This study sought to design and validate biologically and eco-friendly methods for safeguarding soybean (Glycine max L.) and other bean crops against harmful pests, contributing to sustainable agriculture. In the context of the strategic goals of Kazakhstan’s agricultural modernization, this research emphasizes the development of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies prioritizing biologically and environmentally safe approaches. Field observations proceeded between 2018 and 2021 and identified 55 families and 11 orders of soybean pests and 27 families and eight orders of bean pests. The latter included polyphagous and specialized species, such as Tetranychus urticae and Acanthoscelides obtectus. The study also evaluated the bioefficacy of various biological and chemical pesticides, particularly Actarophyte, Vertimek, and Actellic, in reducing pest populations and preserving the crop yield. The combined application of biopreparations showed higher pest suppression and economic efficiency than the conventionally used single-pesticide application methods. The results revealed timely application, especially at the budding and flowering phases, significantly reduced pest damage, including latent injury by bean weevils, during the storage. This research supports the transition toward sustainable agricultural practices by demonstrating the effectiveness of biopesticides and integrated crop protection measures tailored to local agroecological conditions.
Soybean (G. max L.), other bean crops, main pests, pests control, protective measures, integrated pest management, biologically and environmentally safe approaches
The study identified a diverse range of harmful pests (spider mites, pea aphids, and bean weevils) affecting soybean (G. max L.) and other bean crops in Southeastern Kazakhstan, causing severe damage. By using biological preparations, such as Actarophyte and Bitoxibacillin in an integrated system, we demonstrated high bioefficacy in controlling key pests and improving crop yield.