Species Composition of the Harmful Entomocomplex of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) in the Polissia Region of Ukraine

Grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is an important cereal crop that demonstrates high ecological plasticity and drought tolerance, making it a promising alternative to traditional spring crops in the face of climate change. Despite its many advantages, sorghum crops are accompanied by increased exposure to pests, which can reduce yields by up to 72%. During 2018-2024, a comprehensive study of the sorghum pest complex was conducted in Polissia region of Ukraine. Crop monitoring revealed 13 pest species belonging to 4 orders: Coleoptera, Homoptera, Lepidoptera and Diptera. The most harmful species were Rhopalosiphum maidis Fitch, Schizaphis graminum Rond., Octrinia nubilalis Hb., Scotia segetum Schiff., Macrosteles laevis Rib., whose frequency of occurrence in the phases of active crop development exceeded 50%. Damage to plants by aphids and cicadas led to a significant decrease in grain quality due to impaired photosynthetic activity, and caterpillars of the scoop and stem butterfly caused plant death. The study revealed the dependence of phytophagous reproduction on abiotic factors, in particular unstable moisture and high temperatures, which affected their seasonal dynamics. The highest pest activity was observed during the tillering and grain filling phases. The results provide the basis for the development of integrated sorghum protection systems, including a combination of agronomic and biological measures, which will reduce yield losses by up to 30%. The study of the species composition of pests is important for increasing the efficiency of sorghum cultivation in Polissia of Ukraine. Keywords: Climate change, crops productivity, biotic and abiotic stress, drought resistant, phytophagous insects, entomocomplex.