Comparative study of the invasive entomofauna associated to the species Phaseolus vulgaris L. and Glycine max (L.) Merr. on experimental plots in the “Alexandru Ciubotaru” National Botanical Garden (institute), Republic of Moldova [Articol]

Abstract

Soybean and common bean are widely grown as food and fodder plants, but also have high estimated energy potential. They are among the most significant field crops, cultivated annually in the Republic of Moldova. These species are economically feasible, versatile crops, but their major disadvantage is their vulnerability to the impact of invasive entomofauna. The phytosanitary monitoring conducted on the experimental sectors of the Botanical Garden, in the collection of fodder, honey and energy plants, in comparison with the productive sectors in agro-industrial areas, resulted in the estimation of the invasive impact, in 2024, of the most harmful insect species for these crops. The phytosanitary monitoring revealed the presence of a significant complex of parasitic insects, represented by 12 species included in four orders (Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Lepidoptera) and nine families. The most harmful and invasive pests for both researched plant species were: Acanthoscelides obtectus Say., Agrotis spp., Sitonia liniatus L., Aphis fabae Scopoli, Myzus persicae Sulzer., Aphis glycines Matsumara; Vanessa cardui L., Delia platura Meigen. The obtained data are useful for adapting pest control measures to the integrated protection system.