From May 26 to June 5, 2025, a team led by Professor Hu Xiaoping from the College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, conducted an 11-day pest and disease survey and technical training program in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. The initiative aimed to systematically assess the current status of agricultural pests, diseases, and weeds in Central Asia, and to provide scientific guidance and technical support for local agricultural production. The survey covered Bishkek, Talas Region, and Issyk-Kul Region in Kyrgyzstan, as well as Jambyl, Almaty, and Taraz Regions in Kazakhstan. The team focused on pests and diseases affecting wheat, apple trees, and grassland ecosystems, particularly invasive plant species. The findings and training activities contributed fresh momentum to the sustainable development of agriculture in Central Asia.

Kyrgyzstan: Intensified Pest Threats Amid Drought; Ulex Invasion Endangers Grasslands

From May 26 to 30, Professor Hu’s team conducted field investigations at 16 sites across diverse elevations ranging from 702 to 2,350 meters in Kyrgyzstan. Survey targets included Puccinia striiformis (stripe rust), Pyrenophora tritici-repentis (tan spot), Eurygaster integriceps (sunn pest), wheat stem flies, Yponomeuta malinellus (apple ermine moth), and the invasive grassland species Ulex europaeus (gorse). Results indicated sporadic occurrence of wheat stripe rust in Talas Region, with severe infestations of sunn pests and Ipomoea weeds. In Issyk-Kul Region, wheat stripe rust was found at multiple sites, alongside widespread alfalfa fusarium and verticillium wilts. Barley leaf spot was recorded in Sokuluk District of Bishkek. Of particular concern is the rapid spread of deep-rooted Ulex europaeus , which is unpalatable to livestock and poses a serious threat to pastoral farming. Drought was a common challenge across surveyed sites, significantly exacerbating pest and disease spread.

To address these issues, the team conducted a series of technical training sessions. On May 26, Professor Hu delivered a lecture on plant disease monitoring and early warning technologies to students and faculty at Kyrgyz National Agrarian University (Figure 1). From May 27 to 29, the team organized training sessions in Talas Region and Bishkek for major growers and agricultural technicians on wheat pest and disease control and the management of invasive plants (Figure 2). On May 30, local students and faculty were instructed in the field on how to install and use plant disease forecasting devices. These efforts provided local practitioners with advanced tools and greatly improved their pest monitoring and management capabilities.

Figure 1. Professor Hu Xiaoping delivering training on plant disease monitoring and early warning technologies to local students and faculty.

Figure 2. On-site training for agricultural technicians in Talas Region, Kyrgyzstan.

Kazakhstan: Severe Pest and Disease Pressure on Wheat and Apple; Technical Training Drives Agricultural Advancement

From May 31 to June 5, Professor Hu’s team surveyed 23 sites across Jambyl, Almaty, and Taraz Regions in Kazakhstan, focusing on Puccinia striiformis , thrips, sunn pests, and Venturia inaequalis (apple scab). The investigation revealed severe damage from wheat thrips, locusts, and barley stripe mosaic virus in Jambyl Region. In some areas, up to 80% of barley plants were infected, and thrips damage reached 100%. In Almaty Region, wheat fields were affected by stripe rust, leaf spot, and powdery mildew, while apple orchards suffered from scab and yellow aphid infestations. Drought, especially in the high-altitude Taldykorgan area, further intensified disease outbreaks.

On June 4, the team held a technical training workshop at Kazakhstan National Agrarian University for faculty from the Departments of Plant Pathology and Entomology. The training focused on pest and disease monitoring technologies and forecasting model development, and was highly praised (Figure 3). This training not only enhanced the expertise of local agricultural researchers but also laid a solid foundation for future Sino-Kazakh agricultural cooperation.

Figure 3. Professor Hu Xiaoping explaining pest and disease monitoring techniques and forecasting model development to faculty members in Kazakhstan.