Abstract
In the sunflower, which is an important oilseed and confection plant (Helianthus annuus L.), a study was conducted in 2013-2014 in Ankara province in order to determine the distribution and density of Homoeosoma nebulellum (Den. & Schiff.) which causes lost in terms of quality and quantity. The data were obtained from surveys in Ayaş, Bala, Beypazarı and Kalecik districts where sunflower was found intensively. In the same period, the adult flights in Kalecik district were observed by the delta-type traps containing an sexual attractive pheromone and the period that the pest was harmful in the sunflower was determined. As a result of the study, H.nebulellum was recorded as 94.37-100% widespread in Ayas, Kalecik, Bala and Beypazarı districts. In 2013, the infestation rate of pest in the sunflower fields were determined by 4.77%, 7.51, 4.76 and 1.09 in Ayaş, Kalecik, Bala and Beypazarı districts, respectively. In 2014, decreasing infestation rates were determined except Beypazarı district and the rates were recorded as 3.73%, 6.45, 3.15 and 1.40, respectively. The density of the pest in the infestated fields were 8.08, 9.93, 2.75 and 6.56 piece larvae/infestated plant in Kalecik, Bala and Beypazarı districts in 2013, respectively. In 2014, it was determined as 2.87, 5.66, 3.08 and 2.25 piece larvae / infestated plant respectively. H. nebulellum larvae was determined as causing yield loss by feeding in newly formed sunflower seeds. By monitoring swarming periods of European sunflower moth, seasonal swarming periods were determined. As a result of the study, the situation of pest in Ankara was observed and the critical period, which is important for management was determined by monitoring with pheremon traps.
