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PROTECTION MEASURES AGAINST HARMFUL WHEAT BUG (EURYGASTER
INTEGRICEPS)
Dusmurotova Kamola Elmurot qizi
Student of Samarkand State University named after Sharof Rashidov
Maxmatmurodov Alisher Ulmasovich
Professor at Samarkand Institute of Agro-Innovations and Research
Javliyev Sunnat
Assistant at Samarkand State University named after Sharof Rashidov
Abstract:
This article provides information about the damage caused by the harmful wheat bug
to wheat fields and the measures to control it.
Keywords:
wheat, bug, chemical control, biological control, agrotechnical measures, pesticides,
larva.
Introduction:
In our republic, cereal grain crops are the main source of food. To increase yield
and produce high-quality crops, proper implementation of agrotechnical practices, creation of
new varieties, and protection of plants from diseases and pests are urgent issues. Among the
chewing pests in wheat cultivation, the harmful bug (Eurygaster integriceps Put.) causes
significant economic damage. This pest is found in Central Asia, the Caucasus, Transcaucasia,
southern parts of European Russia, Western Europe, and all countries of the Middle East [2][3].
The adult harmful bug measures 10–12 mm in length; its div color ranges from yellow to
yellowish-gray, with a marbled pattern on the surface. The larva differs from the adult bug by its
smaller size, more rounded div, and absence of wings. In early stages, the larva is almost
semicircular and yellowish-brown; as it grows, it elongates and its color lightens. From the
second instar, the larva’s scent gland openings (Maxotin) become visible. By the fifth instar,
wing buds and shield-like structures appear on the dorsal thorax. Larvae reach 8–10 mm in
length. The bug’s eggs are spherical and greenish, with a diameter of about 1.1 mm. Parasitized
eggs turn dark.
This pest overwinters as an adult, hiding among weeds, under their roots, under fallen leaves, or
sometimes in the topsoil and plant debris. In Central Asia, most bugs migrate to mountains for
overwintering, sheltering under stones or vegetation. When the temperature in overwintering
sites reaches 17–20°C in March–April, bugs fly to the crop fields.
The bug’s feeding causes yellowing and drying of the middle leaf in young plants, sometimes
killing them entirely. The wounded areas secrete sap, which hardens and accumulates a whitish
substance—a clear sign of bug presence. After emergence from overwintering sites, bugs quickly
start laying eggs on both sides of wheat leaves, mainly on the underside. Each female lays 100–
180, sometimes up to 300 eggs in two rows, over approximately one month. Eggs hatch in 6–16
days. Initially, larvae cluster on leaves, feeding on sap at the egg hatch site, then move upward to
feed. The larval period lasts 15–30 days. In Central Asia, bugs develop wings in May–June.
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New generations begin moving to mountains for summer diapause in early June. Many bugs
enter summer diapause without interrupting their winter dormancy, though some show short
activity in autumn, feeding on cereal plants near overwintering sites. Old bugs mostly die off by
then. The bug’s life cycle is univoltine (one generation per year) [2][3].
Data shows that these pests can cause up to 23.9% yield losses in wheat, with severe infestations
reducing yields by 50–70%. Therefore, developing and implementing integrated control
measures against this pest is essential.
Control methods combine agrotechnical, chemical, and biological approaches. According to
researchers X.X. Kimsanboyev and B. Boltayev from the Plant Protection Department,
integrated agrotechnical measures are effective against chewing pests. For example, irrigation in
early September improves soil moisture, followed by soil leveling and preparation for sowing in
late September. Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are adequately applied during soil
preparation. After sowing wheat, nitrogen fertilizers and irrigation are applied in mid-November,
continuing until mid-December depending on climate. Further irrigations with nitrogen
fertilization continue from mid-February to mid-April. Soil cultivation takes place from early
June to early August, with organic, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers applied in late July and
August. Timely implementation of these measures against chewing pests is crucial for achieving
high wheat yields [2][3].
Chemical control plays a vital role in pest management. Pesticides act quickly on harmful
organisms. Currently, pesticides such as Karate 5% EC, Kinmiks 5% EC, BI-58 (new), Sumi
Alpha 5% EC, Desis 2.5% EC, Talstar 10% EC, Fury 10% EC, Actara 25% EC, Mospilan 20%
EC, and Regent 80% EC are widely used against chewing pests in wheat with high efficiency.
When one or two bugs are found per square meter, treatments with BI-58 (1.5 l/ha), Bulldog (0.5
l/ha), or Kinmiks (0.2 l/ha) are recommended [2][3]. Studies show that treated fields have higher
yields than untreated ones.
Biological control options against the harmful bug are limited. Natural enemies such as
telenomine wasps, ants, birds, and pathogenic organisms restrict their population under natural
conditions. In Central Asia, parasitism by parasitoid wasps on adult bugs has been observed.
When parasitism reaches 50%, or a 1:3 ratio of parasite to host is present, chemical treatments
may be unnecessary [4]. In some districts of Uzbekistan, bug eggs have been found to be fully
parasitized by egg parasitoids, highlighting the importance of utilizing overwintering stocks of
these natural enemies.
Conclusion:
An integrated approach combining agrotechnical, biological, and chemical methods
provides high efficiency in controlling the harmful bug. Developing ecologically safe and
economically feasible strategies against this pest is essential in agro-industrial production.
Preserving and enhancing natural entomophages, monitoring pest populations, and applying
chemical treatments only when necessary will improve future pest management systems.
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References:
1.
Кимсанбайев Х.Х., Кадирходжайев А., Зуйев В., Сулаймонов Б.А. Вредители и
болезни паслёновых овощных култур и меры борбы с ними. Учеб.пос. Т.: 2006.- 145 с.
2.
Sulaymonov B.A., Kimsanbayev X.X., Rashidov.M, Boltayev.B, Ortiqov.U, Ma’rupov.A,
Yusupov.A, Nosirov. B, Mo‘minova.R, Shukurov.X. O‘simliklarni kimyoviy himoya qilish va
toksikologiya asoslari fanidan laboratoriya mashg’ulotlari. ToshDAU nashr tahririyati. 2010 y
3.
Xamrayev A.Sh. va boshq. “G’alla va sholini zararkunanda kasalliklar va begona
o‘tlardan himoya qilish” Toshkent, 1995.
4.
Hamroyev A.Sh. Nasriddinov K "O‘simliklarni biologik himoya qilish". T.2003.
