Major pests of fruit and berry crops in the western region of Azerbaijan and environmentally safe control methods

Abstract

In recent years, clearly observable global climate change in Azerbaijan, as in various geographical regions of the world, together with the expansion of intensive fruit orchards, has become one of the major factors contributing to the spread of diverse pest organisms, reduced crop productivity, and deterioration in the quality of agricultural products. In this context, studying pests of fruit and berry crops, determining their distribution patterns, and implementing environmentally safe control methods represent important components of modern plant protection. The aim of this study was to identify the most widespread pests affecting major fruit and berry crops cultivated in the Western region of Azerbaijan, particularly in the Ganja-Dashkasan and Gazakh-Tovuz economic regions, to assess their biological characteristics, distribution patterns, and harmful effects on plants, and to substantiate environmentally safe pest management and control measures. The study focused on major pests associated with apple, pear, plum, sour cherry, sweet cherry, apricot, peach, grape, strawberry, raspberry, and blackberry crops. The biological characteristics, feeding behavior, distribution, and damage caused by important pest species such as Aphis pomi, Cydia pomonella, Grapholita funebrana, Panonychus ulmi, and Metcalfa pruinosa were assessed based on literature data and field observations. Particular attention was given to the application of biological products, entomophages, pheromone traps, agronomic practices, plant-based preparations, and integrated pest management systems, which can contribute to reducing the intensive use of chemical pesticides.