Species Composition and Seasonal Activity Fluctuations of Insect Pests Affecting the Generative Organs of Saxaul (Haloxylon Ammodendron) and Pasture Plants in SouthEastern Kazakhstan

Insect pests that damage pasture plants' reproductive organs and seeds significantly affect plant communities by disrupting the natural regeneration of vegetation.In south-eastern Kazakhstan, which is characterised by a dry climate and strong anthropogenic pressure, this leads to the degradation of pastures.It is therefore important to investigate the biotic factors that influence plant productivity in these ecosystems.The research was conducted from 2019 to 2023 in the desert pastures of south-eastern Kazakhstan.The study covered sandy, rocky and saline steppes, all of which have an arid climate and extreme temperatures.The main plant species studied were Haloxylon ammodendron and various pasture plants, including Artemisia terrae-albae, Bassia prostrata, Eurotia ceratoides, Camphorosma songorica, and Salsola orientalis.Insect sampling was carried out using route surveys and standard entomological methods.The study identified 96 insect pests from five orders (Hemiptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Thysanoptera) representing 16 families.Based on their food preferences, 26 species were categorized as polyphagous, 25 as oligophagous, and 45 as monophagous.The greatest species diversity was observed among insects that damage seeds, seedlings, shoots and reproductive plant structures.Based on their seasonal activity, insect pests attacking the reproductive organs and seeds of saxaul (Haloxylon ammodendron) and pasture plants were categorized into three groups: indirect pests, free-living pests and hidden pests.It was found that insect pests that attack the generative organs and seeds of saxaul and pasture plants have a significant impact on their reproductive capacity and the dynamics of plant communities.The communities of Haloxylon ammodendron and Artemisia terrae-albae were the most susceptible and experienced periodic outbreaks of specialized phytophagous insects.These results contribute to the development of strategies for biological pest control and sustainable pasture management.