Creation of Turkiye Risk Map for Cydalima Perspectalis (Box Tree Moth) by Weighted Overlay Analysis

Boxwood (Buxus spp.), which is widespread all over the world except Antarctica and widely used in many areas, is threatened by Cydalima perspectalis (box tree moth). Cydalima perspectalis, which has become widespread in Europe, is a new invasive species originating from East Asia and has become widespread in Turkiye in the last ten years. This species was first observed in parks and gardens in Sarıyer, Istanbul, in 2011. Since then, it has continued to spread rapidly in Turkiye. The pest causes intense damage by causing drying on boxwood areas, which causes economic and ecological losses. The rich ecological and topographical conditions of Turkiye are also favorable for the spread of this species. Therefore, it is important to develop pest control methods and take early measures. Within the scope of this study, the aim was to realize early detection of Cydalima perspectalis in Turkiye and make a risk map in this context. For this purpose, a risk map was created by determining the risky areas where Cydalima perspectalis can spread in Turkiye using weighted overlay analysis from geographic information system (GIS) technologies. Existing boxwood locations obtained from field studies were compared with the risk map and analyzed. As a result of the analysis, the presence of Cydalima perspectalis was found in the boxwood in the identified risk areas, and it is expected to be transmitted in boxwood that is in the risk area but not observed to have Cydalima perspectalis. With this research, a risk map for Cydalima perspectalis was made for the first time.