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Photo: SuperAgronom.com
As of August 6, monitoring surveys conducted in baseline farms of the Ivano-Frankivsk region have shown the infestation of soybean crops by spider mites, as well as damage to plants by diseases.
This is reported by the State Service for 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 protection of crops is of particular importance now. Timely treatments will help prevent significant crop losses and avoid economic damage.
“The most dangerous pest remains the common spider mite, which damages over 150 types of plants. It infests the underside of leaves, feeds on plant sap, causes their marbled appearance, premature drying 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 can develop 3–4 generations.
Specialists from the State Service for Food Safety and Consumer Protection of Ivano-Frankivsk region recommend not waiting for visible signs of damage to appear. Preventive insecticidal and fungicidal treatments that provide protection to plants from pest infestation and disease development are most effective.
“To prevent the mass spread of spider mites, thistles, and the development of soybean diseases, we recommend that farmers carry out protective treatments with authorized insecticides and fungicides in accordance with the State Register of Pesticides and Agrochemicals Approved for Use in Ukraine. At air temperatures above 25°C, treatments are best carried out in the morning or evening hours,” the specialists add.
Current weather conditions also require special attention when working with pesticides and agrochemicals. It is necessary to strictly adhere to safety regulations and sanitary-hygienic requirements of DSP 8.8.1.2001-98.
Recall that Yuriy Drobiazko explained how to protect soybeans from spider mites at the pod formation stage.
Olena Basanets, SuperAgronom.com
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