Worm experts report cicadas posing a threat to asparagus and rhubarb plants
In a recent development, farmers in the region have been grappling with an infestation of the reed glass-winged cicada, a species known for its glass-like wings, in their perennial crops. The infestation has been observed in asparagus, rhubarb, carrots, red beets, and potatoes.
Contrary to initial concerns, the infestation itself does not pose a direct threat to human health for these crops. Eating asparagus, rhubarb, carrots, or red beets from a cicada-infested field is safe for humans. However, the cicada's presence can cause cosmetic damage or stress to young plants, and its aggressive nature has been more apparent than previously thought.
The reed glass-winged cicada seems to prefer the warmth provided by foil, commonly used on asparagus fields in the region, for its development. This preference could potentially exacerbate the infestation.
Currently, there are few suitable plant protection products available for the reed glass-winged cicada, especially in organic farming. Integrated pest management strategies, which rely on monitoring and non-chemical controls, are often employed instead.
Despite the challenges, there is no documented major impact of the reed glass-winged cicada on perennial crops affecting food supply. No relevant search results address the impact on food supply, the use and suitability of plant protection products, or the potential for its spread in Europe.
However, the cicada's ability to lay eggs on the same field year after year poses a persistent problem for farmers. The cicadas fly to neighboring fields earlier, causing further damage there. This persistent infestation has led to significant crop losses in the past, particularly in potatoes and beets.
In response to this issue, an expert team is currently observing other plants for potential infestation. The expert plans to discuss the matter with politicians at both the national and European levels to find a solution. The expert also believes that the reed glass-winged cicada should be removed from the red list of endangered species, considering its current impact on agriculture.
In summary, while the infestation of perennial crops by the reed glass-winged cicada is a persistent challenge for farmers, there is no confirmed evidence of a major impact on food supply or a potential for invasive spread in Europe. Further detailed, region-specific research would be required for a conclusive risk assessment.
The expert team is considering science-based strategies to prevent the further spread of the reed glass-winged cicada to health-and-wellness-related fields such as fitness-and-exercise, given its affinity for warm surfaces like the foil commonly used in asparagus farming.
In light of the persistent infestation causing significant crop losses, especially in health-and-wellness crops like potatoes and beets, polices regarding the re-classification of the reed glass-winged cicada on the red list of endangered species may need to be reviewed for the benefit of both the cicada and the agriculture sector.
