MELNYK P.1 ; USTINOV, I.D. 2
1 All Union Research Station
on Cancer of Potatos VNIIKR; Chernovtsy Region, UA - 275224 Boyany;
UKRAINE
2 Department Quarantine of
Laboratory; State Plant Quarantine Inspection, Str. Koloskova 7, UA - 252138
Kiev; UKRAINE
Ukraine is an important producer of maize. In 2000 the general area for sowings of this culture is equal to 1,300.000 ha. Its major part is situated in southwestern and southern regions. Taking into consideration all the above mentioned facts, every year Ukraine's National Phytosanitary Service monitors maize sowings for the presence of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera Le Conte. As it is already well known, this pest is very close to Ukrainian borders. The considerable menace of its introduction into the territory of Ukraine is forecasted from Hungarian and Rumanian directions. Pheromone traps, synthesized in Moldova and Hungary, were used as means of monitoring. They were installed in the areas of probable introduction of the pest.
The conducted analysis for the effectiveness of the traps revealed no signs of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera in Ukraine.
At the same time scientific institutions of Ukraine started their own investigations. The Research Center of Pheromone traps is one of these institutions. In 1999/2000 one synthesized six similar analogies of natural pheromones of the female beetle Diabrotica virgifera virgifera. Their effectiveness was tested along with the effectiveness of the traps from abroad. Because of the absence of this pest, there is no possibility, to draw comparative conclusions today.
Also, new researches are being done, elaborating proper directions for the selection of maize hybrids according to their resistance against Diabrotica virgifera virgifera. It is combined with the process of training of specialists in this field in educational and scientific institutions.