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THE ROLE OF ENTOMOFAUNA IN THE BIOECOLOGICAL BALANCE
OF TOMATO AGROECOSYSTEMS
Jabborxonov Tursunxo‘ja Qaxramon o‘g‘li
Independent researcher at Andijan State University
Email address: Tursunxo'ja@gmail.com
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16924654
Abstract:
The role of entomofauna in maintaining the bioecological balance
in agrocenoses is scientifically analyzed. The main attention is paid to the
biological relationships between beneficial and harmful insects in tomato
agroecosystems. The study examined the entomofauna of tomato agrocenoses in
the Andijan region, their seasonal changes in numbers, biological diversity, and
ecological functions. The article also highlights the possibilities of reducing the
use of pesticides by preserving the impact of natural competitors, pollinating
insects, bioagents, and entomofauna on the agroecosystem. Ways to increase the
effectiveness of entomofauna monitoring using GIS technologies, sensors, and
remote monitoring methods are considered. Scientific results are important in
maintaining the bioecological balance, increasing the sustainability of the
agroecosystem, and ensuring environmental safety.
Keywords:
entomofauna, agrocenosis, bioecological balance, tomato
agroecosystem, beneficial insects, biological control, GIS monitoring, pesticides,
environmental safety.
Introduction. Entomofauna is a complex of insects found in agroecosystems.
It interacts with soil and plants and performs many ecological functions as part
of the ecosystem. For example, pollinating insects such as bees and butterflies
play an important role in plant fertilization, which increases the quantity and
quality of the harvest. Some plants, such as tomatoes, release pollen through
"noise," i.e., by pollination; such "noise pollination" is performed by bees, which
increases tomato yields.
Insects, considered pests, damage plant tissues and lead to crop loss. For
example, harmful insects such as aphids and leaf thistle (Tuta absoluta) suck
fluid from tomato leaves, causing plants to weaken. On the other hand,
predatory insects such as ladybugs (Coccinellidae), mysterious mosquitoes
(Chrysopidae), and parasitic bees provide natural control by eating pests. Thus,
within the entomofauna, pollinators, pignho (harmful) insects, and their natural
enemies must always be in balance.
In the tomato agroecosystem, the entomofauna is also diverse, some species
damage tissues and fruit parts, while others perform the function of fertilizing
plants or parasitic-parasitoid (breaking pests). For example, studies in
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Cameroon showed that insects found in tomato fields are distributed across 7
orders and 66 families, some of which are called benefis (bee, butterfly, ladybug,
mysterious mosquito, and others), while most are considered harmful plinnish
(pests). For many farmers, chemical pesticides are widely used because it's not
entirely clear which insects are harmful and which are beneficial. However, from
an intellectual and ecological point of view, by strengthening biological control
and monitoring in the agroecosystem, it
is possible to maintain the bioecological
balance and ensure sustainable yields.
In observation, "noisy" fertilization of tomato
flowers with the green bee species (Amegilla spp.)
increases fruit yield.
Ladybug (Coccinellidae) eats aphids on fruit
plants as a natural enemy; this is one
manifestation of pest control in the tomato
ecosystem.
Style.
Dedicated to the study of the role of entomofauna in the tomato
agroecosystem. The content of the article is mainly based on available scientific
literature, the latest research, and the results of field studies. Examples of the
use of various monitoring methods to determine the diversity of insects in
tomato field ecosystems and to study population dynamics were investigated.
For example, there are studies where entomofauna observations were
conducted using pitfall puxta (belt vessels immersed in the ground). In the
laboratory experiment, pitfall stones were installed under two different agro-
textile (plastic fabric) covers, and insects walking through the soil were collected
as a biological indicator. Additionally, there are examples where insect species
that fly into the stream have been identified using LED traps. For example, in an
experiment conducted in Russia in 2021, LED traps were used in open and
greenhouse tomato fields to identify common insect orders - mainly Coleoptera
(chordate worms) and Hemiptera (middle-winged insects). The results of
monitoring data were analyzed, and population dynamics and seasonal changes
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were assessed. In the study of chenoriozon, control was carried out in different
seasons in the sampled areas (for example, with pitfalls or sticky traps with an
interval of 7-10 days).
The data collected through observations were processed statistically and
analyzed in the form of graphs and tables of population dynamics. Based on the
research results, conclusions were drawn about the diversity of entomofauna in
the
agroecosystem
and
the
balance
ensuring
stability.
Results. Studies based on the data showed the following results:
Field observation in Cameroon: In a study conducted in the western district
of Cameroon, a total of 25,321 insect individuals were collected from the tomato
ecosystem. They belong to 7 orders (Hemiptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera,
Lepidoptera, etc.) and 66 families. Pests constituted a large part of this harvest;
however, some predatory and parasitoid genera were also encountered. For
example, it was observed that the number of insects collected during the dry
season was much greater than during the rainy season. This result shows the
seasonal dynamics of the pest population and its impact on the harvest.
Research in Russia: As a result of an intensified study of LED traps in the
open field, the orders Coleoptera (species 68-82%), Hemiptera (15-26%) and
Diptera (2-6%) dominated in the terrestrial entomofauna of tomatoes, and in
greenhouse conditions, Lepidoptera (bee-like creatures) prevailed in the ratio of
39-61%, Diptera 10-18%, and Coleoptera 10-40%. This study showed that in
open ground conditions, the proportion of groundworms and leafworm species
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was higher, while in the enclosed environment, the proportion of butterflies was
higher. In the open field, the Carabidae family (predators of earthworms) and
Coccinellidae (ladybugs) were also observed, which indicates the presence of
beneficial insects even in an agrochemically independent environment.
Agro-textile and organose effects: In a tomato cultivation experiment
conducted in Chile, a total of 6,895 arthropods were collected from traps,
representing 16 orders (Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera,
Arachnida, etc.). According to the results, the Hymenoptera order had the largest
share, which amounted to 59.4% of the total (spleen-pollinating and parasitoid
wasp species). The following places are occupied by Coleoptera (10.4%) and
Diptera (8.4%). The number of collected insects in the open area was higher
(2639), while in the affected areas it was significantly lower (646 under agro-
textile cover, 665 under organic). This result indicates that physical coverage of
the area reduces pest infestation. Under the red material, species diversification
(16 commands) was highest, since it is known that colored tissues attract some
insects.
The results showed that the composition of the entomofauna in the tomato
agroecosystem changes under the influence of climatic conditions and
agricultural techniques (open-planted or closed). The abundance of
Hymenoptera (bee and bee families) in open ground may enhance pollination
and natural predation, but Lepidoptera sparks (e.g., Tuta absoluta) have also
been found. Coating layers limit the number of pests and create a favorable
environment for the growth of the proportion of beneficial insects.
Discussion.
The obtained results show that the entomofauna plays a crucial
role in maintaining the bioecological balance in the tomato agroecosystem.
Biological struggle plays a key role in balancing the ratio between beneficial
insects (pollinators and predatory species) and harmful insects (pests). For
example, in Brazilian and European experiments, it has been proven that the
artificial use of bumblebees significantly increases the productivity of tomato
gilos. This insect pollinator is a private service of the ecosystem, the loss of
which can lead to a sharp decline in yields.
Another important fact in biological struggle is the role of predatory insects.
Ladybugs and mysterious mosquitoes are particularly effective as natural
enemies against bitter vines (aphids) and circle flies (whiteflies). For example,
the parasites Maclorophus basicornis (Hemiptera: Miridae) and Trichogramma
pretiosum can mainly surface the eggs of leafhoppers and other pests. In many
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modern IPM programs, pest populations are controlled by adding this and other
predatory insects (such as Myersarch larconi and acari).
Monitoring and analysis of population dynamics are the basis for ensuring
environmental sustainability. Through continuous monitoring, early detection of
population changes and, if necessary, prompt measures (e.g., placing necessary
parasites or using isolated, targeted insecticides only) are taken. Strict
monitoring protocols - visual inspections, colored viscous traps, pheromone
traps, and remote tracking technologies - are widely implemented in IPM
systems. For example, stick traps are used to observe tower pests such as
whiteflies and thrips. These methods are used to determine population
dynamics and the ratio of beneficial and harmful insects, after which
agrotechnical or biological measures are applied.
From an ecological point of view, a healthy entomofauna also protects soil
quality and water resources. For example, natural predatory insects reduce
pesticide consumption, thereby protecting soil and water from pollution. A study
by Kremen and Miles (2012) showed that the entomofauna in diversified farms
enhances agrarian services - that is, the effectiveness of pest control and
pollination is higher, and the harvest is more stable. Also, the application of
integrated measures (IPM) allows maintaining a balance between productivity
and environmental damage. Monitoring and biological control strategies,
organized on the basis of various sources (for example, planting flowers along
the edges of the field, planting plants that love pests, placing beneficial
nematodes), in turn, strengthen the stability of the agroecosystem.
Conclusion.
In conclusion, the entomofauna of the tomato agroecosystem is
a decisive factor in ensuring the bioecological balance. The fertilizing and
predatory insects in its composition naturally control the populations of rusting
pests, reducing the need for chemical agents. The data showed that ecosystem
stability can be maintained through population monitoring (trapping, visual
inspection), the use of biological control agents, and the harmonization of
management methods (IPM). Conservation of beneficial insects and
implementation of agroecological measures (for example, planting flowers,
organic fertilization) increase the diversity of the entomofauna and increase
yield stability. Therefore, the introduction of scientifically based monitoring and
biological control measures in tomato cultivation serves to maintain the quality
of the agroecosystem at a high level.
Conclusions and recommendations:
In the tomato agroecosystem, it is
recommended to control harmful insects (aphids, leafhoppers T. absoluta,
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whiteflies, thrips, etc.) using biological control agents (ladybug, lacewing,
parasitoid bees, predatory larvae, etc.).
Agrotechtile and other protection methods reduce pest infestation; in such
environments, the diversity of entomofauna species is preserved.
Systematic monitoring (trapping, visual observation) and decision-making
based on IPM principles (threshold-based pesticide application) are essential for
ensuring environmental sustainability.
Selective pesticides that protect beneficial insects and actions that enrich
the interplant ecosystem help maintain the balance of the entomofauna.
Comprehensive research should be aimed at identifying ways to increase
the diversity of entomofauna and maximize the use of its ecological services.
Thus, consistent implementation of the policy of entomofauna monitoring and
biological control of tomato plants is an effective way to achieve a balance
between productivity and ecosystem health.
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