Gyeonggi-do Takes Preemptive Action Against 'Sonamu Heorinori' Damage... Aerial Pest Control Until July

Pine Nut Forests Covering Approximately 900ha in Pocheon, Namyangju, Gapyeong, etc.
1st Control from 21st, 2nd Control from 28th... 3rd Control Scheduled for July

Photo materials [Korea Forest Service]

[Asia Economy Reporter La Young-chul] Gyeonggi Province announced on the 15th that it will take proactive measures such as conducting aerial pest control to reduce the density of the 'Sonamu Heori Norinjae' (Pine Tree Waist Stink Bug), which adversely affects pine nut production, and minimize damage.

The 'Sonamu Heori Norinjae' is a pest that causes significant damage to pine nut production by sucking the sap from pine nut seeds during their formation period, preventing seed development.

It was first discovered in Changwon and Masan, Gyeongnam Province, in 2010. In Gyeonggi Province, it was first found in Haenghyeon-ri, Sang-myeon, Gapyeong-gun in March 2020, where the damage rate to pine nut cones reached 75.6%.

The province plans to conduct the first aerial pest control from the 21st to the 24th, and the second from the 28th to July 1st. A third round of pest control will be carried out additionally in July.

However, to maximize the effectiveness of pest control, the detailed schedule may be changed or adjusted depending on weather and damage conditions.

The target area for pest control includes approximately 900 hectares of pine nut forests in Pocheon-si, Namyangju-si, and Gapyeong-gun.

The pest control will be conducted using 'organic agricultural materials' pesticides during the early morning hours from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., when temperatures are lowest, with support from the Korea Forest Service helicopters.

Dangerous areas within 150 meters of high-voltage power lines or areas at risk of damage from pest control will be excluded from the aerial pest control zones.

Efforts will also focus on identifying the most effective pesticides through a 'pest control effect comparative analysis.'

This aerial pest control is based on the timing and methods derived in April by related organizations, expert groups, and pine nut association officials.

The province especially plans to concentrate aerial pest control during June and July, the peak damage period for pine nut cones, to minimize damage.

Lee Seong-gyu, Director of the Provincial Forestry Division, said, "Since pine nuts are a representative forest product of Gyeonggi Province, we will focus on minimizing damage to pine nut farmers through proactive and systematic pest control efforts." He also urged, "The Beekeeping Association should pay close attention to bee management in accordance with the aerial pest control schedule."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.