The population of noctuid moths has been
spreading at a high speed in grassland around China this year. A total of 342
acres of grassland in 18 provinces have suffered from the damage done by June
6. Noctuid moth, globally alerted by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization
of the United Nations), is considered as one of the cross-border migratory
pests. This type of pest mainly damages corns, sugarcane, sorghum and other
crops. Nearly 100 countries have alreaady suffered from this problem.
The pest started to invade Yunan and Guangxi
provinces in January, coming from Southeast Asian countries. It is anticipated
that a great number of noctuid moths will migrate from the North of China to
huang-huai-hai region and its northern area from June to August with the summer
monsoon getting stronger, posing a great threat to corn.
On June 5, the Chinese government held an
executive meeting, pointing out the measures to control the great number of
noctuid moths. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the Ministry
of Finance funded RMB 500,000,000 for emergency control of noctuid moth in
disaster area.
On June 6, the General Office of Ministry
of Agriculture and Rural Affairs issued an emergency brief to the agricultural
departments around the countries, strengthening the monitoring system at all
spots, paying high attention to damages corns, sugarcane, sorghum and other
crops which are sensitive to the pest.
Chinese government recommends 25
insecticide products regarding Emergency control
China has recently lacked an efficient cure
for noctuid moths. As a result, the expert group of General Office of Ministry
of Agriculture and Rural Affairs listed the following measures based on their
discussion according to regulations on the control of agricultural chemicals.
First, specify the types of emergency insecticide
products. In terms of the principle of efficiency, safety and
cost-effectiveness, the Chinese government recommended 25 insecticide products
after the expert group's discussion. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Affairs should choose the recommended insecticides to farmers.
Second, strengthen the control of emergency
insecticide products. The agricultural department in different places should
supervise enterprises, strengthening casual inspections, and impose relevant
punishment in accordance of the law on those which commit illegal acts such as
selling fake insecticide products so as to ensure the quality of these
products.
Third, improve the guidance service of these
products. The agricultural department should enhance the monitoring and early
warning system for noctuid moths and provide more training classes for farmers.
Guidance should be offered on the spot so that farmers have a chance of
learning how to choose an appropriate insecticide product according to the
circumstances. Farmers also needs to pay more attention to the crops with
insecticides. Once they find that the crops are growing unhealthy under the
treatment of insecticide, actions have to be taken immediately such as
reporting it to the local agricultural department.
Fourth, restrict the time of using
insecticides. Famers should use emergency insecticide products for the regular period
of noctuid moth and the need for its control. It is temporarily regulated that
the time of using these products is to December 31, 2020.
For more information about China's crops market, please have a look at our monthly newsletter Crop Farming China E-News.