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.
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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.
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