Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Plant Protection faculty member Prof. Dr. Sebahat Sullivan emphasized that combating hazelnut gall mites effectively contributes to increased yield.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA), Sullivan stated that although Türkiye leads the world in hazelnut production, the yield per hectare remains relatively low.

According to Sullivan, one of the primary reasons for low productivity in hazelnut cultivation is hazelnut gall mites, which have a direct negative impact on yield.

"Mechanical Control Must Be Applied"

Prof. Dr. Sullivan explained that two main methods are used to combat hazelnut gall mites: mechanical control and chemical control. She highlighted the necessity of mechanical control, saying:

"The method of collecting and disposing of the galls during the winter or early spring is highly effective against gall mites and must be applied. The galls should be removed during the leafless period, particularly between late February and early March, when they become more visible. However, they should not be burned, buried, placed in plastic bags, or removed from the orchard."

"The Economic Threshold for Chemical Control is an Average of 5 Galls per Branch"

Prof. Dr. Sullivan stressed the importance of conducting gall counts in hazelnut orchards before applying chemical control methods, which are typically carried out at the end of April or the beginning of May. She explained:

"The economic threshold for chemical control is determined as an average of five galls per branch. If the number of galls is below this threshold, chemical treatment is unnecessary. The optimal spraying period is during the week when mites leave the galls and migrate to new buds, which occurs at the end of April and the beginning of May. At this time, the terminal shoots have four to four and a half leaves, the new buds are half the size of a pinhead, and the newly developing hazelnuts are the size of a lentil."

Emphasizing the importance of integrating mechanical and chemical control methods, Sullivan noted that consecutive application of both techniques for two years significantly reduces gall mite damage.

"Growers should be diligent in implementing both mechanical and chemical control methods, as they are crucial for improving hazelnut yield and quality," she concluded.