Dominant species of maize pests and the efficacy of chemical crop protection in Belarus

This study presents the results of comprehensive research on the species composition and pest damage caused by maize phytophages, as well as the evaluation of insecticidal measures in Belarusian agroecosystems during 2023–2025. The soil entomofauna was dominated by representatives of the family Elateridae (9 species), with the genera Agriotes, Athous, and Selatosomus having the greatest significance. Wireworm densities exceeded the economic threshold (16.0–24.3 individuals/m²), and plant damage in untreated plots reached 17.2–30.4 %. Seed treatment with insecticidal seed dressings reduced plant damage by 82.5–88.7 % and preserved up to 23.7 % of grain yield. The pest pressure of the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) was largely determined by weather conditions, with plant damage in certain years reaching 76.0 %. The highest biological efficacy (95.5–100.0 %) was demonstrated by insecticides combining lambda-cyhalothrin and chlorantraniliprole applied at a rate of 0.3 l/ha, preserving 12.3–14.9 % of grain yield. Other pests, including the cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera), cereal aphids (Aphididae), and the quarantine western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera), were also observed. Timely insecticide application combined with pheromone monitoring effectively regulated pest populations. Biological efficacy of the treatments reached 87.0 % against cotton bollworm and 83.2–96.0 % against aphids, with natural enemies playing a significant role in population regulation. It has been shown that the western corn rootworm has high dispersal potential, and the efficacy of insecticidal control against it was 80.0–99.9 %. The use of combined insecticides in conjunction with pest monitoring is a key component of integrated maize protection, ensuring high biological and economic efficacy under diverse agroclimatic conditions.

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