Evaluation of Feeding Behavior of Carbon Dioxide-Applied Nezara viridula (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) Using Response Surface Methodology

ABSTRACT: In this study, a new air conditioning chamber was developed and different carbon dioxide concentrations were applied to examine the feeding behavior of Nezara viridula. The feeding behavior of individuals was observed at the concentrations different from normal atmospheric conditions with the response surface methodology. With this method, the duration of individuals staying away from food, the duration of staying on food, and the total feeding time were evaluated. According to the results obtained, it was observed that the total feeding time of individuals decreased with the increase in carbon dioxide concentration. It was determined that the duration of individuals staying on food decreased as the concentration raised in female and male individuals. The duration of individuals staying away from food increased in both sexes as the carbon dioxide concentration increased. When the response surface methodology results were evaluated statistically, it was understood that the total feeding time of male individuals with carbon dioxide application was compatible with the model values and real data. According to the applied the model, the correlation (determination) coefficients for adult male individuals were found to be 0.9935, 0.9854, and 0.9719, respectively. The model's quadratic prediction suggests that at approximately 430 ppm, Nezara viridula males achieve optimal feeding behavior with 1809 seconds of total feeding, 178 seconds on food, and 730 seconds off food, identifying 430 ppm as the most suitable concentration under optimal conditions. According to this model, the determination coefficients for adult females were found to be 0.9426, 0.9262, and 0.8666. According to the model, the optimum carbon dioxide concentration for females was determined to be 430 ppm, with optimal results including a total feeding time of 1860 seconds, 214 seconds on food, and 729 seconds off food.