The harmful turtle threatens the harvest in the Nizhny Novgorod region.

      On May 27, 2026, at 16:50, Society reported that a particularly dangerous pest, the harmful tortoise bug, has been detected in the winter grain crops in the Nizhny Novgorod region. This information comes from the plant protection department of the branch of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Rosselkhoztsentr" for the region.

      The pest is capable of infesting not only winter but also spring grain crops. The insects emerge to the surface at temperatures of 16-17 degrees, and mass migration to the fields begins at 18-19 degrees during the daytime. Specialists warn that in hot and dry weather, the population and harmfulness of the wheat bugs may increase.

      By piercing the stem at the base during the initial emergence of plants into the tube and sucking sap from still undeveloped tissues, the bug causes wilting and death of the central leaf, and then of the entire plant. If the crop does not die, growth is slowed down due to the toxic effects of enzymes introduced by the pest with its saliva.

      To prevent serious damage and obtain quality food and seed grain, farmers are advised to inspect the crops, and upon reaching the threshold population of the pest, to carry out chemical treatment.

      In addition, an increase in the population of the wheat thrips has been noted on winter grain crops. It causes the most harm during the tube emergence phase, sucking juices from the green, undeveloped parts of the plants. Damaged areas dry out and die, and severely affected plants do not shed their grains.

      The pest also affects young ears, sucking sap from the sheath of the upper leaf, glumes, floral membranes, and grains, which leads to delays in grain shedding and deformation of the ear.

      Earlier, residents of Kstovo complained about an invasion of wasps in their homes. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials for ages 18+.