Italian Locusts Spread Massively in the Fields of Kherson Region and Threaten the Harvest

In the Borozenska rural territorial community of the Berislav district in the Kherson region, there is a significant spread of Italian locusts (Calliptamus italicus), which are causing serious damage to agricultural crops, particularly sunflowers.

This is reported by AgroReview

Mass Breeding of the Pest Due to Weather Anomalies

The main reason for the increase in locust numbers has been the prolonged drought and high temperatures, which have created ideal conditions for the rapid reproduction of this polyphagous pest. Local farmers are already reporting damage to crops, threatening yields in the region.

“Currently, a special plant protection regime has been introduced in the Borozenska rural territorial community of the Berislav district in the Kherson region. All necessary measures are being taken to localize and eliminate outbreaks of excessive locust populations,” the statement reads.

Recommendations for Farmers in Kherson, Mykolaiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipropetrovsk Regions

Experts urge agricultural enterprises and farmers in affected and neighboring regions to act promptly to minimize losses:

• Conduct urgent inspections, primarily in abandoned lands, pastures, wastelands, meadows, and along roadways, especially in the morning or evening when locusts are less active.
• If the threshold of harmfulness is exceeded (2–5 individuals per m² for Italian locusts, 10–15 individuals per m² for non-swarming species), it is recommended to use permitted insecticides according to the State Register of Pesticides and Agrochemicals.
• If chemical treatment is necessary, local authorities and beekeepers must be informed about the time and place of spraying, specifying the name, degree, and duration of the toxicity of the preparation. Treatments should be conducted in calm weather during morning or evening hours, with prior notification to beekeepers.

Adhering to these recommendations will help localize pest outbreaks and preserve the harvest in affected regions.