A Pest That Destroys Walnut Crops is Spreading Massively in Ukraine

A massive spread of the walnut husk fly (walnut husk borer) has been recorded in Ukrainian orchards, causing significant damage to walnut fruits.

This is reported by AgroReview

Extent of Damage and Spread of the Pest

Experts note that in some plantations, the level of walnut damage by this pest reaches 40–50%. According to entomologist Yevheniy Khalayim from the National Nature Park “Tuzlivski Lymany,” the walnut husk fly originates from the Mediterranean and the Balkan Peninsula. It enters Ukraine through two main routes: via the Black Sea-Carpathian corridor from Bessarabia and along the Black Sea coast from Crimea. The first sightings of the pest in Ukraine were recorded in Georgia, later in 2005–2006 in Crimea, in 2008 in the Zaporizhia region, and in 2012 in the Odesa region.

Impact of the Walnut Husk Fly on Walnut Yields

According to specialists, the walnut husk fly lives under the green skin of the fruit, not damaging the kernel; however, due to its activity, the walnut fails to ripen properly, darkens, and loses its marketable appearance.

“The insect lives under the green skin of the fruit and does not damage the kernel, but the walnut fails to ripen properly, darkens, and loses its marketable appearance,” noted Khalayim.

Experts emphasize that this creates serious problems for walnut producers, as a significant portion of the harvest loses its consumer properties and market value.