Biology of the Cereal Ground Beetle Zabrus tenebrioides Goeze (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in Cereal Fields of Southeastern Anatolia Region, Turkey

ABSTRACT: The cereal ground beetle,Zabrus tenebrioides Goeze (Coleoptera: Carabidae) is one of the most important pests of wheat in the southeastern region of Turkey. The larval stage lives in the soil and may cause severe damage to wheat crops. Damage by this pest is favored by a wheat monoculture or the use of untreated seeds. High soil moisture and moderate temperatures are favorable conditions for the development and attack of Z. tenebrioides larvae. The southeastern Anatolia region of Turkey is a hub of cereal production and Z. tenebrioides can attack the seedling stage of cereals in this region, resulting in heavy economic losses. This study was carried out during the years 2015 and 2017 to determine the biology of Z. tenebrioides in the southeastern Anatolia region. Surveys could not be carried out in 2016 as the climatic conditions were not suitable. Adults of this pest were monitored and data on the biology, aestivation and hibernation periods of Z. tenebrioides were recorded. Results indicated that aestivation (the last week of October) and hibernation (at the end of November and most of December) times, and the duration of egg, larval, pupal and adult stages are closely associated with soil temperature and moisture, followed by temperature and humidity of food and air. It was further observed that pest populations increased when the temperature was low and humidity was high, especially in the years receiving high precipitation during early spring and late autumn.