Population dynamics of cotton leafhoppers [Asymmetrasca decedens and Empoasca decipiens (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)] in conventional cotton production areas of Hatay province, Türkiye

In this study, the population dynamics of cotton leafhoppers [Asymmetrasca decedens (Paoli) and Empoasca decipiens (Paoli)] in conventional cotton production areas of Hatay province were investigated using the sweep-net sampling method. In the Melekli district, while 68.75% of the 5.480 individuals collected in 2022 were in the generative stage, while this population reaches 5,803 individuals in 2023, this population is predominantly (63.53%) were concentrated in the vegetative period, but the peak of the population period (generative) remained the same. In the Reyhanlı district, the 6.762 individuals collected in 2022 showed a relatively similar distribution across the vegetative and generative stages of cotton (56% and 44%, respectively). In 2023, the number of individuals collected decreased by 36% (4.382), with the population predominantly concentrating in the vegetative stage (70.2%) compared to the previous year, while the peak period (vegetative) remained the same. In the Altınözü district, 13,470 individuals collected in 2022 showed more presence in the vegetative period (83%) and increased significantly to 25,490 in 2023 (83.2%), 63.8% of the population was concentrated in the vegetative period and the peak period of the population remained the same in both years (vegetative). These findings are important for the detection of A. decedens and E. decipiens presence and the implementation of appropriate pest management programs in cotton production areas.