Kazakhstan trials smart pheromone traps to revolutionize pest control in apple orchards

Kazakhstan is testing a new plant protection system in an apple orchard. The innovation uses smart pheromone traps with digital forecasting to monitor pests. It is a joint effort between local researchers and Chinese experts. The project involves the Zh. Zhiembayev Kazakh Research Institute of Plant Protection and Quarantine working with Chinese specialists. They have developed eco-friendly pheromone traps that capture pest insects using synthetic sex pheromones.

The smart traps detect pests in real time. Data is sent automatically to specialists for tracking population changes and predicting outbreaks. This helps improve forecast accuracy and reduce crop losses.

The system is currently being trialled at the Dikhan family farm in Almaty Region. Its success could lead to wider adoption in Kazakhstan’s agribusiness sector. The technology may eventually extend beyond fruit trees to field crops. The digital monitoring system optimises the use of plant protection measures. It also builds a database for better phytosanitary forecasting. The pilot project represents a key advance in modernising Kazakhstan’s agricultural pest control.