How to Protect Crops from Locusts: Key Recommendations for Farmers

Ukrainian farmers are actively preparing for a potential locust invasion, which could lead to significant crop losses. Due to favorable weather conditions for the reproduction of these pests in neighboring regions and considering previous experiences, preventive measures are being intensified in Ukraine, and new counter-strategies are being formed.

This is reported by AgroReview

Mass Reproduction of Locusts: Risks to Crops

Locusts are one of the most dangerous pests, capable of quickly moving over large distances and destroying vast areas of crops. Their swarms can completely devastate agricultural land in a short time. In recent years, local outbreaks of locust activity have been recorded in Ukraine; however, the risk of a large-scale invasion remains elevated. This is especially relevant considering global climate changes that facilitate the spread of the pest.

Crops most affected by locusts include grains, vegetables, and legumes, as well as pastures. The destruction of crops leads to significant economic losses and can impact food price increases.

Situation in Kherson Region: Outbreak of Italian Locust

In the Borozenska rural community of the Berislav district in the Kherson region, a mass reproduction of locusts, specifically the Italian locust (Calliptamus italicus), has been recorded. This has been confirmed by the State Service for Food Safety and Consumer Protection. Sunflower crops have been particularly affected, with high temperatures and prolonged drought being the reasons for the pest’s spread.

“Damage to sunflower crops has been detected. The spread of the phytophage was caused by favorable weather conditions — high air temperatures and prolonged drought,” the agency explained.

A special plant protection regime has already been implemented in this area, and the responsible services are taking all necessary measures to localize and eliminate the centers of mass locust reproduction. This serves as a signal for farmers in the Kherson, Mykolaiv, Zaporizhia, and Dnipropetrovsk regions, who must be prepared for the potential spread of the pest.

Comprehensive Measures to Combat Locusts

Ukrainian scientists, together with specialists from the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food, are implementing multi-level strategies to counter locusts, including:

• Monitoring and Forecasting: Systematic observation of locust populations and their migration routes allows for timely responses to threats. Modern technologies, including drones and satellite monitoring, are being utilized for the rapid detection of reproduction centers.
• Chemical Protection: When large swarms of locusts appear, insecticidal protection is employed, prioritizing products that are safe for bees, other beneficial insects, and the environment.
• Biological Methods: The use of biopreparations based on fungi and bacteria — natural enemies of locusts — is being considered. They are environmentally safe and effective in the long term.
• International Cooperation: Ukraine maintains connections with international organizations and neighboring countries to exchange information and coordinate actions, as locusts do not recognize state borders.
• Informing Farmers: Farmers receive detailed recommendations on early detection of the pest and methods to combat it. An important aspect is the prompt reporting of locust appearances to relevant services.

Success in combating locusts depends on the interaction of all participants in the agricultural sector — from scientists and government structures to each individual farmer.

Despite the measures developed, success in combating locusts largely depends on the coordinated work of all links — from scientists and government structures to each farmer. It is important to remember that early detection and prompt response are key to minimizing losses.