Sangju, Gyeongbuk Province, Reports Invasion of Spotted Lanternfly... Emergency Control Measures Underway

As a Result of Joint City-County Inspections, Discovered More Than a Month Earlier Than Last Year

American snout bug.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Gwiyeol] The Gyeongbuk Provincial Agricultural Research and Extension Services confirmed on the 29th that a large outbreak of the invasive pest, the American wax scale, occurred in fields in Gongsung-myeon, Sangju during a joint inspection by the province, city, and county, and urgently allocated a budget to carry out pest control measures.

Along with climate change, the amount of pests and diseases has increased due to abnormal high temperatures last winter, and the occurrence period has been advancing.

In the case of the American wax scale, although the occurrence has decreased in recent years, it is characterized by a rapid mass outbreak once the environment is suitable.

On July 19, during a joint inspection for invasive pests by the province and city/county, adult and larval American wax scales were found at the boundary between forest areas and farmland in five myeon including Gongsung-myeon, Sangju.

Accordingly, Gyeongbuk Province urgently provided an additional 20 million KRW to Sangju on top of the 75 million KRW pest control budget.

The American wax scale is an invasive pest introduced from the North American continent, hatching around May and becoming adults about two months later.

Damage to grapes caused by the American snout bug.

They overwinter as eggs, have one generation per year, and lay about 90 eggs per cluster on tree bark.

The larvae chew on leaves, and adults suck sap causing damage, while secreting wax substances that cause visual nuisance and soot mold on fruits.

This pest occurs simultaneously in forest and farmland areas and affects a wide range of tree species, so joint pest control is necessary.

Accordingly, the Agricultural Research and Extension Services continuously conducted monitoring of overwintering eggs and hatching periods from February to May, and collaborated with the forestry department for joint pest control from May to July.

The province and Sangju city are conducting individual pest control by farmers and drone aerial spraying as needed over about 920 hectares of affected fields and nearby forest areas, and plan to prevent spread through subsequent comprehensive inspections and additional pest control.

Shin Yongseup, Director of the Gyeongbuk Provincial Agricultural Research and Extension Services, said, “We will activate all inspection and pest control systems to prevent the spread of agricultural pests including the American wax scale within the province,” and added, “We ask farmers to pay attention to pest outbreaks due to climate change and report promptly.”

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