From June 22 to 28 of the current year, within the territory of the Sochi park named "Dendrarium," under the agreement on scientific cooperation between the All-Russian Research Institute of Biological Plant Protection (VIZR), subordinated to the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance, and the Sochi National Park, experts from the VIZR organization, together with scientists from the Krasnodar region, successfully conducted trials of domestic pheromones against the Red Palm Weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier, 1790). This dangerous invasive pest causes serious damage to valuable palm species and is listed as a quarantine organism in various countries, including Russia.
During the trials, specialists from the All-Russian Research Institute used traps and pheromones of their own design, considering the unique approach developed at the scientific center in the Moscow region of Bykovo. The trap and lure designs, impregnated with synthetic Red Palm Weevil pheromone, demonstrated their effectiveness in combating insect pests.
The next stage of the trials is scheduled to start in early autumn due to the biological characteristics of the studied objects. Until this period, researchers will continue laboratory tests, including the analysis of insect samples collected during the June tests.
The research results will be published in scientific journals and formalized with corresponding patents. However, today it is already possible to note a significant success in the fight against this insect. The ecologically safe solution being developed will become virtually the only way to preserve and protect the main trees of the southern regions of Russia, as the use of chemical preparations is legislatively prohibited there.
In modern agriculture, forestry, and horticulture, effective plant protection measures are indispensable, with biological and environmentally friendly methods being particularly in demand.
One of the effective tools for monitoring and controlling harmful insects is pheromone traps. Their use for tracking pests is much more efficient than manual monitoring and allows successful resistance to harmful organisms through mass trapping. Traps provide effective control over insect pests without spatial restrictions.
To date, the All-Russian Research Institute of Biological Plant Protection holds one of the leading positions in Russia in the development and production of pheromone and color traps. The institute has more than 80 types of pheromones available for combating dangerous pests.
