Entomology Laboratories
The Entomology Laboratory is concerned with the identification, distribution, epidemiology and crop losses of pests such as insects, mites, nematodes and rodents found in plants and plant products, as well as studies to determine possible control methods for these pests.
Research in the field of entomology emphasizes the importance of discovering natural enemies and demonstrating that these beneficial insects can be used for biological pest control both in the laboratory and field conditions. Studies are also being conducted to determine the non-target effects of pesticides on natural enemies in the laboratory, in the semi-field, and in the field conditions to support integrated control programs.
Virology Laboratory
Researches on phytoplasma infections, viruses, and viroids that infect plants and reduce crop losses are performed in the virology laboratory. Through the use of various laboratory instruments, disease agents are identified and diagnosed through the application of molecular and serological techniques. Plant pathogenic viruses are detected by biological indexing, molecular techniques (PCR), and serological testing (ELISA). Researches are being conducted on the etiology, molecular characterization, prevalence rates and control, epidemiology, isolation, identification and pathophysiology of the factors found in plants as well as bee viruses. The laboratory has been working on since 2014 and has completed doctoral and scientific research projects and studies. It also has master's degree thesis conducted on viruses, viroid, and phytoplasmic diseases in economically significant plant products like vineyards, tomatoes, peppers, corn, cucurbits, stone fruits, nuts, persimmon, and medlar.
Mycology Laboratory
The mycology laboratory is focused on identifying, characterizing, and quantifying fungal infections that affect plants and plant products. Numerous methods, including molecular tests and microscopic exams, are used to diagnose these diseases. Molecular characterization of disease agents is a significant area of study in the laboratory, where research is conducted to comprehend the biology and epidemiology of disease agents. These characterizations are employed in the identification of different disease agents, the analysis of their genetic makeup, and the investigation of linkages between diverse populations. Pests and diseases, along with potential chemical and biological controls, are also studied in the mycology laboratory.
Herbology Laboratory
In the Herbology Laboratory, studies are carried out on weeds in agricultural and non-agricultural areas. Additionally, researches are performed on a number of subjects, including weed resistance to herbicides, new methods for applying herbicides, identifying weeds and highly parasitic plants, adjusting the dosage of herbicides, controlling invasive plant species, side effects of herbicides, biological control of weeds, and alternative herbicide control strategies.