Hazelnuts ruined, skunk invasion in the Black Sea

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Lerato Khumalo

The invasive brown-coloured skunk has become the new pest of agricultural lands in Turkey. This species, which flew from Georgia in 2017, spread in the Black Sea and Marmara Region over the years and began to damage agricultural products. While producers suffered a 40 percent loss of productivity due to the invasive species that attacked hazelnut trees this year, Samurai bees were imported from China to combat insects. skunk bug, Experts say that it lays nearly 400 eggs in 65 to 95 days and has a flight distance of 80 kilometers. They also pointed out that the invasive species entered homes and multiplied. The invasive skunk, which feeds on almost every plant, causes fruits to become bitter and rot, and also infects hazelnuts with diseases.

The invasive insect can lay 350-400 eggs. The loss in some hazelnut orchards due to the skunk is estimated to be 40 percent.

IT WILL INVADE EVERYWHERE

While it was emphasized that the increase in temperature in recent years increased the number of eggs laid by the skunk beetle, Baki Remzi Suiçmez, President of the Chamber of Agricultural Engineers, said: “Samurai bees were brought from China with the skunk beetle. However, the effects of these bees will be evident within 3, 4 years. Chemical control is risky because other Living creatures are also negatively affected by the drugs. While the attack of the invasive species in the Black Sea started in hazelnuts, we saw it spread to Yalova in the summer. “If immediate action is not taken against the skunk, this species will spread throughout the country within a few years.”

SPREAD IN 7 YEARS

Prof. from Artvin Çoruh University. Dr. Temel Göktürk stated that the skunk breeds more in areas close to the sea and said, “This invasive species first came to Artvin from Georgia by flying. At the same time, insects are also found in trucks and TIR bodies entering and exiting from the Sarp border gate. “The skunk beetle spread throughout the Eastern Black Sea Region within 7 years and reached as far as Istanbul,” he said.

REMEDY SAMURAI BEE

Pointing out that the invasive species feeds on all fruits that contain water, Prof. Dr. Gokturk; “While the skunk feeds on products with high economic value, the secretions it emits make the fruits bitter and causes brown spots. We do not know which crop the species, which is frequently seen in hazelnut fields this year, will damage next year. Our only hope is the Samurai bee. Because Samurai bees prevent the creature from hatching by placing its own egg inside the egg of this insect. “If we reduce the yield loss to 5 percent, we will consider ourselves successful in the fight against the invasive species,” he said.

Hazelnuts were ruined, skunk invasion in the Black Sea - Picture: 2
One of the methods of combating insects is simple applications called fly screens.

BENEFICIAL SPECIES DIE

Prof. from Ankara University Faculty of Agriculture. Dr. Cem Özkan also emphasized the effect of climate change and said, “Invasive species proliferate as the environmental temperature increases. This insect is a threat to the worldit. Since too many pesticides are used in the Black Sea Region, beneficial living groups that fight against species such as skunks are also disappearing. Ladybugs are one of the most important predators of the skunk species. Without wasting time, risk maps should be prepared and the distribution areas of skunks should be monitored. “Wrong pesticide applications can also strengthen the resistance of insects,” he said.

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