An unusual field guide offering an overview of various insects commonly found in farmland has been published.
The Gyeonggi-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services announced on January 15 that it recently published a field guide titled 'Insects Encountered in Farmland,' which organizes the ecology of insects inhabiting agricultural land in the Gyeonggi region.
The institute explained that the guide was created to help farmers independently determine the optimal timing for pest control and natural enemy protection by providing information on insects actually observed in the fields.
The guide categorizes 86 species into pests, beneficial insects, and wild insects. For each species, it presents details on appearance, ecology, distribution characteristics, and role, as well as control methods, enabling immediate application to agricultural decision-making in the field.
To compile the guide, the institute conducted field surveys in four cities and counties: Icheon, Yeoju, Pocheon, and Yeoncheon.
Chapter 1 covers 51 species of harmful insects directly related to crop damage. It provides information on the appearance, ecology, patterns of damage, distribution areas, and control methods for each species, offering criteria for responding to pest outbreaks.
Cover of 'Insects Encountered in Farmland' produced by Gyeonggi-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services
Chapter 2 introduces 15 species of beneficial insects. It focuses on their roles, ecology, and habitat characteristics, aiming to help reduce pesticide use and promote biological control.
Chapter 3 includes 20 species of insects observed in natural environments. It summarizes their appearance, ecology, and distribution characteristics to aid understanding of the farmland ecosystem and to serve as a reference for developing natural enemy protection strategies.
The published guide has been distributed to more than 40 locations, including city and county agricultural technology centers and farms participating in farmland surveys. It is also available in PDF format on the Gyeonggi-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services website (nongup.gg.go.kr).
Ha Taemun, Director of the Eco-Friendly Microorganism Research Institute at the Gyeonggi-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services, stated, "We expect that accurate species information and ecological characteristics will enable the development of control strategies that can be applied in the field," adding, "We will continue to enhance the sustainability of agriculture in Gyeonggi Province through field-oriented research and the provision of practical resources."
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