Adaptation of the chickpea pest complex to weather and climatic conditions of the unstable moisture zone in Stavropol krai

Abstract

Introduction. In Russia, chickpea is cultivated on approximately 800 thousand hectares, with the acreage dedicated to this crop increasing annually, which indicates its growing demand. One of the factors reducing the productivity of chickpea crops is insect pests. However, comprehensive studies on the species composition of phytophagous pests and their population dynamics in the zone of unstable moisture in the Stavropol krai have not been conducted to date.
Aim. To identify the complex of insect pests affecting chickpea in the conditions of the Stavropol Krai and to assess the impact of climatic factors on their abundance, biology, and phenology of development.
Materials and methods. The research was conducted on the chickpea variety Triumph. Phenological observations were based on generally accepted methods. The abundance of phytophages was recorded using the route method. Sticky traps were used to monitor the flight of adult chickpea leaf miners. Pheromone traps were used for the cotton bollworm.
Results. Three pest species were identified in the chickpea crops: the cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera Hb.), the chickpea leaf miner (Liriomyza cicerina R.), and the pea thrips (Kakothrips robustus Uz.). Weather conditions significantly affected the timing of development and the population dynamics of these species. In 2024, characterized by a warm spring, the maximum abundance reached 23 caterpillars/m² for the cotton bollworm, 59 larvae/m² for the chickpea leafminer, and 76 specimens/m² for the pea thrips. In 2025, with a cooler start to the summer, the peaks of abundance shifted but still reached significant levels: 16 cotton bollworm caterpillars/m², 102 chickpea leafminer larvae/m², and 77 pea thrips specimens/m².
Conclusion. The obtained data indicate the necessity of developing and implementing a plant protection system for chickpea crops against insect pests (cotton bollworm, chickpea leaf miner, and pea thrips). To forecast pest outbreaks, regular phytosanitary monitoring of chickpea crops is required, taking into account the phenological stages of the crop and the weather and climatic conditions of the growing season.

To cite: Chernov A.V., Chenikalova E.V. Adaptation of the chickpea pest complex to weather and climatic conditions of the unstable moisture zone in Stavropol krai. Agrarian Bulletin of the North Caucasus. 2026;16(1):91-100. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.31279/2949-4796-2026-16-1-91-100