Population Fluctuation and Predators of Myzus lythri (Schrank) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Harmful on Mahlep (Prunus mahaleb L.) in Erzurum

Abstract

This study investigated the population fluctuation and predator complex of Myzus lythri (Schrank, 1801) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), a significant pest of mahlep (Prunus mahaleb L.), on the Atatürk University Campus (Erzurum) during May–October 2022–2023. Adult and nymph populations were monitored at 5-day intervals using leaf samples, while predator species were collected using different sampling methods and identified in the laboratory. M. lythri reached the highest number of individuals per leaf on July 27, 2022 (56.83 adults + nymphs), August 13, 2022 (976.61 adults + nymphs), August 23, 2022 (664.86 adults + nymphs), and June 29, 2023 (1324.75 adults + nymphs). A total of 12 predatory species belonging to the orders Coleoptera (Coccinellidae), Diptera (Syrphidae), Neuroptera (Chrysopidae), and Hemiptera (Nabidae and Anthocoridae) were identified. The aphid M. lythri was recorded as a new host for the predator species Coccinella septempunctata, Harmonia axyridis, Harmonia quadripunctata, Sphaerophoria scripta, Syritta pipiens, Chrysoperla carnea, Nabis pseudoferus, and Orius horvathi for the first time in Türkiye. These findings provide baseline information for future studies on the pest–predator interactions of M. lythri.