Plant extracts as an alternative to chemical insecticides

The article presents the results of studying the effect of treatments with extracts of biologically active plant components (garlic phytoncides, fern flavanoids and calendula officinalis flavanoids) on the survival of the Colorado potato beetle and larvae on the vegetative organs of potatoes. The experiments were carried out in the conditions of the infield. The potato variety "Nevsky", which is not resistant to insect pests, was chosen as the object of research. This variety was treated with extracts of biologically active components of plants in three repetitions. Bushes of the Nevsky variety treated with the fast-acting insecticide "Aktara" and potato bushes treated with distilled water served as controls. The survival rate of the pest insect and its larvae was assessed visually after 24 hours. The results of the study showed that against the background of treatment with the fast-acting insecticide "Aktar", where the maximum percentage of death of both the pest insect and its larvae was observed (100%), the most effective treatment was with garlic phytoncides extract -75% of insect pest death and 35% of larval death. Treatment of plants with fern flavanoid extract led to 60% of the death of the insect pest and 40% of the death of its larvae. The treatment of potato bushes with flavanoids of calendula officinalis flowers was not highly effective (10% of insect pest death, 3% of larval death, respectively). Thus, the results of the conducted research open up wide opportunities for the creation of eco-friendly biological products as an alternative to chemical insecticides to combat the Colorado potato beetle.