2024-03-22 09:26:29
In two months, the first safe conclusions are expected regarding the effectiveness of the program to combat the “black spiny mealybug”, a harmful organism that affects the citrus crops of Arta, Preveza and Thesprotia, as well as many other regions of the country.
Although the “black mealybug” does not destroy the fruits, it is responsible for their blackening, which reduces their commercial value, as it makes them virtually unmarketable.
Given that the use of available insecticides does not have good results and that in our country and in the rest of the European countries there are no natural enemies that can fight it, the scientists of the Benakeio Phytopathological Institute, to whom the Region of Epirus addressed, traveled from Hawaii to Vietnam, where they finally identified a hymenopteran parasitoid of the insect. After the relevant approval from the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, the first experimental releases of the parasitoids have already taken place, with the estimates being initially optimistic, as there seems to be a relative reduction.
“We hope that this action will have an effect, because the problem has spread and is creating a big problem for citrus producers. 40% of the production has been “disturbed” by the black mealybug”, said the deputy governor P.E. Artas Vassilis Psathas, explaining that the problem does not only concern the Epirus region, nor only citrus crops, as the insect “blackens” other trees, vines and even flowers.
Pending the results of the parasitoid, the phytosanitary services of the Region are giving instructions on the level of protection, recommending good pruning of the trees and other plants affected by the mealybug.