Ignat V. Biological ground of the number's control of the scarab beetle (Lethrus apterus Laxm.) in the Forest-Steppe in Ukraine

Objects of researches – the scarab beetle, natural habitats and agrocoenosis. An aim is an improvement of monitoring methods, prognosis of quantity and application of ecologically-safe measures of cultural plants protection against the Lethrus apterus Laxm. in the Forest-Steppe Zone of Ukraine. The methods of investigations are: observations, laboratory and field experiments, statistical method. Scientific novelty is: scarab beetle biological features are specified at the Forest-Steppe Zone of Ukraine; influence of abiotic factors on scarab beetle development, the role of natural regulators of their quantity, day’s activity and food specialization are studied. The method of monitoring of the Lethrus apterus Laxm. (patent of Ukraine № 22018) is first worked out and approved. The method of pest' burrows ground excavations is improved. The elements of prognosis of phytophagous insect quantity, which are the basis for elaboration of phenological and long-term prognoses, are investigated. It is grounded that application of agrotechnical and mechanical methods of plant protection is expedient. Efficiency of action of chemical and biological preparations against scarab beetle is studied. Field of application – agriculture, plant protection.