A protocol was signed between Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN) and Zonguldak Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry for a comprehensive research project targeting the brown marmorated stink bug, which threatens hazelnut production- one of region's most important agricultural products. The project, titled "Scientific Research Project Protocol on Determining the Damage Periods of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys) in Hazelnut Orchards in Zonguldak Province and the Effect of Altitude on Damage Severity,” aims to strengthen both academic knowledge production and agricultural practices.
The protocol was signed by the Rector of Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer and Zonguldak Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry Nihat Ağan during the ceremony held in the Rector’s office. This significant step that strengthens the cooperation between the university and the public institutions is expected to contribute to the sustainability of hazelnut production in Zonguldak.
Within the scope of the project, the damage periods and the severity of damage caused by the brown marmorated stink bug in hazelnut orchards located at different altitude levels in Zonguldak will be determined on a monthly basis through scientific methods. The project aims to develop effective control strategies against this pest, which causes both quality and quantity losses in hazelnut production. Based on the data obtained, it is aimed to plan pest management practices, prepare an appropriate spraying schedule, and reduce the input used in production processes. In this way, it is planned both to reduce production costs and to establish a more efficient and sustainable production model.
With this project, it is aimed not only to develop methods to combat the pest but also to introduce a scientific, data-based management approach to regional agriculture. Bringing together academic knowledge and field practices, the project will also demonstrate the contribution of university–public sector cooperation to agricultural development.
Rector Özölçer: “University–Public Sector Cooperation Strengthens Regional Development”
Making an evaluation on the subject, BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer emphasized that universities are not only institutions of education and research but also important academic institutions that contribute to the economic and social development of the regions in which they are located, and stated the following:
“Carrying out scientifically based studies against the brown marmorated stink bug pest, which has caused serious losses in hazelnut production—one of the important agricultural products of Zonguldak—in recent years is of great importance. As a university, we consider bringing our knowledge and research capacity together with regional needs as one of our primary responsibilities. In this context, this cooperation we have established with our Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry will contribute to solving the problems faced by our producers and enable the development of more effective control methods in the light of scientific data.
Through the research to be conducted, it will be possible to reveal in detail the effects of the pest in hazelnut orchards at different altitude levels, determine the control periods accurately, and implement more conscious practices in production processes. Thus, it will contribute to achieving a stronger production structure in terms of both yield and quality.
I believe that such collaborations established between our university and public institutions will make significant contributions to regional development and agricultural sustainability. I would like to thank especially our Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry, Nihat Ağan, as well as our academicians and the officials of the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry who contributed to the implementation of this meaningful project, and I hope that the signed protocol will be beneficial for Zonguldak, our producers, and the agriculture of our country.”
