Effects of kaolin on some biological properties of pear sucker [Cacopsylla pyri (L.) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae)]

Cacopsylla pyri (L.) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) is the most important harmful species in pear growing areas. The most frequent method is chemical method applied to control the pear psylla which is the main pest of pear. Due to various problems arising from the chemical control of the pest it has become necessary to find alternative solutions. In this study, it was aimed to find alternative method to control pear psylla and to reduce the use of insecticide by using kaolin. In this study conducted in the laboratory kaolin doses and Surround licensed abroad were used to determine the effects of kaolin on some biological properties of C. pyri. Laboratory studies were conducted on leaf cages cultivated in a climate chamber set at 26±1°C temperature, 65±5% relative humidity and 16:8 h (light and dark) photoperiod conditions. The characters of the experiment were kaolin 3 doses (10, 20 and 30 g L^‑1), comparison (Surround 30 g L^‑1) and control characters. The experiments were set up in 10 repeats. The number of eggs left by C. pyri, egg hatching duration and rate, nymphal development duration and effect rate, nymphal survival rate and effect rate, adult life span, oviposition duration were determined with these studies. At the end of the studies it was seen that while kaolin application doses increased, the developmental duration of nymphs' periods and adult survival duration were decreased comparing with the control character. Moreover, kaolin application caused to delay the laying of eggs and the rate of hatching of eggs. Based on the obtained data it has been concluded that the use of kaolin in control to C. pyri will be effective in reducing the population.