Farmers in alarm: Black beetles and bark beetles are mass destroying orchards in the country

The Fruits and Vegetables Branch Chamber in Bulgaria is expressing significant concern over the severe damage caused by the pests, Black Gold (Capnodis tenebrionis L.) and the Bark family, to perennial crops such as cherries, sour cherries, plums, and apricots. The damage is widespread, with some regions experiencing up to 100% loss, particularly in Sliven, Karnobat, and Burgas. The situation is critical, with more than half of the planted areas destroyed and production expected to decrease by up to five times in the coming years. The situation is worsened by the ban on most chemical insecticides, leaving few control options and limiting the effectiveness of biological methods. The chamber is urgently calling for the development of a national strategy to address these pests and provide support for farmers to prevent further losses and the potential collapse of the fruit production industry.

With great concern and insisting on immediate action, the Fruits and Vegetables Branch Chamber warns of serious damage caused by the enemies Black Gold (Capnodis tenebrionis L.) and the Bark family, which are currently causing massive damage to perennial crops in Bulgaria. "Cherries, sour cherries, plums and apricots are among the most affected crops, with damage already reaching an irreparable 100% in some regions. This is not only an ecological, but also an economic catastrophe, which threatens the future of the entire sector", says a letter to Agri.BG on behalf of the chairman of the chamber, Tsvetan Tsekov. The seriousness of the situation is unprecedented - the attacks are spreading at an unprecedented rate, and in areas such as Sliven, Karnobat and Burgas, already more than 50% of the planted areas have been completely destroyed. Cherries and sour cherries are the most affected, but damage from these enemies also affects other fruit species, such as apples. The damage in ...