Occurrence and population dynamics of Eurygaster spp. (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae) in wheat fields of North Macedonia

This study records the occurrence and population dynamics of Eurygaster spp., important pests of wheat and other cereals, in North Macedonia during the 2025 growing season. Field surveys across several wheat-growing regions, including Sv. Nikole, Probistip, Kumanovo, Skopje and Bitola, showed unusually high adult infestations during the first inspection period (1 – 15th of May). In that period, the populations ofEurygaster spp. were more than 50% higher than in the previous year, indicating an exceptional early-season outbreak.Surveys were conducted through systematic field inspections using visual assessment and sweep net sampling, enabling reliable estimation of population levelsand ensuring comparability with previous years. However, by the second inspection (1 – 15th of June), the pests had virtually disappeared indicating a brief and early activity window of the pest likely linked to post-overwintering migration, ovipositionand rapid crop maturation. These findings emphasize the strong influence of climatic conditions and crop phenology on pest dynamics in 2025, with unusually high temperatures contributing to accelerated grain ripeningand limiting the feeding period. The results underline the importance of timely monitoring and targeted control within integrated pest management (IPM) programs. By improving forecasting and adopting region-specific IPM strategies, reliance on chemical pesticides can be reduced, while safeguarding cereal yield and quality. Such approaches are essential for the long-term sustainability and resilience of cereal production systems under changing climatic conditions.