RESEARCH ON PEST AND DISEASE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR DIFFERENT STRAWBERRY VARIETIES

Abstract

A field trial of the garden strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) was conducted during the growing season, from the start of flowering to the end of harvest, in the summer of 2025, at the farm of farmer Laurynas Danila in the village of Užunevėžiai, Panevėžys District. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of different strawberry varieties and plant protection systems on the phytosanitary condition of the plants, yield productivity, and quality indicators. The study was conducted on first-year strawberry plants, planted in the fall with A+ category seedlings, using a two-factor experimental design: Factor A – varieties 1) ‘Asia’ and 2) ‘Verdi’; Factor B – plant protection systems: 1) chemical; 2) integrated, and 3) biological. Each treatment was replicated three times. During the study, the phytosanitary condition of the bushes (prevalence of leaf diseases and pests) was assessed, and the total yield and the amount of berries affected by gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) were recorded, calculated by weighing the affected berries at each harvest. It was found that the ‘Asia’ variety yielded 1.32 t ha⁻¹, while ‘Verdi’ was 21.64% lower—1.04 t ha⁻¹. ‘Verdi’ also had a higher proportion of berries affected by gray mold (9.39%) than ‘Asia’ (6.54%). The biological plant protection system was less effective in controlling gray mold, while no statistically significant differences were found between the chemical and integrated systems. Both factors had no significant effect on the phytosanitary condition of the plants. It was found that the chemical and integrated spraying options had a statistically significant effect on the prevalence of thrips (Thysanoptera), while the biological option was the least effective. The results of the study showed that the integrated plant protection system is an effective alternative to the chemical system.