PREVALENCE OF PHYTOPARASITES ON GARDEN STRAWBERRIES ON PRIVATE SUBSIDIARY FARMS

The assessment of phytoparasite prevalence on garden strawberries is a key aspect for successful berry growing and increasing berry yields on private subsidiary farms. Systematic monitoring of diseases helps agronomists and gardeners respond promptly to infection outbreaks and minimize their impact on harvest. This is particularly important as strawberries are susceptible to various phytoparasites that can significantly reduce both the quantity and quality of berries. The research purpose was to study a species composition of the most harmful phytoparasites of garden strawberries, their harmfulness, and prevalence on private subsidiary farms. Strawberry plantations were examined for phytoparasite infection foci in six regions. Phytoparasites were found, isolated, and identified using common phytohelminthological and phyto-acarological methods. The study objects included the garden strawberry Fragaria × ananassa, phytoparasitic nematodes, namely, the stem nematode Ditylenchus dipsaci and the strawberry bud nematode Aphelenchoides fragariae, the strawberry mite Phytonemus pallidus, and the twospotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae. The assessment result of the phytoparasite distribution in garden strawberries on private subsidiary farms showed that the infection was 47% for the stem nematode, 42% for the strawberry bud nematode, 37% for the strawberry mite, and 32% for the twospotted spider mite.