Sunn Pest - Unlocking the Mysteries of an Ancient Problem

Breaking NEWS!!!!

The Iranian Institute of Plant Protection (IRIPP) and the University of Vermont (UVM) in collaboration with the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) are organizing the 4th International Congress on Sunn Pest Management to be held at IRIPP headquarters in Tehran, Iran, October 10-12, 2017*. In view of the importance of this pest, as it accounts for annual grain losses of 20-30% in barley, and 50-90% in wheat in Central and West Asia and Eastern Europe, this Congress is planned to review the progress and recent advances in Sunn Pest management from 2004 through 2016. Another major goal is to develop international collegiality among Sunn Pest researchers and managers. All interested people are invited to attend this event to contribute through presentations, posters and/or participation in discussions. Click HERE to View the Flyer.

* Note the original dates were October 1-3, 2017, but were changed due to a religious ceremony.

The Sunn Pest is one of the most serious pests of wheat and barley in West Asia, where over $42 million (U.S.) is spent for its control. Yield loss from its damage is commonly estimated at 20-30% in barley and 50-90% in wheat. This insect damages these crops by feeding on leaves, stems and grains. During feeding they also inject chemicals that greatly reduce the baking quality of flour made from damaged wheat. If 2-3% of the grain is damaged, entire lots may be ruined because the flour will be unpalatable and the bread won't rise. Heavy attack causes wheat stems to break before harvest.

The Sunn Pest refers to a group of insects representing several genera of the 'shield bug' (Scutelleridae) and 'stink bug' (Pentatomidae) Families, with the species Eurygaster integriceps being the most economically important. Sunn Pest is found in parts of North Africa, throughout West Asia and many of the New Independent States of Central Asia.

Large areas of wheat sometimes remain unharvested because Sunn Pest damage is so severe. This insect also attacks barley, though damage is usually low. Large outbreaks of Sunn Pest generally occur every 6 to 8 years and can potentially cause yield losses of tens of millions of dollars.

Breaking NEWS!!!! The Iranian Institute of Plant Protection (IRIPP) and the University of Vermont (UVM) in collaboration with the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) are organizing the *4th International Congress on Sunn Pest Management* to be held at IRIPP headquarters in Tehran, Iran, October 10-12, 2017. In view of the importance of this pest, as it accounts for annual grain losses of 20-30% in barley, and 50-90% in wheat in Central and West Asia and Eastern Europe, this Congress is planned to review the progress and recent advances in Sunn Pest management from 2004 through 2016. Another major goal is to develop international collegiality among Sunn Pest researchers and managers. All interested people are invited to attend this event to contribute through presentations, posters and/or participation in discussions. Click HERE to View the Flyer. Note the original dates were October 1-3, 2017, but were changed due to a religious ceremony.

The Sunn Pest is one of the most serious pests of wheat and barley in West Asia, where over $42 million (U.S.) is spent for its control. Yield loss from its damage is commonly estimated at 20-30% in barley and 50-90% in wheat. This insect damages these crops by feeding on leaves, stems and grains. During feeding they also inject chemicals that greatly reduce the baking quality of flour made from damaged wheat. If 2-3% of the grain is damaged, entire lots may be ruined because the flour will be unpalatable and the bread won't rise. Heavy attack causes wheat stems to break before harvest. The Sunn Pest refers to a group of insects representing several genera of the 'shield bug' (Scutelleridae) and 'stink bug' (Pentatomidae) Families, with the species Eurygaster integriceps being the most economically important. Sunn Pest is found in parts of North Africa, throughout West Asia and many of the New Independent States of Central Asia. Large areas of wheat sometimes remain unharvested because Sunn Pest damage is so severe. This insect also attacks barley, though damage is usually low. Large outbreaks of Sunn Pest generally occur every 6 to 8 years and can potentially cause yield losses of tens of millions of dollars.