03 Ara 2024 Salı
The occurrence of Choristoneura murinana in Abies cilicica forests in Asia Minor
Abstract :Although widespread in European fir forests, Choristoneura murinana (Hübner) was not known in Asia Minor until 2000. Owing to the serious damage caused by this budworm in the Lakes District to stands of Abies cilicica Carr., this study was launched on its distribution, morphology, biology and injury. Forewings of the C. murinana adults are yellowish-beige colored. The mean wingspan between forewings was 22.8±1.7 mm (mean ± standard deviation) in female and 18.5±1.6 mm (mean±SD) in male adults. The main flying period of C. murinana lasts from the mid of June to the end of July. The moth is univoltine and overwinters in larval stage. C. murinana has a total of 6 larval instars, with greyish-light green mature larvae. Pupation takes place among the last needles they feed on. C. murinana causes serious damage to fresh shoots, buds and needles, especially when the larvae molt to third stage in the second half of April. Spring feeding of the larvae causes more damage than summer and autumn feeding.
Choristoneura murinana, fir forest, the Lakes District, budworm, Turkey