Within the framework of the Science Communication Offices project supported by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) to facilitate the transfer of scientific knowledge to society through universities, Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Science Communication Office has stepped into the field. Officially opened on May 12, 2025, by YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, the office held its first off-campus “Science Café” event on Friday, May 30, 2025, in the Kurtahmetli neighborhood of Çarşamba.

The event aimed to deliver scientific methods directly to producers in the fight against the invasive brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys), a current and critical issue in agriculture, and to bring scientists and farmers together at the same table. An exhibition featuring more than 2,000 beneficial and harmful insects selected from OMU Faculty of Agriculture’s insect collection drew significant attention from attendees. The informal discussion between scientists and farmers was accompanied by music performances by Lecturer Mustafa Öcal on bağlama and Baha Karpuz on guitar.

The stink bug threatens not only fruit but also exports

The keynote speaker of the event, Assoc. Prof. Dr. İslam Saruhan from OMU Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Plant Protection, emphasized that the brown marmorated stink bug poses a significant threat to hazelnut and kiwi production in the Black Sea region. “The brown marmorated stink bug is one of the world’s top five most dangerous invasive pests. It was first detected in Turkey in 2017 and has since become most prevalent in the Black Sea region. Export crops such as hazelnuts are at significant risk,” Saruhan stated.

He noted that the insect damages more than 300 plant species and causes millions of dollars in losses to the fruit sector in the United States, adding that the same scenario could unfold in Türkiye.

Solution: On-site intervention using scientific methods

Assoc. Prof. Saruhan stressed that combating the pest should involve not only chemical methods, but also biological and mechanical control techniques. He pointed out the importance of pheromone traps for monitoring and managing the pest and shared that encouraging results have been observed over the past two years in Türkiye through the release of a beneficial insect known as the ‘samurai wasp’. He also explained practical control methods that individual farmers can implement, such as manually removing and eliminating the pests.

“Increased vigilance during fruiting period—timing is critical”

Saruhan emphasized that the most critical stage in the battle against the stink bug is the onset of fruit formation. “When the bug feeds on leaves, it affects the plant’s health. But when it damages the fruit, the product becomes unmarketable. Therefore, special attention should be paid during the transition to the clove stage. The most effective method is to observe directly in the field. As a simple practice, lay a white sheet—if one or two bugs fall, it's time to spray,” he advised.

“The first wave is not as dangerous as the last”

He warned farmers about the importance of timing in pest control, offering the analogy: “Hunters know that the first to arrive at the hunt is inexperienced; the real damage is done by those who come later. Some bugs die in the initial spraying, but the real threat is the later arrivals.”

“The most critical period in stink bug control is late May”

Saruhan highlighted that the brown marmorated stink bug is more prolific than the green stink bug: “While the green stink bug lays 100–120 eggs, the brown marmorated stink bug lays close to 300, most of which develop into viable individuals. That’s why the most critical time for intervention is the end of May. If no spraying is done, eggs are laid, and control becomes more difficult. It’s important to remember that pesticides do not affect the eggs.”

“A second spraying at the end of June, when larvae emerge, is more effective”

Saruhan stated that most pesticide applications in June are ineffective: “By that time, the bug has already laid eggs and died. These pesticides also harm beneficial insects, especially parasitoid wasps, disrupting the ecological balance. Spraying again at the end of June when the larvae emerge is more effective. If necessary, a third application can be made five days later.”

“Success lies in timing”

He concluded by stressing that better results can be achieved with fewer pesticides through proper timing: “In the same village, one farmer gets 50% yield with three sprayings, while another achieves only 30–35% yield after spraying seven times. This proves that success in pest control is not about quantity but timing.”

Awareness is essential in pesticide use: “Every proper action benefits everyone”

Assoc. Prof. Saruhan made important warnings about pesticide use in agriculture, particularly in the fight against the rapidly spreading brown marmorated stink bug. He emphasized the vital role of farmer awareness: “These bugs can spread across a 5-kilometer radius. So, everyone must spray. This cannot be tackled with the mentality of ‘If others don’t do it, neither will I.’”

“Every correct action benefits society”

He added that every correct application against the stink bug benefits the entire community: “Each spraying contributes to public health. Therefore, we must continue the fight consciously and without pessimism. Once this bug enters a country, it spreads rapidly like a plane on a runway. It multiplies in a year, but cannot be eliminated instantly.”

Pesticides for agricultural use must not be used indoors

Noting that some people ask whether agricultural pesticides can be used at home, Saruhan issued a firm warning: “Agricultural pesticides must never be used indoors. Giving agricultural chemicals to someone who asks for home-use pesticides can cause serious harm without realizing it—especially for children, who are much more vulnerable to these chemicals.”

“Washing is not always enough”

Saruhan also addressed pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables, explaining that in some cases residues remain on the surface, while in others they penetrate the plant. “Surface residues can be mostly removed with running water. But for residues that penetrate the produce, there’s nothing that can be done at home,” he said.

Waiting period is critical

He underlined the importance of the “waiting period,” a safety interval required for all agricultural pesticides: “Every pesticide label specifies how long to wait before harvest. For some, this may be 7 days; for others, 20–25 days. If the farmer harvests before this time, residues remain in the product, posing a health risk. We rely entirely on the farmer’s conscience in this matter.”

“If your ears ring while eating salad…”

Saruhan noted that the effects of toxic residues are not always immediately noticeable: “You might make a nice salad with vegetables bought at the market. Afterwards, your ears ring, or you feel bloated. You think someone is talking about you—but in fact, it’s the effect of the pesticide. These chemicals are insidious—they affect the body without being noticed.”

He warned the public and farmers against last-minute pesticide use: “Some pesticides applied in August should be avoided because of proximity to harvest. The plant cannot metabolize the chemical in time, and the consumer may be unknowingly poisoned. The solution to the residue issue lies in observing the waiting period.”

Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz: “The Science Communication Office will help bring knowledge to society”

OMU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz gave a brief talk, sharing his own experience: “I’m also directly dealing with the brown marmorated stink bug. I face the same issues as you. In September, I start with soil analysis. In July I do leaf analysis, liming, leonardite treatment, Bordeaux mixture application, 6–7 pesticide sprayings with a sprayer, and mowing. In the end, I face the same challenges you do.

The main goal of our Science Café events is to ensure that the valuable knowledge generated at Ondokuz Mayıs University, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, reaches you. We have distinguished academics like Dr. İslam Saruhan doing important work, but we face challenges in transferring that knowledge to the field.

The Council of Higher Education proposed establishing Science Communication Offices in universities to address this. These offices aim to transfer academic knowledge to the public. For our first event, we specifically chose the issue of the brown marmorated stink bug.”

A science-driven movement begins in Kurtahmetli

The event concluded with remarks by OMU Rector’s Advisor and Academic Advisor to the Science Communication Office Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emine Şendurur, who thanked the participants and emphasized the importance of translating scientific knowledge into practice in the field. She stated that the first off-campus Science Café was especially meaningful in focusing on one of the region’s most pressing issues and in targeting farmers as its primary audience. She extended her gratitude to Assoc. Prof. Dr. İslam Saruhan and all contributors.

The Science Café was moderated by Dr. Gülten Aslantürk from OMU Faculty of Communication and organized under the leadership of Çarşamba Vocational School of the Commodity Exchange (ÇTBMYO), with support from Çarşamba Municipality, the Chamber of Agriculture, the Association of Village Headmen, and the Kurtahmetli Neighborhood Headman’s Office. Participants included OMU Science Communication Office Coordinator Lecturer Mürsel Kan, ÇTBMYO Director Prof. Dr. İsmail Aydemir, academic and administrative staff of the school, and male and female farmers from Kurtahmetli and neighboring villages engaged in hazelnut and kiwi farming.

The Science Communication Office brings the university closer to the people

OMU’s Science Communication Office aims not only to operate within the university but to actively reach the broader community and build strong bridges between science and society. Supported by YÖK, this new vision empowers universities to address local issues and make scientific knowledge accessible.

The Science Café in Kurtahmetli stands as a concrete example of this vision—demonstrating the power of science in addressing local problems. OMU has once again exemplified successful university-society engagement.