Turkey releases 1.65 million samurai bees to combat brown marmorated stink bug in Black Sea farms

The Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has intensified its fight against the brown marmorated stink bug, a pest that damages hazelnut orchards and other crops in the Black Sea region. Under the agency’s action plan, a total of 1.65 million samurai bees will be released nationwide this year, with 350 000 set free so far – 175 000 this week and the remainder scheduled for early July.

Regional officials say the biological control is combined with mechanical, chemical and biotechnical measures. Early field checks show the released bees parasitising stink‑bug eggs, reducing the need for pesticide sprays. The programme, overseen by the Black Sea agricultural director Kemal Yılmaz and institute researcher İlyas Deligöz, also involves local administrations and farmers. Plans for 2025‑2026 aim to expand releases to 129 000 bees across 85 districts, targeting further reductions in pest populations.