Effectiveness of insecticides against the cotton bollworm on corn in steppe zone of Kabardino-Balkarian Republic

A.Kh. Shabatukov, Z.L. Shipsheva

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Abstract: The relevance of the research lies in identifying and studying dominant pests, such as the cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera Hb.) and the corn stem borer (Ostrinia nubilalis Hb.), between which an inverse relationship in the dynamics of harmfulness has been revealed.
Aim. The research is to determine the species composition and population dynamics of phytophages in agrocenoses of Karat SV hybrid corn and to evaluate the effectiveness of protective measures.
Materials and methods. For the first time, research was conducted in the steppe zone of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic between 2022 and 2024 to determine the species composition and population dynamics of phytophages in agrocenoses of Karat SV hybrid corn as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of protective measures. Field experiments were carried out on experimental plots of the Institute of Agriculture of the Kabardino-Balkarian Scientific Center, RAS. To classify phytophages, the “Identifier of Agricultural Pests for Damage to Cultivated Plants” compiled by M.B. Akhremovich et al. is used. The soil of the experimental plots is southern chernozem, which has a low humus content in the topsoil (3.5–5.0%) and a gradual distribution decrease in humus content down through the soil profile. Decade-long phytosanitary monitoring was realized using optical instruments (a Primo Star
microscope (Zeiss), a Biolam binocular microscope, a portable net, magnifying glasses of various magnifications, and electronic scales).
Results. Weather conditions significantly impacted the development of phytophages: hot and dry weather favored outbreaks of aphids and spider mites, while heavy precipitation resulted in extended development of cotton bollworm and active flight of the cotton bollworm. The most effective chemical and biological insecticides for controlling the cotton bollworm were identified. The use of these insecticides also led to increased yields: 1.5 t/ha and 0.6 t/ha, respectively.
Conclusions. The chemical insecticide Proclaim (VRG) has proven to be the most effective control agent for cotton bollworm, with demonstration of high biological (94.3 %) and economic efficacy (yield increase of 1.5 t/ha). Among biological products, Lepidocide (SK) is promising, with a biological efficacy of 85.0 %. Based on the data collected, we recommend a strategy that involves alternating between chemical and biological insecticides for corn protection in order to effectively control pests and reduce the risk of insecticide resistance.

Keywords: corn, cotton bollworm, corn stem borer, entomological monitoring, population dynamics, insecticides, biological efficiency, yield, protection system

For citation. Shabatukov A.Kh., Shipsheva Z.L. Effectiveness of insecticides against cotton bollworm on corn in steppe zone of Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. News of the Kabardino-Balkarian Scientific Center of RAS. 2025. Vol. 27. No. 6. Pp. 257–264. DOI: 10.35330/1991-6639-2025-27-6-257-264

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Information about the authors

Anzor Kh. Shabatukov, Researcher, Head of the Plant Protection Laboratory, Institute of Agriculture – branch of the Kabardino-Balkarian Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences;
224, Kirov street, Nalchik, 360004, Russia;
аnzor_1973h@mail.ru, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2986-6305, SPIN-code: 7064-7981
Zaira L. Shipsheva, Researcher, Plant Protection Laboratory, Institute of Agriculture – branch of the Kabardino-Balkarian Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences;
224, Kirov street, Nalchik, 360004, Russia;
zaira_78h@mail.ru, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4873-2994, SPIN-code: 5499-5418