In the city of Novoukrainka, Kirovograd region, a quarantine regime was introduced due to the attack of the western corn bug.

This is stated in the order of the Novoukrainsky regional state administration, the State Food and Consumer Service reports.

The pest was discovered on the territory of the agricultural enterprises "Zernovik" and "Russia". Phytosanitary measures have now been identified to localize and eliminate the foci of the quarantine organism.

Corn beetle

For information, the birthplace of the Western corn beetle is North America, where about $ 1 billion is spent annually to combat it. The same amount includes losses incurred by agriculture from the activity of the pest.

This bug got to Europe in the 90s of the last century. He ended up in Russia in 2011 (Rostov Region), and in Ukraine in 2001 (in Transcarpathia). According to modern research, the current individuals of the Western corn beetle found in Europe come from three different populations that came to the mainland independently.

In addition to corn, the pest feeds on crops such as soy and alfalfa. It is interesting that a few years ago in the United States GM corn, resistant to this bug, was bred, but it evolved and began to eat it.