National demonstration/trial on biopesticides use against locusts organized in Kyrgyzstan
FAO
2024.06.12
For the first time ever in Kyrgyzstan, demonstration trials are being carried out with biopesticides against locusts, by the Department of Chemicalization, Plant Protection and Quarantine of the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic (DCPPQ), and with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Kyrgyzstan is affected mainly by the Italian and Moroccan locusts, which can create severe damage to agriculture if not managed properly. Locust treatments are so far being conducted with chemicals, which are efficient but affect non-target organisms and can also have negative impact on human health. Instead, the biopesticide based on fungus Metarhizium acridum attacks only locusts and grasshoppers, with no negative impact on human health and the environment, in addition of being efficient. It is however relatively slow acting as it can take from 4 to 21 days to achieve the required effects, depending on the developmental stage of locusts. Although it cannot fully replace chemical treatments, especially in case of locust emergency, its use is highly recommended by FAO, especially but not limited to in ecologically sensitive areas.
With a view to promote the use of such biopesticide, a three-day demonstration/trial was organized on 22-24 May in Panfilov district of Chuy region of Kyrgyzstan. Twenty hectares of fields and pastures infested by young hoppers of Italian Locust (Calliptamus Italicus) were treated, with the assistance of an FAO Expert on biopesticides, who also delivered on-the-job training to the benefit of 15 participants at this occasion. Close monitoring of locust mortality was ensured afterwards by DCPPQ specialists.
For the first time ever in Kyrgyzstan, demonstration trials are being carried out with biopesticides against locusts, by the Department of Chemicalization, Plant Protection and Quarantine of the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic (DCPPQ), and with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Kyrgyzstan is affected mainly by the Italian and Moroccan locusts, which can create severe damage to agriculture if not managed properly. Locust treatments are so far being conducted with chemicals, which are efficient but affect non-target organisms and can also have negative impact on human health. Instead, the biopesticide based on fungus Metarhizium acridum attacks only locusts and grasshoppers, with no negative impact on human health and the environment, in addition of being efficient. It is however relatively slow acting as it can take from 4 to 21 days to achieve the required effects, depending on the developmental stage of locusts. Although it cannot fully replace chemical treatments, especially in case of locust emergency, its use is highly recommended by FAO, especially but not limited to in ecologically sensitive areas.
With a view to promote the use of such biopesticide, a three-day demonstration/trial was organized on 22-24 May in Panfilov district of Chuy region of Kyrgyzstan. Twenty hectares of fields and pastures infested by young hoppers of Italian Locust (Calliptamus Italicus) were treated, with the assistance of an FAO Expert on biopesticides, who also delivered on-the-job training to the benefit of 15 participants at this occasion. Close monitoring of locust mortality was ensured afterwards by DCPPQ specialists.
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