DAMAGE CHARACTERISTICS OF WINTER WHEAT CAUSED BY CNEPHASIA PASIUANA IN 2024 AND 2025 IN THE EAST CISCAUCASIA

Abstract

The article focuses on the study of biological characteristics and harmfulness of a new pest – Cnephasia pasiuana (Hübner, 1799) in 2024-2025 based on the experimental station of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution FARC “Rassvet-Stavropole”, located in the Novoselitsky District of the Stavropol Territory in years with significantly different weather conditions. Several differences in the behavior and damage caused by caterpillars were revealed. The reasons for the harmfulness of the “new” species were considered to be global warming, anthropogenic transformations of habitats, not only in a narrow region or area, but also in Eurasia as a whole. An increase in the harmfulness of Cnephasia pasiuana for grain crops was noted in the last decade in a number of southern regions of Russia – in the Rostov Region, Krasnodar Territory, Dagestan, and Ukraine. The biological characteristics and harmfulness of Cnephasia pasiuana, the possibilities of forecasting and measures to control it require study. The methodology included traditional sweep-net method and the use of glue traps. It was found that one caterpillar damages up to 8 ears, moving on a web. No grains are formed in the damaged ears. In 2024, the maximum concentration of caterpillars and damage was in the border lands, and in 2025 – at a distance of more than 50 m from the border over the entire sowing area. The key characteristic of Cnephasia pasiuana development in 2025 can be distinguished by the stretching in time of the caterpillars leaving their wintering areas, as a result of unstable weather. As a result, the simultaneous presence of caterpillars of 2-5 instars on the plants was revealed. In addition, it was established under the conditions of the research zone that Cnephasia pasiuana in 2024-2025 did not damage other plants, except for winter wheat. It is necessary to continue research into the biology, harmfulness and control measures of Cnephasia pasiuana in the arid conditions of the Stavropol Territory – East Ciscaucasia. In order to control Cnephasia pasiuana, it is necessary to use chemical spraying. Early spring treatments in combination with herbicides are desirable.