The effectiveness of protection measures for maize hybrids of different FAO groups against damage caused by Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner under continuous maize cultivation conditions with irrigation

The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of chemical and biological control agents applied to maize hybrids of different FAO maturity groups against Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner under drip irrigation in continuous maize cropping during 2020-2024. Field experiments were conducted at the Institute of Climate-Smart Agriculture of the NAAS in the agro ecological zone of the Southern Steppe of Ukraine. The use of a biological control agent demonstrated the effectiveness of the product 'Trichopsyn BT' (a biological preparation with insecticidal, fungicidal, and growth-stimulating properties) in combating Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner. The application of the chemical insecticide 'BI 58' proved to be more effective than the biological control agent over two- and five-year periods of continuous maize cropping. Integrated pest management of maize hybrids slightly outperformed chemical control, but the advantage was minimal. The use of biological preparations for maize protection is feasible in organic farming for producing food and feed maize grain without the application of chemical agents.