MINSK, 31 January (BelTA) - Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko discussed the consequences of unusually warm winter with scientists following the ceremony to award Doctor of Science diplomas and professor certificates to academic, research and teaching staff on 31 January, BelTA has learned.
Addressing Aleksandr Zaprudsky, Director of the Institute of Plant Protection of the National Academy of Sciences, the president asked: "Given this unusual winter (it has never been so warm before), what can we expect in spring?"
The scientist explained that specialists are monitoring the situation in the regions, including Brest Oblast. "We are monitoring phytosanitary conditions. Certainly, the spring will not be easy. We will see what February will bring. Forecasts suggest it will be frosty. In general, it is good for us and bad for insect pests. We remain vigilant and conduct inspections when necessary," he said. "We closely monitor the situation with plant protection in all regions and districts."
"What should we pay attention to first of all?" Aleksandr Lukashenko asked.
"The mass emergence of pests" Aleksandr Zaprudsky said. He added that earlier April was the key indicator for assessing phytosanitary conditions, but "now we need to monitor them more carefully in February and March".
Speaking about the wintering of agricultural crops, Chairman of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences Vladimir Gusakov remarked that this winter is exceptional for Belarus. "We are conducting crop surveys in all regions. Scientists take samples, monitor the conditions," he said.
"So are the plants still dormant?" Aleksandr Lukashenko asked.
"So far, yes. If there is even a slight frost, everything will be preserved and there will be no problems or dangers, we hope," Vladimir Gusakov said.
"Next week, we expect frosts, with temperatures dropping to minus 15 degrees, mostly cloudy. There will be some freezing frosts with temperatures at minus 12-13 degrees. In a week's time, the temperature will drop again, and as you said, we hope for milder frosts up to minus 3 degrees. Regarding the south of the country, it will not be as cold yet. Perhaps we will need to feed the crops by March, or even earlier, as they have already used up a significant amount of nutrients," the president said.
"We are working out recommendations for all regions and farms," Vladimir Gusakov added.
The scientist explained that specialists are monitoring the situation in the regions, including Brest Oblast. "We are monitoring phytosanitary conditions. Certainly, the spring will not be easy. We will see what February will bring. Forecasts suggest it will be frosty. In general, it is good for us and bad for insect pests. We remain vigilant and conduct inspections when necessary," he said. "We closely monitor the situation with plant protection in all regions and districts."
"What should we pay attention to first of all?" Aleksandr Lukashenko asked.
"The mass emergence of pests" Aleksandr Zaprudsky said. He added that earlier April was the key indicator for assessing phytosanitary conditions, but "now we need to monitor them more carefully in February and March".
Speaking about the wintering of agricultural crops, Chairman of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences Vladimir Gusakov remarked that this winter is exceptional for Belarus. "We are conducting crop surveys in all regions. Scientists take samples, monitor the conditions," he said.
"So are the plants still dormant?" Aleksandr Lukashenko asked.
"So far, yes. If there is even a slight frost, everything will be preserved and there will be no problems or dangers, we hope," Vladimir Gusakov said.
"Next week, we expect frosts, with temperatures dropping to minus 15 degrees, mostly cloudy. There will be some freezing frosts with temperatures at minus 12-13 degrees. In a week's time, the temperature will drop again, and as you said, we hope for milder frosts up to minus 3 degrees. Regarding the south of the country, it will not be as cold yet. Perhaps we will need to feed the crops by March, or even earlier, as they have already used up a significant amount of nutrients," the president said.
"We are working out recommendations for all regions and farms," Vladimir Gusakov added.
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