ENTOMOPHAGES ATTRACTION METHOD IN TOMATO FIELD AGROCENOSIS
ALLA GLADCAIA, TUDOR NASTAS Institute of Genetics, Physiology and Plant Protection of Academy of Sciences of Moldova, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova. f.: (+373 22) 77-04-47, E-mail: asm_igfpp@yahoo.com
Many pest populations can be controlled by improving the efficiency of local diversity and the existing community of natural enemies. The aim of our work was to study the method of attracting entomophages (Coccinellidae) to the tomato field agrocenosis using nectariferous plants to control pests (Aphidoidea). As a result of the research, it was found that the sequence of nectariferous plants (f. Apiaceae) flowering periods is a prerequisite for flowering conveyor. It was noted that coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) and dill (Anethum graveolens L.) seeding in a tomato field can create a flowering conveyor that supports the vital activity of entomophages from the third decade of June to mid-August. The main species of Coccinellidae family entomophages, which were found in agrobiocenoses of nectar-bearing crops of the Apiaceae family, were identified: Coccinella septempunctata Linnaeus; Hippodamia sp., Harmonia sp. It was determined that the reduction in the number of Aphidoidea pests (up to 40,2 ind./m2) and increasing the number of Coccinellidae entomophages (up to 1,9 ind./m2) on tomatoes was observed during the period of full flowering of nectar-bearing crops Anethum graveolens L. and Coriandrum sativum L. It has been found that the most optimal ratio of phytophage/entomophage was formed in late July, early August - the period of flowering of nectar-bearing crops (1:18.0 ind./m2). The maximum number of aphids and the minimum number of entomophages were observed before flowering of nectariferous plants (1:223.6 ind./m2);
