The dominant lepidoptera insect-pests in maize and their management in the Poltava region

Intensive maize cultivation technologies in the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine are associated with phytosanitary risks caused by the spread of lepidopteran pests, which can lead to yield losses exceeding the economic threshold of harmfulness. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of monitoring and control methods for dominant lepidopteran pest species in regional maize agrocenoses. To achieve this goal, methods such as pheromone monitoring, visual inspection of plants, and larval population assessment were applied. Field research conducted in 2024 at the Velykoobukhivske agricultural enterprise (Poltava Oblast) confirmed the dominance of three pest species: Ostrinia nubilalis Hb., Loxostege sticticalis L., and Helicoverpa armigera Hb. Pheromone traps of types PH-668-1RR, PH-554-1RR, and PH-460-1RR proved highly effective for detecting the timing of peak pest flights, allowing for optimising insecticide application schedules. The results showed the highest reduction in larval density following treatment with Coragen 20 SC, which reduced larval numbers by 93.1%. Ampligo 150 ZC demonstrated slightly lower efficacy (91.6%), while Vantex SC only partially controlled the pest populations. Overall, the findings support using an integrated approach that combines pheromone-based monitoring with chemical control as an effective strategy for managing lepidopteran pests in maize crops. The obtained data can be applied in agricultural practice to improve maize pest management systems, reduce yield losses, and contribute to sustainable farming. However, there is a clear need to develop integrated pest management strategies for maize cultivation, particularly given potential bans on certain insecticidal active substances in the context of harmonising Ukrainian legislation with EU requirements