The application of entomophages and entomopathogens for biological control of harmful insect pests was the focus of this study, carried out from 2020 to 2024 through field experiments, laboratory analyses, and review of scientific literature in Uzbekistan. In total, four key biological control agents underwent assessment, such as Trichogramma chilonis, Coccinella septempunctata, Beauveria bassiana, and Metarhizium anisopliae, for controlling three major insect pest species (Helicoverpa armigera, Aphis gossypii, and Bemisia tabaci) across Uzbekistan’s multiple agroecological zones. The study comprised diverse environmental and cropping systems, including irrigated farmlands, semi-desert regions, and mountain foothills. Field observations revealed the combined application of entomophages and entomopathogens effectively reduced pest populations (by 65%–80%) compared with untreated control. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) confirmed these reductions were significant at the P < 0.05 level. The highest efficacy was notable during spring and early summer, corresponding with peak pest activity in cotton and vegetable crops. In addition to classical biological control methods, the study integrated precision monitoring and environmentally safe pest regulation techniques to enhance sustainability. The results contribute to the understanding of biological pest control ecology and support the development of modern and eco-friendly plant protection strategies in Uzbekistan and other similar agroecosystems.
Biological control, entomophages, entomopathogens, Beauveria bassiana, Trichogramma chilonis, Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
The combined use of entomophages and entomopathogens significantly reduced populations of major insect pests by 65%–80% across different agroecological zones of Uzbekistan, with the highest effectiveness observed in spring and early summer. The integrated application of Trichogramma chilonis, Coccinella septempunctata, Beauveria bassiana, and Metarhizium anisopliae proved to be environmentally safe and sustainable. These results confirm the high potential of biologically based and precision-supported pest management strategies within integrated pest management (IPM) systems.