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Impact of Abnormal Climate Conditions… Warning Issued on Barley Mites in Canola Fields and Tomato Leafminers

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Busan Metropolitan City Agricultural Technology Center (hereinafter referred to as the Center) announced that it will investigate the current damage situation and provide response guidance and precautionary information to farmers and citizens, as pest occurrences have recently increased in the canola landscape agriculture complex at Daejeo Ecological Park and in greenhouse tomato farms due to abnormal climate conditions.

This survey was conducted by comprehensively analyzing the growth status of canola and the extent of barley mite damage as of March 2026, along with the results of the on-site technical support team for crop pests and diseases.

[Barley Mites in Canola Flowers] The Nakdong River canola landscape agriculture complex (approximately 410,000㎡), a representative landscape agriculture site in Busan, is a major tourist and healing destination visited by many citizens each year. However, during the winter of last year (2025), the occurrence of barley mites* increased sharply, causing reduced growth and withering damage to canola.

*Barley mites: winter-active pests with black bodies and red legs that mainly damage crops by feeding on the underside of leaves, causing symptoms such as wilting and discoloration

According to the survey, damage occurred in a total of 25 fields, with an affected area of approximately 211,300 square meters (㎡) (about 63,900 pyeong), accounting for about 51.1 percent (%) of the total canola cultivation area.

In particular, damage such as sap-sucking on canola leaves, growth stagnation, and seedling death was confirmed, with damage tending to concentrate in areas with dry soil conditions.

As a result, some fields are expected to experience delayed growth and reduced flowering density, and it is analyzed that the quality of the canola landscape this year may be somewhat lower than in previous years.

[Tomato Leafminer] In addition, according to the operation results of the on-site technical support team for tomatoes this year, the quarantine pest tomato leafminer has been detected in greenhouse tomato farms in Gangseo-gu, requiring caution.

The tomato leafminer is a pest that damages leaves, stems, and fruits, and can cause reduced yield and quality deterioration when it occurs, making early monitoring and control essential.

To enhance control effectiveness, the Center is promoting regular monitoring and pest control guidance by installing pheromone traps and distributing dedicated control agents, and is urging tomato growers to maintain thorough management and vigilance.

Meanwhile, in response to this outbreak of pests and diseases, the Center plans to promote ▲improvement of soil conditions and recovery of growth in canola fields ▲continuous monitoring of pests and diseases ▲strengthening of eco-friendly control measures ▲technical guidance and establishment of a rapid response system for tomato growers ▲establishment of an agricultural management system to respond to abnormal climate conditions.

In addition, the Center will promptly and accurately inform the public of the damage situation and response plans through press releases to enhance public understanding and make every effort to manage landscape quality.

Yu Mi-bok, Director of the Busan Metropolitan City Agricultural Technology Center, stated, “As the patterns of pest and disease occurrence are changing due to recent abnormal climate conditions, farmers must thoroughly carry out monitoring and early control,” adding, “We will continue to minimize damage to farms and ensure the stability of urban agriculture through field-oriented technical support and rapid information provision.”