Pests and diseases add to climate pressures on Turkish agriculture
Şevval Aydoğan-ISTANVUL
In recent years, the agricultural sector has been struggling not only with climate-related disasters, such as drought, frost, hail and excessive rainfall, but also with diseases and pests that cause yield and quality losses in crops. While producers are trying to reduce the impact of changing climate conditions, they are also implementing chemical, biological and mechanical control measures against fungal diseases and invasive pests.
Currently, hazelnuts, pistachios and almonds are among the crops most affected by agricultural pests, with yield losses reported to reach up to 20 percent in some regions.
The brown marmorated stink bug has emerged as the most prominent agricultural pest in recent years, affecting the yield and quality of hundreds of agricultural products.
