Determination of Damage Rates of Seed-Head Weevil (Bangasternus planifrons (Brullé, 1832)) on Different Safflower Cultivars in Elazığ Province, Türkiye

Abstract

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) is an important oilseed crop known for its drought tolerance. As with many other cultivated plants, weeds, pests, and diseases lead to significant yield losses in safflower. In this study, the damage rates of the seed-head weevil [(Bangasternus planifrons) (Brullé) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)], which is distributed in the ecological conditions of Elazığ, were determined on the Zirkon cultivar (sown in both winter and spring) and the Dinçer cultivar (sown only in spring). The research data were obtained from two different trials conducted over two years and were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). According to the results of this study, the seed damage rate was determined as 23.32% in the first year and 11.74% in the second year. The lower damage rate observed in the second year is thought to be due to the severe frost events occurring on April 11-12, 2025, which negatively affected the overwintering adult population. When analyzed on a cultivar basis, it was determined that the seed-head weevil caused more damage to the Zirkon cultivar (Winter Zirkon: 18.89%; Spring Zirkon: 22.45%; Spring Dinçer: 11.24%). More comprehensive studies are needed to fully identify the factors influencing the insect's cultivar preference.