Busan's iconic spring tourist attraction, the Nakdong River rapeseed landscape complex, is suffering pest damage linked to abnormal climate conditions, raising concerns over declining scenic quality. The discovery of quarantine pests at greenhouse tomato farms has triggered a region-wide pest emergency across local agriculture.
The Busan Agricultural Technology Center announced on the 23rd that a recent survey of the Daejeo Ecological Park rapeseed landscape complex and greenhouse tomato farms in Gangseo District found that more than half of the rapeseed fields sustained damage from barley mites.
The survey revealed damage across 211,300 square meters — 51.1% of total acreage — in 25 rapeseed cultivation plots. Barley mites are winter-active pests that suck leaf sap and inhibit plant growth. This year, damage was concentrated in areas with dry soil conditions, with seedling death and growth arrest also confirmed. Analysts expect this year's rapeseed bloom density and landscape quality to fall below normal levels.
Warning signs also emerged in greenhouse farming. Tuta absoluta, a quarantine pest commonly known as the tomato leafminer moth, was detected at tomato farms in Gangseo District, raising concerns about reduced yields and quality deterioration. The high-risk pest attacks leaves, stems and fruit. Delayed early response could trigger rapid spread of damage.
The Agricultural Technology Center has launched emergency measures including installing pheromone traps, distributing specialized pesticides and sending text alerts to farmers. The center also plans to pursue comprehensive countermeasures such as improving soil conditions at rapeseed fields, managing growth recovery, strengthening eco-friendly pest control and establishing a permanent surveillance system.
"Pest occurrence patterns are shifting due to recent climate anomalies, so farmers must thoroughly conduct surveillance and early pest control," a center official said. "We will continue to minimize farm damage and ensure the stability of urban agriculture through field-centered technical support and swift information delivery."