Chemical Plant Protection Products Research Articles

Bugs (hemiptera) of western siberia possible agents of biological control of phytophages

The increasing harmfulness of phytophages damaging agricultural and ornamental crops is associated with various factors, in particular with the expansion of the range of pest species and the development of resistance to the chemical plant protection products used. The search and regular replenishment of the assortment of entomocarifages is becoming important in the biological protection of plants for obtaining organic crop products. An alternative to using chemical pesticides is to use natural enemies. One of the promising and numerous suborders is the hemiptera or bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera). The paper provides an ecological and faunal description of zoophages and zoophytophages of the order Hemiptera found in the regions of the Novosibirsk region (Moshkovsky, Bolotninsky, Chulymsky districts), Altai Territory (Troitsky district) and the Altai Republic (Ust-Koksinsky district) during the growing season of 2023. Seven species belonging to three families of the bedbug suborder were collected: Nabidae (Nabis ferus, Nabis limbatus), Anthocoridae (Orius niger), Pentatomidae (Arma custos, Zicrona caerulea, Picromerus bidens, Pentatoma rufipes). The insects were kept alive for transportation to the laboratory and study of their biological characteristics. Three species were introduced into laboratory culture. The selection of conditions for keeping predatory insectoids continues to obtain a stable laboratory population and further use in crop production. As a result of the surveys of natural and agrobiocenoses, predation by Arma custos and Pentatoma rufipes on the larvae of the Colorado potato beetle was revealed.

Exposure dose, light distribution and wavelength affect the fate of introduced bacterial biological control agents in the phyllosphere of greenhouse grown tomato

Societal Impact StatementThe use of chemical plant protection products must be reduced to promote sustainability in food production. One possible alternative is biological control agents (BCAs), but their efficacy under commercial conditions does not always reach the standard of chemical control agents. Previously, light has been found to induce mechanisms in bacterial BCAs that can affect their distribution and establishment. This could promote BCA efficacy. We looked into how monochromatic and polychromatic (which is what growers use) light treatments affected the occurrence of three BCAs post‐application. By combining two non‐chemical methods: a biological (BCA) and a cultural (light) control method, this offers a new integrated pest control strategy.Summary The dynamics and functionality of beneficial and non‐beneficial, non‐phototrophic bacteria can be influenced by light quality. We investigated if light could aid the survival of three bacterial biological control agents (BCAs; Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DSM7, Pseudomonas chlororaphis 50083 and Streptomyces griseoviridis CBS904.68) in the canopy of greenhouse‐grown tomatoes at four light treatments. Tomato plants were exposed to 50 μmol m−2 s−1 of either polychromatic light (white) or monochromatic light (blue: 420 nm, green: 530 nm and red: 660 nm) using DYNA LED lamps for a total of 48 h post foliar application of the BCAs. Leaves were harvested from two levels in the canopy at the top and middle of each plant at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h post inoculation. The occurrences of the BCAs were quantified by plate count and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). S. griseoviridis persisted under most treatments, whereas P. chlororaphis and B. amyloliquefaciens preferred the polychromatic and green light treatments as depicted by the viable count analyses. Significant differences between the DNA and cDNA concentrations were only noted for P. chlororaphis, with prominent wavelength effects. Light exposure dose, placement in the canopy and wavelength were found to be decisive factors for BCA re‐isolation, indicating that they have different optimal light environments.

The Influence of Low Pesticide Doses on Fusarium Molds

The agricultural sector is a large consumer of synthetic chemical products, especially fertilizers and plant protection products. Therefore, an emerging concern nowadays is to reduce chemicals’ use in agriculture. One of the approaches is to reduce the doses of plant protection products, as much as possible, while keeping the treatments’ efficacy. The present work presents the antifungal action of three commercial plant protection products, tested at recommended as well as reduced doses, against important phytopathogenic molds of the Fusarium genus. In vitro, results have shown that two of the tested products could be used at reduced doses while keeping their antifungal activity. The commercial pesticide containing prothioconazole 53 g/L, spiroxamine 224 g/L, and tebuconazole 148 g/L mixture was able to inhibit completely the growth of three virulent F. culmorum strains, even when fungicide treatment was applied in 25% reduced dose. Lower efficacy was seen on F. graminearum strains, however, there were no significant differences (p < 0.05) between the commercially recommended dose and the 25% reduced dose. Another efficient pesticide in Fusarium control contains triadimenol 43 g/L, spiroxamine 250 g/L, and tebuconazole 167 g/L. Tested in a reduced dose (28.6% less than the commercial recommended dose) it completely inhibited the F. graminearum Fg183 (DSM 4527) strain and inhibited the growth of various F. culmorum strains with at least 97.50% efficacy. However, there are some fungal strains, such as the aggressive F. graminearum Fg96 strains that were less susceptible to pesticide treatments even at commercially recommended doses of fungicides.

Мировой рынок химических средств защиты растений: потенциальные потери урожая, тренды и перспективы производства пестицидов для экономики России

To ensure its food security and economic growth, Russia needs to monitor the global pesticide market because constant monitoring predicts supply stability and provides annual high yields. The article describes the current issues associated with agricultural pesticide, analyzes the development directions on the global pesticide market, and predicts its impact on the Russian economy. To analyze the global market of chemical plant protection products, the authors applied an integrated approach based on analysis, synthesis, analogy, comparison, and forecasting. The research relied on the domestic laws and standards issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance. Other sources included statistics obtained from foreign agencies (Phillips McDougal; Kynetec; NBS, China; Chemexcil, India) and Russian institutions (Rosstat, BusinesStat, Zerno.ru, etc.). The review included articles published in scientific and analytical databases, i.e., eLIBRARY.RU, AgroXXI, and AgroPages in 2018–2024. The analysis concentrated on India, China, and the Russian Federation. It covered absolute and relative harvest losses, as well as the market share of importing countries and key suppliers on Russian pesticide market. The demand for chemical pesticides continues to grow, despite restrictions or prohibitions of some hazardous pesticides. Some active ingredients were partially unavailable while finished formulations were subjected to import quotas. In 2024, Russia will be using as many chemical plant protection products as in 2023 since the domestic warehouses store large reserves. The weather conditions are likely to ensure optimal plant growth. Russian farmers will harvest about 142 million tons of grain, including 92–95 million tons of wheat. If repeated annually, this research may reduce the risk of harvest losses and allow the state to adopt prompt regulation measures to obtain high-quality products, thus increasing the domestic consumption and export potential.

CURRENT STATUS OF THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK IN THE PLANT PROTECTION AND ECOLOGY AND HYGIENE MONITORING DOMAIN IN UKRAINE

Presently chemical plant protection products are an inseparable part of agriculture. They have not only their main purpose of plant assistance, but they also have the potential risk of negative impact on biocenosis species (birds, bees, soil microflora, algae, etc.) and the human body and its health respectively. The purpose of our study was to aggregate data on the existing legal framework of plant protection products in Ukraine and assess their ecology and hygiene monitoring. For analysis of the plant chemical protection, we used as the basic documents the regulatory framework of domestic legislation in toxicological and hygiene, ecology assessment, and ecology and hygiene monitoring domains. Currently, many laws and legal acts regulate the use of pesticides by state and private agricultural farms in Ukraine. This number of documents covers not only pre-registration studies of pesticides but also their post-registration monitoring in the environment. The key entities that control potential negative risks of these products through the regulations are the State Emergency Service, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Housing and Communal Services, Ministry of Agriculture Policy, State Agency of Water Resources, State Committee of Land Resources, State Agency of the Forest Resources. However, the impact of xenobiotics on non-target species of the ecosystem is currently quite underestimated. The decline in biodiversity directly depends on the condition of the environment and the negative impact on it. Instances of acute oral, inhalation, or dermal poisoning of birds, bees, and aquatic invertebrates with pesticides are quite common and among the factors that affect public health. That is why ecology and hygiene monitoring is essential in line with the assessment of the risks of the inappropriate release of pesticides. These should be treated as a critical component of managing environmental sustainability and safety for public health. The implementation of global approaches to monitoring and controlling the post- registration impact of pesticides on the ecology and hygiene in Ukraine can also take into account the far-reaching consequences of their negative impact, accumulation, and environmental pollution. As a result, this will help to avoid adverse impacts on animal, insect, and bird populations, as well as human health.

Technogenic and ecological hazards of using chemical plant protection products (on the example of copper-containing preparations)

Problems Statement and Purpose. The widespread use of pesticides in agriculture has led to significant environmental pollution and health risks, and it is important to consider the negative effects and explore potential solutions to reduce pesticide pollution and its impact on human health and ecosystems. The purpose of the research is to determine the technogenic and environmental hazards of the use of chemical plant protection products (on the example of copper-containing preparations). Materials and methods of research. To study the scale of use and storage of plant protection products in Ukraine and to identify their anthropogenic and environmental threat, the analysis of statistical data on the volume of purchases and use of pesticides, in particular in the Kharkiv region, was used, Experimental studies and chemical analysis of some types of agricultural products after pesticide treatment were carried out using atomic absorption. Results. The paper reveals the essence of the technogenic and environmental hazard of plant protection products for humans and the environment, analyses the scale of use and storage of plant protection products in Ukraine, in particular in the Kharkiv region; outlines ways to improve the technogenic and environmental safety of plant protection products; shows the hazard of using chemical plant protection products for vegetable products on the example of copper-containing preparations. The volume of accumulation and use of pesticides in Ukraine, including in warehouses in the Kharkiv region, is considered. The number of centralised warehouses has increased. There have been no banned or unusable plant protection chemicals since 2012. The research was conducted using vegetables, in particular green onions. In the green mass that came into direct contact with the preparation based on copper sulphate (CuSO4), the Cu content was found to exceed the MAC for vegetables. In the study of tomatoes and cucumbers, the content of copper in fruits was investigated. It was found that treatment with a preparation containing copper does not affect the Cu content in fruits throughout the experiment, including the day of treatment. The maximum Cu content in tomato fruits on the day of treatment does not exceed the MPC in the experimental and control samples. The increase in the concentration of Cu in the experimental samples compared to the control samples is not statistically significant, since all values were below the MAC for vegetables, which is 5.0 mg/kg. The study revealed a periodic increase in the content of this heavy metal in cucumber and tomato samples taken on the day of treatment compared to control samples. This may be due to the presence of the product on the surface of the treated crop that has not yet been washed off. Conclusions. 1) Vinnytsia, Ternopil, and Khmelnytskyi regions used the most pesticides, while Poltava, Cherkasy, and Sumy regions used less. Kharkiv region had 125 pesticide storage facilities, with 79 in good and 46 in satisfactory condition. 2) Copper-containing pesticides increase copper levels in greenhouse vegetables during growth, with significant peaks on the day of treatment. Green produce exceeded permissible copper levels by up to 6.9 times. 3) The results for early vegetable production in greenhouses can be applied to most agricultural practices in Ukraine.

ОЦЕНКА ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ МЕТОДОВ БИООР-ГАНИЧЕСКОГО ЗЕМЛЕДЕЛИЯ ДЛЯ ОБЕСПЕЧЕНИЯ КОНКУ-РЕНТНЫХ ПРЕИМУЩЕСТВ ПРЕДПРИЯТИЯ

The article provides a justification for the introduction of adaptive biotechnologies to ensure the competitive advantages of SIRIUS M LLC in Nalchik, Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. The effectiveness of soil fertility management is shown by improving the plant nutrition system by replacing chemical fertilizers with microbiological ones. Comparative characteristics of various types of biofertilizers are presented, the scope of which extends to vegetable crops, and, above all, to tomatoes grown by SIRIUS M LLC. The effect of each fertilizer is considered. Recommendations on the use of microbial fertilizers are given. The costs of pur-chasing fertilizers and the effect of their use in comparison with chemical fertilizers are calculated. The possibility of replacing chemical plant protection products with insect entomophages is considered. Entomophages that destroy the most dangerous insect pests of tomatoes have been monitored. The effectiveness of the use of biological plant protection products has been determined. The cost of advertising is calculated, reflecting the competitive advantages of SIRIUS M due to the production of environmentally friendly products due to the replacement of chemi-cal preparations with biological ones. Various types of the resulting effect are con-sidered, depending on the proposed measures.

Exposure of honey bees to mixtures of microbial biopesticides and their effects on bee survival under laboratory conditions.

Biopesticides, having as active ingredients viruses, bacteria, or fungi, are developed to substitute or reduce the use of chemical plant protection products in different agrosystems. Though the application of mixtures containing several products is a common practice, interactions between microbial biopesticides and related effects on bees as non-target organisms have not been studied yet. In the current study, we exposed winter bees to five different microbial-based products and their combinations at the maximum recommended application rate to assess their responses. Laboratory oral exposure tests (acute/chronic) to single or binary products were conducted. Survival and food consumption of the tested bees were evaluated over the experimental duration. Our results show that some product combinations have potential additive or synergistic effects on bees, whereas others did not affect the bee's survival compared to the control. Exposure of tested bees to the most critical combination of products containing Bacillus thuringiensis aizawai ABTS-1857 and B. amyloliquefaciens QST 713 strongly resulted in a median lifespan of 4.5days compared to 8.0 and 8.5days after exposure to the solo products, respectively. The exposure to inactivated microorganisms by autoclaving them did not differ from their respective uncontaminated negative controls, indicating effects on bee mortality might originate in the treatment with the different microorganisms or their metabolites. Further investigations should be conducted under field conditions to prove the magnitude of observed effects on bee colonies and other bee species.

Study of pheromones of the main insect pests of the Lepidoptera order (Lepidoptera)

The intensive development of agricultural production currently requires the expansion of the use of chemical plant protection products from insect pests, which in turn leads to environmental pollution and irreparable losses in the biocenosis. Therefore, the development of fundamentally new plant protection products, characterized by safety in relation to the environment and high selectivity of action, is becoming more and more urgent. The use of sex pheromones in integrated plant protection systems leads to the need to develop convenient synthesis schemes that allow obtaining pheromones of various pest species with good yield and high isomeric purity from the same starting compounds-synthons.

Monitoring of pathogens of carrot (Dausis Carota) rot during storage in the territory of the Russian Federation

A study was conducted to determine the spectrum of pathogens that cause carrot rot when stored in storage conditions on 70 samples from 20 regions of the Russian Federation. Wet chamber method, microscopy, culture and molecular (PCR analysis) methods were used to identify pathogens. The most often dominant pathogens on carrot roots in storage conditions in all regions were fungi of the genus Penicillium, Fusarium, Mucor, Aspergillus, Pythium, Alternaria; Botrytis cinerea, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum и Sclerotinia nivalis. As a result of a study of the effectiveness of LLC “Syngenta” chemical plant protection products against white rot in vitro Miravis®, SC (adepidyn 200 g/l) и Cidely Top, SL (diphenoconazole 125 g/l + cyflufenamide 15 g/l), it was concluded that the treatment based on adepidine has a biological efficacy equal to 100%, compared with the other -with a biological efficacy of 33.3%.

THE EFFECT OF BIOLOGICAL PREPARATIONS ON THE SOWING QUALITIES AND FIELD GERMINATION OF ALFALFA SEEDS

Agriculture has been solving the problem of increasing yields through chemical plant protection products. Their intensive use has led to the need for the biologization of agriculture, which means the production of products using the maximum potential of environmental factors to increase yields without harming the environment. Using seeds with high sowing qualities is the key to obtaining sustainable yields. In this regard, this article presents the results of research on the effect of pre-sowing treatment of alfalfa seeds with Organit P, Organit N, Biodux, Systemica M biopreparations, OrganitN+ OrganitP+Bidux for sowing qualities and field germination. The experiments were carried out in 3-fold repetition, observations were made according to 6 variants of the experiment. Laboratory experiments were conducted according to the methodology for determining the growth strength of seeds of forage crops according to GOST 12038-84. The flow rate of the working fluid for seed treatment was taken at the rate of 1 ml per 100 g of seeds. Germination energy was determined on the 3rd day, and laboratory germination on the 7th day. The scheme of the experiment included a variant without treatment (control) with the treatment of seeds with biological preparations a day before sowing. It was revealed that the treatment of alfalfa seeds with biological preparations improves the indicators characterizing the initial stages of plant growth and development ontogenesis. Regarding germination energy, the highest result was shown by the preparations Systemica M–75,0% and Organit N+ Organit P+ Bidux – 68,5%. Using the Organit N+ Organit P+ Bidux complex of drugs increased laboratory germination to – 81,5% and field germination to – 41,5%.

Protecting spring wheat plants using selenium and pesticides.

The research was carried out in order to find ways to optimize the system of protection of spring wheat crops. In the conducted studies, the effect of combinations of sodium selenite and various pesticides, differing in the specifics of action and biological activity, on the yield and quality of spring wheat of the Yubileinaya 80 variety was studied. Currently, there is a need to achieve a sufficient effect of the action of chemical plant protection products and to obtain a minimum impact on human health and the environment. The purpose of the research is to study the influence of various combinations of chemical plant protection products and methods of using sodium selenite on the yield and grain quality indicators of spring wheat variety Yubileinaya 80. The studies were carried out under the conditions of a vegetative experiment with spring wheat variety Yubileinaya 80. Two methods of using sodium selenite and chemical plant protection agents of different specifics of action were studied: fungicide, herbicide, and insecticide, which were applied in different combinations and at different times. As a result of the studies, the phytotoxicity of the studied preparations of chemical plant protection was revealed, which apparently manifests itself as a result of inhibition of the morphometric indicators of the growth of the root system and vegetative organs of wheat plants, resulting in a violation of the processes of accumulation of assimilates and their outflow to the reproductive organs. Optimal combinations of pesticides and sodium selenite have been established, allowing to obtain reliable changes in yield and quality indicators of wheat grain. It was revealed that the use of selenium treatment before sowing seeds contributed to a decrease in the phytotoxicity of the studied pesticides, as a result of stimulating the processes of absorption by plants and the redistribution of nitrogen to the reproductive organs of wheat, which had a positive effect not only on the yield and quality of spring wheat of the Yubileynaya 80 variety, but also on the external surface microstructure of the fruit shell of the grain. The noted features of the surface of the fruit shell of the grain will reduce losses during grain processing and obtain processed products from such grain of higher quality.

BIOSTIMULANTS AND THEIR ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF MAIZE CROPS

The increase in food demand stimulates activities aimed at improving the productivity and quality characteristics of the crops obtained. Maize (Zea mays L.) is one such plant, which, along with wheat and rice, is one of the three most important crops in the world due to its many uses. Modern agriculture tends to minimize the use of mineral fertilizers and chemical plant protection products, which are replaced by products with natural origin. This group includes the biostimulants that have, as one of the main tasks, stress mitigation. Climate change alters regular weather seasonality and maize is one of the main crops affected by irregular water regimes.Biostimulants have attracted the attention of maize growers due to their effectiveness in promoting morphological, physiological and biochemical processes in crops. The biostimulants boosts the physiological activity of plants by stimulating the photosynthetic process. Recent results from the specialized literature show that the application of biostimulants enhances the physiological performance of maize under both optimal environmental conditions and abiotic stress caused by water deficit. In this context, the use of biostimulants can be a useful tool to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on maize plants.

Chitosan and its derivatives as promising plant protection tools.

In modern conditions, the increase in the yield of agricultural crops is provided not by expanding the areas of their cultivation, but mainly by introducing advanced technologies. The most effective strategy for this purpose is the development of genetically resistant and productive cultivars in combination with the use of a variety of plant protection products (PPPs). However, traditional, chemical PPPs, despite their effectiveness, have significant drawbacks, namely, pollution of environment, ecological damage, toxicity to humans. Recently, biological PPPs based on natural compounds have attracted more attention, since they do not have these disadvantages, but at the same time they can be no less effective. One of such agents is chitosan, a deacetylation product of chitin, one of the most common polysaccharides in nature. The high biological activity, biocompatibility, and safety of chitosan determine the breadth and effectiveness of its use in medicine, industry, and agrobiology. The review considers various mechanisms of action of chitosan as a biopesticide, including both a direct inhibitory effect on pathogens and the induction of plant internal defense systems as a result of chitosan binding to cell surface receptors. The effect of chitosan on the formation of resistance to the main classes of pathogens: fungi, bacteria, and viruses has been shown on a variety of plant objects. The review also discusses various ways of using chitosan: for the treatment of seeds, leaves, fruits, soil, as well as its specific biological effects corresponding to these ways. A separate chapter is devoted to protection products based on chitosan, obtained by its chemical modifications, or by means of combining of a certain molecular forms of chitosan with various substances that enhance its antipathogenic effect. The data presented in the review generally give an idea of chitosan and its derivatives as very effective and promising plant protection products and biostimulants.

Effect of chemical plant protection products on yield and grain quality of winter wheat in the conditions of Central Non-Chernozem region of Russia

Relevance. The use of phytosanitary means to ensure high and stable yields of winter wheat is one of the tasks of growing winter wheat. Field experiments were conducted in 2021 and 2022 at the Federal Research Center “Nemchinovka” in the central non-chernozem zone of the Moscow region.Methods. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of various plant protection preparations on the productivity and quality of winter wheat varieties by intensity levels: basic (the purpose of using the biological potential of the variety by more than 50%), intensive (involving the use of intensive varieties and the creation of conditions for a more complete realization of their biological potential) and high–intensity (a set of measures aimed at ensuring the realization of the potential of the variety is more than 85%). Treatments included fertilizers, pesticides and growth regulators in various combinations and concentrations. Results. Three varieties of winter wheat were studied: Nemchinovskaya 85, Moskovskaya 40 and Moskovskaya 27. Insecticides (Picus 1.0 l/t, Danadim Power 0.6 l/ha, Picus 1.0 l/t + Danadim Power 0.6 l/ha, Picus 1.0 l/t + Vantex 60 ml/ha, Picus 1.0 l/t + Vincit forte 1.5 l/t and Picus 0.7 l/t + Vantex 50 ml/ha), fungicides (Impact Exclusive 0.75 l/ha, Alto Super 0.5 l/ha, Consul, CS 0.8 l/ha + Consul 1.0 l/ha and Consul, CS 0.8 l/ha), herbicides (Aton 0.06 kg/ha + Agroxon 0.5 l/ha + Foxtrot 1.0 l/ha, Exactly Extra 35 g/ha + Foxtrot 1.0 l/ha + Agroxon 0.5 l/ha, Tandem 0.03 kg/ha + Foxtrot 1.0 l/ha, Tandem 30 g/ha + Foxtrot Extra 0.4 l/ha + Agroxon 0.5 l/ha and Lintur 180 g/ha) have confirmed their effectiveness. Nemchinovskaya 85 increased yield by 1.14–3.10 t/ha, Moscow 27 — by 0.64–3.62 t/ha, Moscow 40 — 0,71–3,21 t/ha.

Development and synthesis of compounds with fungicidal activity in suppression of fungal growth

The research was conducted to synthesize and study fungicidal activity of synthesized chemical compounds of various classes, triazole and imidazole, and their mode of action due to the wide spectrum of action and low application rates. The developed synthesis methods resulted in several groups of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds and evaluated their fungicidal activity. Inhibitory activity of compounds to strains of Fusarium solani (medium resistance to fungicides) and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (susceptible to most fungicides) from the collection of phytopathogenic microorganisms of Agrobiotechnological Department, RUDN University, was tested. In the synthesis of new chemical compounds with fungicidal activity, urea derivatives 1-(3-(Difluoromethyl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-5-yl)-3-(2-chlorophenyl) urea were identified and structurally confirmed. All target compounds were evaluated for their antifungal activity to inhibit mycelium growth. Preliminary screening results showed that all synthesized compounds have good fungicidal activity against S. sclerotiorum . The compound 1-(3-(Difluoromethyl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-5-yl)-3-(3-fluorophenyl) urea showed antifungal activity against S. sclerotiorum . At concentration of 100 ppm, the compound suppressed growth of S. sclerotiorum strain by 90.5 %. An in vitro experiment revealed that the compound 1-(3-(Difluoromethyl)1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-5-yl)-3-(3-fluorophenyl) urea was effective for suppressing white mold - S . sclerotiorum , at the dose of 100 mg/L. The significance of the research lies in the fact that production of eco-safe products in agroindustry is impossible without development of new biologically active compounds with low application rates and toxicity indicators, controlled persistence, corresponding to the world level. The results obtained can be implemented in real sector of economy engaged in production of chemical plant protection products. Synthesis and use of new fungicides are relevant in agricultural production as an element of development and intensification of existing agricultural technologies.

Efficiency of Bacillus thuringiensis bioinsecticide in grapevine protection

The problem of contamination of agricultural products with toxic substances is an urgent problem in production. One of the most chemically treated crop is vineyards. Multiple treatments during one growing season have led to the fact that grape plantings have become an accumulator of unsafe chemical plant protection products. Moreover, grapes are consumed fresh. Accordingly, the selection of environmentally friendly pesticides and the replacement of chemicals with biological ones has become a priority for producers of this crop. Our research was devoted to evaluation of bioinsecticide based on entomopathogenic bacteria B. thuringiensis in the system of protecting grapes from pests. Such studies are of great interest and, according to the literature, 90 % of registered insecticides are based on Bacillus thuringiensis . Microorganisms isolated from nature as plant protection agents, when reintroduced into natural conditions, preserve beneficial species in biocenoses. At the same time, they are selective and, while affecting certain harmful objects, do not cause harm to humans and the environment. The purpose of this work was to study the effect of the bioinsecticide Biometch Insecto, WP on grapevine pests: European grape worm ( Lobesia botrana Den. Schiff.) and leafy form of phylloxera ( Viteus vitifolii Fitch.). Biometch Insecto, WP is based on strains of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki HG207 and Beauveria bassiana HG208. The effect of entomopathogens was compared with the effect of insecticide Bioslip, BW, L, the active ingredient of which is Beauveria bassiana . The results of the research revealed high biological effectiveness (90100 %) of Biometch Insecto, WP in protecting grapevines from pests when applied during the period of mass hatching of European grape worm caterpillars and emergence of phylloxera larvae from galls.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BREEDING PROGRESS IN WINTER WHEAT PRODUCTION

The impact of breeding on winter wheat yields and the use of the generated yield potential in production were assessed. The results of trials of Research Centre for Cultivar Testing (COBORU) from 1966-2022, data from the Seed Inspection (IN) from 1986-2001 and Plant Health And Seed Inspection (PIORiN) from 2002-2023 regarding the varietal structure of seed production of winter wheat and production data on wheat yield in production were used according to Statistics Poland. To assess the effects of breeding, the method of changing the yield potential of varieties was used. In this method, we use indexes determining the yield-producing capacity of individual varieties in relation to the standard. Changes in yield trends in variety experiments and production were analyzed. The growing importance of the variety as a factor enabling further increase in yield and the effect of breeding on the increase in yield potential has been demonstrated despite limitations in the use of nitrogen fertilization and chemical plant protection products. The existing yield gap between trials and production, amounting to approximately 55%, indicates great opportunities to further increase yields in production through better use of the yield potential of varieties created by breeding.

Star Anise Extract as a Plant Growth Regulator

Currently, much attention is being paid to reducing the use of chemical plant protection products and increasing the use of natural growth stimulators. Plant extracts are an inexhaustible source for the search for new biologically active substances (BAS). Extracts have ecological purity, in the production of which liquid carbon dioxide – CO2-extracts are used as a solvent. The purpose of the study was to study the growth-regulating properties of the CO2-extract of star anise. In the three-year period 2020–2022 field small-scale experiments were carried out on plants of winter wheat of the Bezostaya 100 variety, corn of the Krasnodar 191 AMV variety, soybeans of the Arlet variety and rice of the Favorit variety. The use of CO2-extract of star anise contributed to obtaining a reliable and significant increase in the yield of all these crops. The yield of winter wheat increased by 10.4, corn – by 9.8, soybeans – by 16.8, rice – by 7.4% (average data for 3 years). The positive effect of the extract of the bucket on the formation and development of plant organs that determined the structure of the crop yield was noted, the quality of grain increased. On the example of winter wheat plants, an increase in photosynthetic activity under the influence of a growth regulator has been established.

Environmental risks due to the impact of pesticide load in agrocenoses of cereal crop predecessors

The article is dedicated to the study of the impact of pesticide load on agrocenoses of cereal crop predecessors and the emergence of ecological risks in them. An assessment of ecological risks in the agrocenoses of the experimental field of the State Enterprise “Research Farm “Skvyrske” of IAEM of NAAS” was carried out using pesticides during the growing seasons 2021–2023. The methodology for assessing ecological risks of potential pesticide pollution of agrocenoses by indicators of agroecotoxicological index (AETI) was used. It was determined that the level of ecological risk from pesticide pressure in the crop rotation of the experimental field by AETI is within the range from 2.86·10–3 to 2.24·10–1 сonventional units and is characterized as slightly dangerous, which indicates a minimal ecological risk of pesticide use. The obtained results are a sign that the load of applied pesticides on the agrocenoses of the experimental farm corresponds to the territory’s ability to self-clean. It is shown that rational use of chemical methods of plant protection in combating pests, disease pathogens and weeds creates prerequisites for obtaining environmentally safe grain and seed products, as well as minimizes the likelihood of environmental of grain and seed contamination with pesticides of cultivated crops. Usually, longterm and repeated use of pesticides in any case leads to accumulation of their residues or metabolites in the soil and, as a result, is a source of contamination of crop products and environmental objects. Therefore, using the results of assessing pesticide load on agroecosystems, taking into account the territory’s ability to self-clean, can be considered as one of the levers for managing environmental risks. To minimize ecological risks from pesticide pollution of agrocenoses and increase environmental safety of agroecosystems, measures should be taken to regulate the use of chemical plant protection products. This should be done by banning or restricting the use of pesticides that have a high level of ecotoxicity and are persistent in soil.