H. Kosylovych, Yu. Holiachuk

Phytomonitoring of Field Agrocenoses in the Western Region of Ukraine

Introduction

Phytomonitoring of field agrocenoses in the western region of ukraine. Phytomonitoring in Western Ukraine (2016-2024) identifies dominant plant pathogens and pests affecting key crops: wheat, corn, soybean, rapeseed, sunflower, sugar beet. Protect crops.

Abstract

Goal. Phytosanitary monitoring of field agrocenoses in the western region of Ukraine and analysis of the dynamics of the spread of plant pathogens and pests. Methods. In three locations in Lviv, Volyn, Ternopil, Khmelnytskyi, and Ivano-Frankivsk regions, crops of winter wheat, soybean, and winter rapeseed were surveyed during 2016—2024; corn and sunflower — during 2020—2024; sugar beet — during 2022—2024. The species composition of plant pathogens and pests was determined under laboratory conditions. Results. The dominant diseases in winter wheat crops were Septoria leaf blotch, powdery mildew, and Fusarium head blight, which is dangerous due to the accumulation of mycotoxins in the grain; the main pests were cereal flies and cereal aphids. In corn crops, the most common diseases were northern corn leaf spot (helminthosporiosis), common smut, and Fusarium ear rot; among pests — the European corn borer, cereal aphids, and the western corn rootworm. Soybean plants were most often affected by downy mildew and Cercospora leaf spot pathogens, and in 2022 also by white mold (Sclerotinia rot); pests included aphids, the twospotted spider mite, and pea leaf weevils. The main diseases of winter rapeseed were downy mildew, blackleg (Phoma stem canker), and Alternaria leaf spot; pests included cabbage stem weevils, the rapeseed blossom beetle, and the brassica pod midge. In sunflower crops, the most frequently detected diseases were Phoma stem canker, Phomopsis stem blight, downy mildew, and in 2022 — white mold and grey mold; pests included aphids and the twospotted spider mite. The main diseases of sugar beet were Cercospora leaf spot and downy mildew; pests included the beet leaf aphid, the beet leaf miner fly, beet weevils, and the beet moth. Conclusions. The monitoring results indicate a diversity of harmful organism species that damage or infect plants throughout the entire growing season, which necessitates the development of a set of protective measures.

Review

This paper presents a valuable and extensive phytomonitoring study focused on field agrocenoses across five regions in Western Ukraine. Spanning an impressive nine-year period (2016-2024, with varying durations for different crops), the research meticulously aims to track and analyze the dynamics of plant pathogen and pest spread in economically important crops. The geographical and temporal scope of this study provides a robust dataset essential for understanding regional phytosanitary challenges, particularly given the agricultural significance of the Western Ukrainian territories. The methodology employed involved systematic surveys of winter wheat, soybean, winter rapeseed, corn, sunflower, and sugar beet crops, complemented by laboratory identification of species. The results detail a diverse spectrum of dominant diseases and pests for each crop, including significant threats like Fusarium head blight in winter wheat (with mycotoxin accumulation concerns), northern corn leaf spot in corn, downy mildew and Cercospora leaf spot in soybean and sugar beet, and various stem cankers and blights in winter rapeseed and sunflower. The abstract also highlights specific outbreaks, such as white mold in soybean and sunflower in 2022, underscoring the dynamic nature of pathogen presence. The comprehensive listing of identified harmful organisms for each crop offers a critical snapshot of the region's phytosanitary landscape. In conclusion, the monitoring results unequivocally demonstrate a rich diversity of harmful organisms impacting crop health throughout the growing season in Western Ukraine. This extensive dataset forms a crucial foundation for agricultural scientists and practitioners, highlighting the urgent need for the development and implementation of targeted protective measures. The findings are directly applicable to enhancing integrated pest and disease management strategies, improving crop forecasting models, and ultimately contributing to more sustainable and resilient agricultural practices in the region. This work serves as an invaluable reference for future research and policy-making in regional crop protection.

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