Release of Parasitoid Insects Begins for Biological Pest Control

According to information provided by the ministry, upon detection of their presence in the country, the Department of Agriculture and Agricultural Research Institute, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, continuously conducts surveys in citrus plants in various regions to monitor the spread and population of insects. Necessary methods were determined, and work commenced under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Serdar Satar from Çukurova University.

In the initial stage, greenhouses covering an area of ​​1500 square meters were established at the Turkmenköy Research Station, and host plants were grown. Pests (Diclorides citri) and Asian citrus psyllids were collected from nature and released onto the plants under cover.

These efforts were planned with the aim of propagating natural enemies, specifically the parasitoid insect called Tamarixia radiata, brought from America.

With the participation of Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources Hüseyin Çavuş, 7000 parasitoid insects were released today in the Gazimağusa, Nicosia, Güzelyurt, and Mesaoria regions, previously identified as citrus areas.

At the Turkmenköy Research Station, 500 insects were released under cover to propagate parasitoid insects and ensure the sustainability of the system.

The goal is to produce and release 100,000 parasitoid insects throughout the year to suppress and control the quarantine pest and the citrus greening disease, a significant threat to citrus, through natural methods."