Photo: SuperAgronom.com
As of August 6, monitoring surveys conducted in basic farms of the Ivano-Frankivsk region have shown infestation of soybean crops by spider mites, as well as plant damage by diseases.
This is reported by the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection.
The weather conditions this season are favorable for the development and spread of pests and diseases. That is why insecticidal and fungicidal crop protection is of particular importance now. Timely treatments will help prevent significant crop losses and avoid economic damages.
“The most dangerous pest remains the common spider mite, which damages over 150 plant species. It infests the underside of leaves, feeds on plant sap, causes mottling, premature wilting and leaf drop, reduces seed weight, and can lead to premature ripening and cracking of pods,” the report states.
High air temperature contributes to the rapid infestation of crops. Optimal conditions for the development of spider mites are temperatures of 29–31°C, air humidity of 35–55%, and a hydro-thermal coefficient of 1.1. At the same time, high humidity combined with temperatures above 35°C also stimulates its reproduction. During the soybean growing season, the pest is capable of developing 3–4 generations.
Specialists from the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection of Ivano-Frankivsk region recommend not waiting for visible signs of damage to appear. Preventive insecticidal and fungicidal treatments are most effective, providing protection to plants from pest infestation and disease development.
“To prevent the mass spread of spider mites, thistles, and the development of soybean diseases, we recommend that farmers conduct protective treatments with authorized insecticides and fungicides in accordance with the State Register of Pesticides and Agrochemicals Allowed for Use in Ukraine. At air temperatures above 25°C, treatments are best carried out in the morning or evening hours,” specialists add.
Current weather conditions also require special attention when working with pesticides and agrochemicals. It is necessary to strictly adhere to the safety regulations and sanitary-hygienic requirements of DSP 8.8.1.2001-98.
Recall, Yuriy Drobiazko spoke about how to protect soybeans from spider mites at the pod formation stage.
Pest Guide
Read about agricultural pests
Olena Basanets, SuperAgronom.com
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