Weed species in irrigated and non-irrigated vineyard production areas of Malatya and Elazığ provinces and their association with mealybug [(Planococcus sp.) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)]

This study was conducted to identify weed species and their mealybug pests (Planococcus sp. [Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae]) that are problematic in vineyards in Malatya and Elazığ provinces. In the 2024 study, a total of 61 vineyards were sampled and it was found that 55.74% were irrigated and 46.26% were dry-farmed. During the surveys, the weed species within and around the vineyard, their frequency and the areas they cover were determined, representing the area of the vineyard regardless of its size. To identify mealybugs on weeds, all green parts of the weeds as well as the roots and root collar sections were analysed. Changes in weed species, frequency of occurrence and area were observed in irrigated and non-irrigated vineyards. In irrigated vineyards, the species with a frequency of over 50% were Convolvulus arvensis L. (58.82%) and Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. (55.88%), while in non-irrigated vineyards C. dactylon accounted for 62.96%. In irrigated vineyards, the three species with the highest cover area were C. arvensis with 6.03%, C. dactylon with 5.75% and Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. with 5.46%. In non-irrigated vineyards, the three species with the highest cover area were C. arvensis with 6.96%, Xanthium strumarium L. with 6.26% and C. album with 2.70%. As a result of the study, mealybugs were detected on the stems of the vines in 22 out of 61 vineyards, but none of the weeds or their roots.