ENTOMOPHAGES IN THE CUCUMBER PLANT PROTECTION SYSTEM

The relevance is due to the increased requirements for the quality of the products obtained, the increase in the market value of pesticides and the increasing resistance of pests to them. In the context of the rapid development of greenhouse technologies in recent years and the increasing number of species of harmful organisms, the plant protection system needs to be constantly updated. The aim of the work was to obtain an environmentally friendly product with lower financial costs without the use of chemical treatments by settling and breeding a parasitic wasp (Aphidius colemani) in the greenhouse production unit as a means of protection against melon aphids (Aphis gossypii). The method of monitoring colored glue traps was used to identify pest infestation of plants. The yield of cucumber plants was taken into account after each harvest, the percentage of non-standard products was determined by visual inspection. To obtain a highly environmentally friendly food product, an experimental aphid protection scheme was developed, tested and implemented in the autumn period using Aphidius colemani and Amblyseius swirski entomophages. It has been established that it is advisable to add 1 individual per m2 every week for at least 6 weeks, starting with the placement of seedlings for a permanent fruiting period. If no foci were found, after this time, the application rate was lowered. In case of detection, the focus was marked on the map and immediately an additional Aphidius colemani was added with an approximate predator:prey ratio of 1:10-20. It was revealed that the experimental scheme for the use of entomophages is environmentally safe and economically profitable: productivity increased by 3.6 kg/m2, production costs decreased (by 1.1 rubles/kg) and, as a result, the level of profitability increased by 1.1%.