The Department of Phytosanitary Safety and Control in Plant Growing of the Main Department of the State Service for Food and Consumer Protection in Kharkiv region once again reminds of the high probability of the introduction of gregarious species of locusts (migratory locust and Italian locust) into the territory of our region. This pest has been actively developing and spreading in the Dnipropetrovsk and Kherson regions this year. In addition, the warm and humid weather of July, the presence of a large amount of green mass at various stations create ideal conditions for the development and spread of locusts.
Currently, only non-migratory species are recorded in the Kharkiv region in places of their permanent reservation on non-arable lands. Their number is still below the threshold of harmfulness, and the settlement of crops has not been detected. However, due to the high potential threat of locust spread, we strongly recommend that heads of executive bodies, local governments, heads of agricultural and farm enterprises and the population organize and conduct constant inspections of crops and non-agricultural lands. Particular attention should be paid to places of possible locust reservation (in particular, gullies, wastelands, pastures, meadows, abandoned and uncultivated lands, lands along railway tracks, highways, etc.).
Chemical treatments are carried out in case of exceeding the economic threshold of harmfulness. For gregarious species (Italian cockroach, migratory locust), this threshold is 2-5 specimens per sq. m, and for non-gregarious ones - 10-15 specimens per sq. m. The bulk of gregarious locust larvae should be eliminated during their development in the 3rd–4th age. Spraying is best done in the morning and evening, using insecticides according to the "List of pesticides and agrochemicals permitted for use in Ukraine".
When carrying out protective measures, regulations for the use of plant protection products and safety precautions should be strictly observed. It is necessary to notify the population and apiary owners in advance about the time, place and details of protective measures.
If you detect any signs of mass accumulation or migration of gregarious locust species, immediately notify the Department of Phytosanitary Safety and Control in Plant Growing by phone: (057) 725-19-08.