Dangerous insects: cicada and Japanese beetle threaten the harvest!

Dangerous insects: cicada and Japanese beetle threaten the harvest!

In Brandenburg, farmers are increasingly concerned about the reed leafhopper, a small insect that can cause significant damage to plants. Potatoes and sugar beets are particularly affected, as they are affected by bacterial pathogens transmitted by the leafhopper. Agriculture consultant Fabian Blöchl warns of the possible crop failures that are threatened by the spread of the cicada. A high incidence of these pests has already been identified in the Märkisch-Oderland district. ProSieben reports that the damage in Baden-Württemberg has already resulted in losses worth millions.

The reed leafhopper is not just a problem for potato and sugar beet growers. According to information from ISIP, the insect is also considered a vector for various bacterial pathogens that can cause diseases such as Stolbur syndrome. These diseases endanger yields and the quality of the harvest because the cicada can quickly transmit these pathogens.

Just harmful?

The mobility of the cicada creates additional challenges: it flies in several waves throughout the growing season, which makes the use of pesticides more difficult. Due to the situation, the plant protection service has already approved the use of insecticides, with emergency approvals having been in force since May 2023. In addition to the cicada, there are also other pests such as the rapeseed flea beetle, which attacks young rapeseed plants. The situation is becoming increasingly problematic for agriculture and regular monitoring measures are essential.

But it's not just the cicada that causes alarm. The Japanese beetle, which can also be responsible for numerous damages to plants, is also perceived as a threat. The beetle can attack orchards, vineyards, forests and gardens, endangering hundreds of plant species. So far, the finds in Brandenburg are still small, but the experts warn of the possibility that the animals are brought in by travelers and freight traffic. Attractant traps have already been set up at BER airport to keep an eye on the Japanese beetle population.

The importance of insects

The current developments cannot only be seen at a local level, because insect deaths are affecting Germany and the whole world. According to the Insect Atlas, the threat to insects is already taking on threatening proportions. Intensive farming and the use of pesticides have led to a sharp decline in animal actors in agriculture. These insects are not only pests but also essential pollinators for many crops, especially fruits and vegetables.

The publication of the insect atlas addresses the dangers that the industrial agricultural industry brings with it. The hesitant policies at national and European level that should affect insect protection are critically examined. Upcoming conferences, such as the 15th World Conservation Conference in China, could play a role in protecting these important animals.

Overall, a worrying picture emerges: insects are of central importance to agriculture and entire ecosystems, and the current trend should give us serious pause. Agriculture must adapt to this, and politicians are called upon to bring about a rethink in order to counteract the harmful influences.