THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ARTAFIDIN CHITOSAN-BASED PRODUCT AGAINST SUCKING AND LEAF-EATING INSECT PESTS
Recently, more attention is paid to the study of the negative impact of plant protection chemicals on the biosphere and human health. The control over the use of pesticides in gardens is stricter, but this does not solve the problem of the negative consequences of pesticide use. In this regard, the issue of creating new plant protection products that are safe for humans and the environment is relevant. The research staff of M.A. Lisavenko Research Institute of Gardening in Siberia have developed Artafidin product based on insecticidal liquid soap and hydrolysate of Artemia sp.; the product contains chitosan. The action of the product against sucking and leaf-eating insect pests was tested on garden and vegetable crops, and house plants in laboratory and field conditions. The aftereffect of the treatment on protected plants was studied in a long-term apple tree plantation. The effectiveness of Artafidin against aphids amounted to 96.9-100%; against armored scales on house plants - 99%; against the worms of thorn butterfly and meadow moth - 70.3-98.2%. Artafidin showed a distinct selective effect on the useful fauna. Treatment of apple-trees with Artafidin promoted active growth of plants and improved fruit quality. Artafidin does not contain toxic components, so its use is safe for humans and the environment.