Authorized plant protection products that are approved against other pests but also work on the harmful beetle will be approved for use as a matter of urgency
In response to the publicized problem with the enemy black goldwhich causes desiccation in stone fruit species in the country, BABH begins to develop a Strategy for comprehensive control of the dangerous pest.
The strategy will be ready in the first months of next year, reported Agro Plovdiv prof. Olya Karadjovadeputy executive director at the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) with plant protection and plant protection products portfolio.
For this purpose, an interdepartmental working group has already been formed with the participation of scientists from universities and institutes of the Academy of Agriculture, experts from the BFSA and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
“The black grub is a known pest that we have controlled over the years. So far, we have not received a single report from producers or branch organizations about the fact that this year has caused such serious damage to stone fruits – cherries, plums and others. Recently, a letter arrived from the National Branch Chamber “Fruits and Vegetables”, in which it is insisted that a Program for the control of this pest be created”, explained Prof. Karadjova.
She specified that the BFSA cannot develop a Program, as the program is a political decision tied to the financing of farmers to fight black gold. similar programs have been in place for years to control tomato spotted moth and wireworms. “We will make a comprehensive strategy against black gold, which will include not only the application of plant protection, but also agrotechnics,” added the deputy executive director.
The BFSA will have to urgently review the permitted plant protection products, the characteristics of which do not include the fight against black gold. Some of them also work against this pest. The job of the second working group that will be created in connection with the problem that has arisen is to decide which of the authorized bioagents can be applied against the harmful beetle. The European practice will also be studied. The second working group requires the signatures of two ministers – of agriculture and of environment and water.
“Right now the black goldfish is not doing any harm as it is in winter dormancy. The larvae that feed on the roots are dangerous for plants. Plant protection against them cannot be carried out right now, it will have an effect if it is applied in the spring,” Olya Karadjova pointed out.
According to the expert, one of the reasons for the black gold rush to reach a peak in its distribution (calamity) is the ban on plant protection products, which in the past were effective against the pest.
Another reason may be the transfer of the insect from Bulgarian nurseries or from imported planting material. The nurseries will be visited, from which the fruit growers suffered for purchasing saplings when creating the gardens. It is possible to import seedlings from third countries, which is prohibited, pointed out Prof. Karadjova.
The third reason is the neglect of the gardens. “What I saw in a TV report was an abandoned orchard that was not taken care of, and this led to the heavy multiplication of the black gold in it,” said Prof. Olya Karadjova.
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Considering the potential environmental impacts, how will the new control strategy balance the need for effective pest management with the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices?
## Interview with Experts on Black Gold Control Strategy
**Introduction:**
Welcome everyone to World Today News. Today, we’re discussing the growing concern about black gold infestation in Bulgarian stone fruit orchards. This destructive pest is causing significant damage, prompting the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency to develop a new control strategy. Joining us today are two distinguished experts: Professor Olya Karadjova, deputy executive director at the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency for plant protection and plant protection products, and [Name of Second Guest], [Title and Affiliation of Second Guest].
**Section 1: Scope of the Problem**
**Interviewer**: Professor Karadjova, can you elaborate on the extent of the black gold problem? What are we seeing in stone fruit orchards, and how has it escalated recently?
**Professor Karadjova:** …
**Interviewer:** [Second Guest Name], you are actively involved with fruit growers. What are their key concerns regarding this pest, and have there been any noticeable changes in crop yields or orchard health due to black gold?
**[Second Guest Name]:** …
**Section 2: Development of the Control Strategy**
**Interviewer**: Professor Karadjova, the BFSA is working on a new control strategy. What are its main goals, and what approaches will it encompass?
**Professor Karadjova:** …
**Interviewer**: What role will plant protection products play in this strategy? The article mentions the need to review existing products and potentially authorize new ones. Can you shed more light on this aspect?
**Professor Karadjova:** …
**Interviewer**: [Second Guest Name], how do you see the new strategy impacting fruit growers in the long term? What are your hopes for its effectiveness?
**[Second Guest Name]:**…
**Section 3: Prevention and Sustainable Practices**
**Interviewer**: The article mentions potential contributing factors to black gold’s spread, including neglect of orchards, the possible ban on certain plant protection products, and the use of imported planting material. Can you elaborate on these factors and the lessons learned from past practices?
**Professor Karadjova:** …
**Interviewer**: How can we better educate fruit growers about preventative measures and sustainable practices that can minimize the risk of black gold infestation?
**[Second Guest Name]:** …
**Interviewer**: Professor Karadjova, what are the next steps in the development and implementation of the black gold control strategy? When can we expect to see concrete actions taken?
**Professor Karadjova:**…
**Conclusion**:
Thank you both for your valuable insights and expertise on this important issue. We hope this interview has shed light on the challenges posed by black gold and the proactive steps being taken by the BFSA to protect Bulgarian stone fruit orchards.
As we move forward, it’s crucial to continue the dialog between scientists, policymakers, and fruit growers to achieve a sustainable and effective control strategy against this damaging pest.
