Natural Agents Detected on Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.) in Hakkâri Province and Their Distribution

Abstract

In response to increasing environmental and anthropogenic pressures, adopting integrated and sustainable weed control strategies, including biological approaches, has become an important trend. For field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.), one of the most significant agricultural weeds in Europe, including Türkiye, the investigation of natural agents (insects and pathogens) that could be effective in biological control is anticipated to lead to more sustainable approaches in the future. For this purpose, the aim was to identify the natural agents from field bindweed in Hakkâri and its districts, a region with unique biodiversity. As a result of surveys conducted at different times during 2022 and 2023, 9 natural agents, including 3 insect and 6 pathogens, were identified feeding on the flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds of field bindweed. Among these species, the most promising for the biological control of field bindweed were identified as Alcidodes karelinii (Boheman, 1844) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Hypocassida subferruginea Schrank, 1776 (Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae), Erysiphe convolvuli DC. and Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissl. Based on the distribution of natural agents in the region, A. alternata and E. convolvuli were found to be the most widespread species. In conclusion, the identification of potential monophagous or suitable polyphagous species for the biological control of field bindweed will shed light on future studies aimed at the biological control of field bindweed.