Sunn pest problems in Central Anatolia and the role of wheat varieties in integrated control

Wheat production is a major source of income for most people and forms the backbone of the economy in Central Anatolia, Turkey. Sunn pest, known in Turkey since 1927, is one of the most harmful pests of wheat in this region where the infested area has reached 0.3 million ha and the cost of chemical application has reached US$ 2 million per year. Two species of Eurygaster, E. maura and E. austriaca, are prevalent in the region. Observations of tests carried out on different genotypes under natural field conditions and controlled greenhouse tests showed variable response of wheat to sunn pest. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.