Marble bug has become an aboriginal — Abkhazia is changing its tactics of struggle

The marble bug (Asian shield bug), which appeared in Abkhazia about eight years ago, finally took root and passed into the status of an aboriginal species. Mass accumulations of bedbugs, which are now observed in the republic, are a "calendar phenomenon". This was stated by the head of the Plant Protection Service of the Ministry of Agriculture of Abkhazia Vladimir Geria, presenting a new pest control strategy.

In the early years, when the number of bedbugs was huge and there were no natural enemies, it caused serious damage to the harvest of persimmons, figs and tangerines. However, the situation has changed significantly, Apsnypress quotes Geria as saying.

"We had no illusions that he would disappear, he stayed with us. But at the same time there were positive moments — there are insect predators that prevent its uncontrolled development," said the head of the service.

He stressed that the number of pests has significantly decreased compared to the initial period, and the percentage of crop losses has been reduced to a minimum.

The Ministry of Agriculture in the fight against this insect pest has switched to an integrated protection strategy. The Agency annually allocates funds and forms a reserve of chemical protection preparations for spraying the most vulnerable crops (nut, citrus, fruit and vegetable). In addition, fungicides are purchased to combat fungal diseases that the bug provokes (in particular on hazelnuts). These drugs are given free of charge to farmers and agricultural producers during the growing season.

Commenting on the situation in October, when there is a massive accumulation of bedbugs in and around residential premises, the specialist explained that this is a "calendar outbreak" associated with the diapause (hibernation) of the insect, and not with the actual growth of its population.

"It's not related to the fact that he suddenly multiplied. It has become much smaller than it was before. But in these autumn days we see him, because this is due to his vital activity," he said.

During the diapause, the Ministry of Agriculture does not recommend the use of chemicals, because at this time the bug does not feed and does not harm agricultural plants, and chemicals can destroy useful entomofauna.

Geria suggested making false wintering: using ordinary corrugated boxes stuffed with paper or rags. Insects will hide in them, after which the "wintering" can be safely disposed of by incineration.

To protect the crop during the active period of the pest (spring and summer), when chemical treatment is necessary, the Ministry of Agriculture uses full-spectrum insecticides. Geria summed up that in the reserve of the Ministry of Agriculture there are constantly two or three names of drugs of a similar spectrum of action, as well as means to combat concomitant fungal diseases provoked by the marble bug.