Special plant protection measures have been introduced in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk and Kherson regions after locust infestations were detected, although authorities warn there is still a risk the pest could spread to other parts of the country.
The State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection (Derzhprodspozhyvsluzhba) told Ukrinform that the special plant protection regime is currently in effect only in the two affected regions.
"At present, the special plant protection regime due to locust outbreaks is in force only in the Dnipropetrovsk and Kherson regions. At the same time, there remains a possibility of further spread of the pest," the agency said.
In the Dnipropetrovsk region, phytosanitary monitoring conducted last week identified migratory locusts (Locusta migratoria L.), with densities reaching 30 to 40 insects per square meter in some locations. As a result, a special plant protection regime has been imposed over an area of 30 hectares.
In the Kherson region, the measures cover approximately 155 hectares, and a buffer zone has been established around the affected area. According to the agency, widespread locust mortality has been observed in the region as of June 30.
