Phytosanitary Monitoring of Major Lepidopteran Pest and Their Natural Enemies in Maize Agroecosystems of Southeastern Kazakhstan

Abstract

Simple Summary Maize is an important crop in Kazakhstan, but insect pests can reduce crop yield and quality. In southeastern Kazakhstan, information about when the main maize pests appear, how their numbers change during the growing season, and which naturally occurring insects can help control them is still limited. In this study, we examined commercial maize fields in the Almaty and Zhetisu Regions and monitored the main insect pests and their natural enemies. We found that Ostrinia spp. and the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera were the main lepidopteran pests recorded in the surveyed maize fields. Their activity varied considerably between years, showing that regular monitoring is important for timely pest management. Increased pheromone-trap catches of Ostrinia spp. were recorded at several points during the growing season, primarily from June to August. We also recorded several groups of naturally occurring parasitoids and predators, including parasitoid wasps, lacewings, lady beetles, and tachinid flies. These natural enemies represent components of the maize agroecosystem and warrant further investigation to determine their potential contribution to biological and integrated pest management in Kazakhstan.