Special plant protection regime introduced in Dnipropetrovsk region due to locust outbreak. Monitoring intensified in two more regions

A special plant protection regime has been introduced in the southern Dnipropetrovsk region following the spread of migratory locusts. Pest hotspots were identified within the Zelenodolsk community of Kryvyi Rih district, according to the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection (SSUFSCP).

During phytosanitary inspections, migratory locust populations reached 30–40 insects per square meter in some areas. The special regime covers 30 hectares, where authorities will conduct monitoring, insecticide treatments, pest spread control measures, and provide notifications to beekeepers regarding protective actions.

No mass spread of locusts in agricultural crops has been recorded in Odesa region. As of June 22, specialists had inspected sunflower, corn, winter and spring cereals, as well as perennial grasses. No migratory locusts were found in crop fields.

Locusts were detected on 5% of surveyed perennial grass areas and 13% of non-arable land. Average population density ranged from 0.5 to 1 insect per square meter. Non-swarming species (grasshoppers and bush crickets) accounted for 98% of the population, while the Italian locust represented 2%.

The SSUFSCP warns that hot and dry weather conditions could lead to a rapid increase in locust numbers, particularly on non-arable lands, roadsides, and pastures. If food sources become scarce, the pests may migrate to the edges of cultivated fields. For this reason, authorities have issued an alert and recommended that farmers strengthen monitoring efforts.

Enhanced surveillance has also been announced in Kherson region. Although no mass outbreaks or locust bands have been detected on agricultural land so far, farms have been advised to regularly inspect non-arable areas, pastures, fallow land, and roadside strips due to the region’s proximity to the affected Zelenodolsk community in Dnipropetrovsk region.

According to the SSUFSCP, the greatest risk of large-scale locust breeding occurs on neglected lands, which can become centers of pest propagation. Farmers are urged to immediately report any mass concentrations of locusts to local authorities and take measures to localise infestation sites.