Invasion of steppe caterpillars deals new blow to agriculture

Specialists in the field of plants protection noticed the presence of some pests specific to this period in several districts of Moldova, like the steppe caterpillar, which causes concerns among both experts and farmers, Info-Prim Neo learned from a press release of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova (ASM). The director of the Institute for Protection of Plants and Ecological Agriculture (IPPAE) of ASM Leonid Volosciuc, alongside other experts of the institution, inspected the agricultural cultures, pastures and meadows, detecting these pests. The IPPAE director said that the Institute had predicted that the steppe caterpillars would get out of control before the growing season. Leonid Volosciuc explained that the emergence of the steppe caterpillars is extremely dangerous for crops and that the development of pests largely depends on climate conditions. “In these conditions, considering the complex forecasts regarding the plant health developments, it’s necessary to apply chemical treatments with products that resist high temperatures. It’s rational to use approved insecticides with mechanized means, including civil aviation, and to apply integrated protection systems, strictly respecting the waiting periods”, declared Volosciuc. The expert warns that in order to assure the maximum efficiency of protection treatments, it is absolutely necessary to respect the official recommendations and regulations according to the State Registry of plant protection products and fertilizers. Considering the extent of the problem, Leonid Volosciuc called for prevention measures against this group of pests, including the use opf autumn plowing, which destroys hibernating larvae.