A formidable pest of crops-the Moroccan locust-appeared in the southern regions of Russia. Specialists of the branch of the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Rosselkhoztsentr” in Stavropol Krai promptly responded to this threat by intensive survey of the territories and the implementation of effective control measures.

In Neftekumsk and Levokumsk districts of the region, pastures were checked for locust pests.

In Neftekumsk district, 13,800 ha were surveyed; larvae of Moroccan locusts were found on 7,200 ha. Average pest density was 25 individuals per square meter, maximum, 49 individuals. Such density was detected on the area of 0.5 thousand ha.

For information: economic locust threat starts at 2-5 individuals per square meter. 

Taking into account the gravity of the situation, on May 11 Olga Kuznetsova, the acting head of the branch of Rosselkhoztsentr for Stavropol Territory, came to these areas to assess the scale of the problem and to work out a package of protective measures together with farmers and representatives of related structures.

“Some farms of Neftekumsk district (OOO Agrofirma “KIC”, AO “Kayasulinskoye” and others) already received insecticides from the regional budget in the amount sufficient for processing 5 thousand hectares and this work continues. The specialists of Stavropol Rosselkhoztsentr set tasks for the agrarians to carry out urgent treatments,” explained Olga Viktorovna.  “So far, only 500 hectares of pastures have been treated as weather conditions hold them back. The situation in the Levokumskiy district of Stavropol Krai is less tense. Out of 18 thousand ha, 0.9 thousand hectares were infested by single locust specimens; they carefully monitor pastures. In case of mass hatching, chemical treatments will also be initiated here in the nearest future.”

Information from Rosselkhoztsentr

The Moroccan locusts reproduce in late April to early May, when the temperature remains above 17°C. The adults are capable of hatching and are able to fly long distances (up to 50 km a day).

During their migrations, the insects fly in huge flocks several kilometers wide and up to one meter thick. The locusts are polyphagous, damaging leaves of cereals (wheat, corn, barley, millet), legumes (alfalfa, clover), sugar beets, and various vegetable and melon crops. Young plants are eaten completely. On mature plants, they often bite their stems, making damaged crops look like cut flowers.

Source: Agroxxi.ru