Red spider mites have caused extensive crop losses in northwestern Libya, particularly affecting fruit and vegetable trees in the Wadi Al-Hai agricultural project. The infestation is worsened by climate change, notably reduced rainfall and rising temperatures, leading to rapid reproduction of the mites. Farmers express frustration over ineffective pesticide use, while experts call for integrated pest management strategies to combat the problem effectively.
In northwestern Libya, the red spider mite, a minuscule yet highly damaging pest, has inflicted severe crop losses amidst escalating climate challenges. Measuring less than half a millimeter, these mites feed on a plethora of plants, draining their sap and causing significant wilting and fruit drop. Farmers at the Wadi Al-Hai agricultural development project have reported extensive devastation to their fruit and vegetable crops due to this infestation, which has markedly intensified in recent years. According to Fathi Al-Tahir, a specialist in plant protection affiliated with Libya’s Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, “the pest was not a big problem in the past…but it has worsened in recent years and has become unprecedentedly brutal, due to climate changes that have clearly affected Libya.” The expansive Wadi Al-Hai project spans approximately 12,000 hectares and features over 400 farms that primarily cultivate fruit trees—such as figs, pomegranates, and grapes—as well as various vegetables, as confirmed by Ali Ibrahim, the project manager. Ashour Suwaisi, coordinator of the agriculture and livestock sector in Garyan municipality, indicated that the infestation’s reach has extended to neighboring cities, indicating a regional threat. Characterized by rapid reproduction and adaptability to diverse climates, red spider mites have established themselves as one of North Africa’s most notorious agricultural pests. They first infiltrated the region during the mid-20th century, likely through imported seedlings from Europe and Asia. Some farmers, such as Jamal Breim, have witnessed alarming increases in infestation, revealing that, “the pest first appeared on my farm in 2017, infecting 1,400 fig trees and 1,200 pomegranate trees at an unprecedented speed.” Breim expressed frustration with the ineffectiveness of pesticides due to their poor quality, labeling the response from the government and international agricultural organizations as inadequate. The changing climate appears to significantly expedite the pests’ proliferation, particularly over the past two years. In Wadi Al-Hai, annual rainfall has plummeted from 270 millimeters to just 50 millimeters, amid rising temperatures and increased dust storms. Al-Tahir noted, “in recent years, we have witnessed unusually high temperatures in the spring and autumn, which has increased the spread of [this] and many other agricultural pests.” Complications arise from pesticide resistance, which decreases the efficacy of commonly used treatments against the mites. Rachid Boulmatat, a research assistant at the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), cautioned against reliance on acaricides, stating, “there are reports of significant resistance to these pesticides.” Boulmatat advocates for improved quarantine systems and the implementation of comprehensive pest management strategies. Mohamed Amrani from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for thorough monitoring and laboratory analysis for pesticide validation. The repercussions of the red spider mite outbreak are considerable, according to Abdul Majeed Al-Baghdadi, leading the management committee at Libya’s National Center for Prevention and Agricultural Quarantine. He noted that the pest has spread extensively throughout the nation and that plans for a campaign to combat the issue depend on both budget availability and stable security conditions.
The article addresses the increasing menace posed by the red spider mite in Libya, particularly in the context of climate change. It elaborates on how the pests thrive in arid conditions that have been exacerbated by recent climatic changes, contributing to severe infestations that threaten agriculture. The focus on agricultural efforts in Wadi Al-Hai underscores the economic and food security implications of the mite’s spread, highlighting the challenges that farmers face in mitigating its effects. Furthermore, the article considers the broader regional impact and historical context of the pest’s introduction to North Africa.
The situation concerning the red spider mite in Libya illustrates the profound impact of climate change on agricultural productivity. As the mites proliferate in response to higher temperatures and diminished rainfall, farmers struggle against increasing crop losses and the ineffectiveness of available pesticides. The necessity for better management strategies, including enhanced training for farmers and effective monitoring systems, is crucial for addressing this emerging agricultural crisis.
Original Source: phys.org
