Stolbur plant disease also detected in Saxony

There are also cases of the plant disease Stolbur in Saxony. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, both Stolbur and the pathogen SBR and the reed glasswing cicada, which is the disease vector, have been detected regionally in the state. Individual cases of the two pathogens have already been detected in the state in previous years, but economic damage has only been caused in one case so far.

The German Farmers' Association recently warned of the rapid spread of the reed glasswing cicada in Germany. According to the report, the insect has spread from Baden-Württemberg via Rhineland-Palatinate, Bavaria and Hesse further north, and has also been discovered in Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt.

Crop losses are imminent

According to the ministry, a mixed infection with Stolbur and SBR in combination with the cicada's adapted development cycle currently results in a high potential for damage. Sugar beet and potatoes in particular are at risk of major crop losses.

According to the ministry, the infestation and occurrence in Saxony are not yet comparable with the situation in south-western German states, but an increase in damage is to be expected. The plant protection service has therefore significantly expanded its monitoring of the cicada flight and plant inspections. The development in sugar beet, potatoes and vegetable crops is being closely monitored.

Prevention possible during cultivation

Preventive measures are mainly possible during cultivation. For example, farmers should not plant winter wheat after sugar beet and potatoes in order to deprive the cicada offspring of their food source. The ministry also recommends SBR-tolerant sugar beet varieties. Sowing and harvesting should preferably take place early and the soil should be consistently tilled.

Stolbur and SBR cannot be controlled directly. The use of certain plant protection products with emergency authorizations against the reed glasswing cicada is possible - but only in defined regions if the responsible state office has called for this with the official warning service, according to the ministry.