An important pest in Erzurum: White peach scale (WPS) (Pseudaulacaspis pentagona (Targ.-Tozz.) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae)

Pseudaulacaspis pentagona (Targioni-Tozzetti) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), is an important mulberry pest in Turkey, is known to cause economic damage to stone fruits as well. Since it is a polyphagous pest, it is also seen in ornamental and forest plants. In 2015, some observations were made on the bioecology of the species in Ayvali village, Oltu District of Erzurum. In the last week of March (24 March 2015), it was determined that P. pentagona spent the winter as a fertilized female. Samples were taken from the field every 4-7 days and brought to the laboratory. The first eggs were found in the second week of April (April 14) in the samples received on April 10, 2015, and a very dense egg laying was observed on April 19 and 20. The first nymphs hatched from these eggs on April 20-21, and on April 27-28, nymphal emergence intensified. In field conditions, the first eggs were found on 20 April and the first nymphs on 3 May. In field conditions, the first eggs were found on 20 April and the first nymphs on 3 May. The presence of P. pentagona was recorded for the first time with this study in the Eastern Anatolia Region (Erzurum-Oltu). In addition, the distribution and hosts of the species in Turkey are given. It is of great importance to know the existence of such an important species and to carry out studies to control it accordingly.