Parasitism rates of wheat stem sawflies [Cephus pygmeus and Trachelus tabidus (Hymenoptera: Cephidae)] in Southeastern Türkiye

Abstract Background Wheat stem sawflies (WSS) [ Cephus pygmeus (L.) and Trachelus tabidus (F.) (Hymenoptera: Cephidae)] are significant pests in wheat-growing areas of the Southeastern Anatolia region, Türkiye. These species pose a significant threat to wheat production in the region. Larval feeding within the stem leads to considerable yield losses. Natural enemies play a pivotal role in integrated management strategies for WSS. The present study determined the parasitoid species associated with WSS in wheat fields of the Southeastern Anatolia region, Türkiye. The wheat root samples (stubbles left after harvesting) infested with WSS were collected and reared from four provinces (i.e., Adıyaman, Diyarbakır, Mardin, and Şanlıurfa) during 2021–2022. Results Two parasitoid species, Ceratobracon stschegolevi (Telenga, 1933) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and Collyria coxator (Viller, 1789) = Collyria calcitrator (Gravenhorst) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), were recorded associated with the WSS in the region. The most frequently recorded species was C. coxator . Adıyaman province recorded the highest parasitism rate, whereas Diyarbakır and Mardin demonstrated lower rates. The overall parasitism rate was 22.3%, with the highest percentage found for C. coxator (15.3%) followed by C. stschegolevi (10.5%). Conclusion Parasitism rates varied among provinces, likely due to varying pest management strategies aimed at other cereal pests. Therefore, wheat producers are advised to avoid the indiscriminate use of pesticides in order to promote parasitism rates and suppress WSS populations.