The effect of crop rotation on populations of major entomophages (review)

The analysis of the literature data on the assessment of the impact of crop rotations on the protection of cereals and other crops from a complex of dominant pests using elements of landscape design is carried out. The conservation of biodiversity and the activation of natural entomophages with an increase in their efficiency contributes to the stabilization of agroecosystems. There has been established a positive effect on the life expectancy and number of natural enemies of phytophages when using nectar crops and other methods, which make it possible to reduce chemical pesticide treatments up to their complete abolition without loss of productivity and product quality. There has been clarified the importance of crop rotations in creating a refuge for natural entomophages. Proper planning of crop rotations refers to methods of manipulating the habitat and can significantly increase the efficiency of entomophages in pest control, which is especially important for organic farming. Scientifically substantiated crop rotation with the inclusion of various methods (sowing of variety mixtures, nectar-bearing crops, marginal trapping crops, etc.) contributes to the stabilization of the ecological state of agroecosystems, increases the level of profitability of agricultural production and safety of the natural environment. The current paper may be of greatest interest to farmers and large commodity producers.