Kazakhstan trials smart pheromone traps to revolutionize crop protection

Kazakhstan is testing a new plant protection system that combines smart pheromone traps with digital forecasting. The technology aims to improve crop defence by monitoring pests in real time. A pilot project is currently running in an apple orchard in Almaty Region. The system uses pheromone traps to attract and capture male pest insects. By disrupting reproduction, it protects crops without chemical treatments. Synthetic sex pheromones lure the pests into the traps, which then collect data automatically.

Smart sensors in the traps detect pests and build a database for phytosanitary forecasting. The information is sent online to specialists, who track pest population trends and predict future outbreaks. This digital monitoring improves forecast accuracy, reduces crop loss risks, and helps optimise plant protection measures.

The project is a joint effort between the Zh. Zhiembayev Kazakh Research Institute of Plant Protection and Quarantine and Chinese experts. It is being tested at the Dikhan family farm, where its effectiveness is being assessed. The pilot could expand into a universal solution for phytosanitary control across Kazakhstan’s agribusiness sector. The system may eventually be used not only for fruit trees but also for field crops. This marks an important step toward a broader digital monitoring network for plant health in the country.