofMonochamus galloprovincialis reared in scots pine logs under laboratory conditions

Insect reproduction may be affected by a number of factors including seasonal changes in larval or adult nutrition. The effect of season on the reproductive potential ofMonochamus galloprovincialis (Olivier) females reared inPinus sylvestris L. (Scots pine) logs was investigated by constructing fertility tables for each log that differed only in the season they were cut. Population parameters were compared among three seasonal cohorts. The intrinsic rate of increase and most of the associated population parameters of beetles that emerged from logs cut during spring were higher than for beetles emerged from summer and autumn logs. Slight differences were found between summer and autumn cohorts. We suggest that seasonal differences in the nutritional quality of logs caused differences inM. galloprovincialis survival and reproductive potential.

Effects of parent material, stand type and oak species on defoliation of coppice-originated oak (Quercus spp.) forests in Northern Turkish Thrace

Cases of significant defoliation in oak (Quercus spp.) forests have been reported in Turkey and throughout the world. Oak trees are important in Turkish forests and forestry and cover vast pieces of land in Thrace. In this study, in a quest to determine the general health condition of pure oak forests in Northern Turkish Thrace, the defoliation rate of tree crowns was evaluated for 8,769 trees in 336 sample plots corresponding to different geological parent materials, regions, oak species and stand types. The defoliation rates were designated and assessed based on the criteria of the European Union Forest Health Monitoring Program (UNECE-ICP Forests). The defoliation rate was, to a significant extent, affected by stand type, the geological parent material, and oak species. In general, 47 % of trees exhibited defoliation. The highest ratio of defoliation was found in Kirklareli Region, where water deficit was the highest, and the parent material was schist-calcschist. Medium diameter forests (MDF, mean dbh: 8-20 cm, ratio of defoliated trees = 65 %) among stand types, and sessile oaks (ratio of defoliated trees = 53 %) among oak species, had the highest defoliation rates. Achieved results demonstrated that the defoliation classes in observed oak stands have a significant relation with variables concerning stand types, oak species and geological parent materials.

Abundance of Apodemus spp. varies by stand age in coppice-originated oak forest, Thrace, Turkey

Recently, oak (Quercus spp.) management strategies in Turkey have transitioned from predominantly coppice-regeneration to seed regeneration. However, impacts of this change on the small mammal community is unknown. To address this issue we evaluated abundance of Apodemus spp. (Rodentia, Muridae) in relation to stand age and forest characteristics in the northern Thrace, Turkey. We sampled 43 plots using box-style live traps. A total of 75 individuals (0.125 ± 0.013 mice/trap nights) was captured. Apodemus flavicollis (n = 69) was the most abundant, although A. agrarius (1) and A. sylvaticus (4) also occurred. Apodemus spp. abundance was superior in older than in younger stands (P = 0.038). The number of specimens was positively related to diameter at breast height (DBH) (y = 0.18 + 0.015x, R2 = 0.21) and forest floor mass (y = 0.005 + 0.00005x, R2 = 0.22). Increasing the amount of forest floor mass and mast production will benefit the population of Apodemus spp. Abandonment of the coppice management on oak forests in Thrace may positively affect the local abundance of Apodemus spp., particularly A. flavicollis.

A STUDY ON TROUT BREEDING IN DUZCE PROVINCE

In this study, trout breeding facilities of Duzce Province, a suitable place for trout breeding, were evaluated. As a result of this evaluation, current status, capacities, and problems of trout breeding facilities were determined. Some suggestions were provided to solve these problems and increase the capacity of trout breeding facilities. Keywords: Duzce, Trout Breeding.