Method for preventing and treating insect pests of facility crops by using functional plants

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of agricultural pest control and provides a method for controlling facility crop pests by using functional plants. The method comprises the following steps: transplanting cnidium monnieri seedlings into a crop field before field planting or seedling emergence of crops; hanging the cnidium monnieri in the potted flowering period above crops planted on the ground, and replacing the cnidium monnieri with a new potted cnidium monnieri in the flowering period after the cnidium monnieri enters a green fruit period; releasing egg cards of natural enemies, orius sativus, encarsia formosa and harmonia axyridis 3 days after the potted snake bed is placed; when the cnidium monnieri on the ground enters the jointing stage, cnidium monnieri seeds are sown in the original position. According to the method, the crop yield is not reduced, meanwhile, damage caused by outbreak of pest populations is avoided, meanwhile, use of chemical insecticides is reduced, and green production of crops is promoted. The functional plant cnidium monnieri is planted in the greenhouse and used for conserving natural enemy insects released in the greenhouse, conserving of the natural enemy insects and prevention and control of pests can be considered at the same time, population growth of the natural enemy insects is promoted, and the cost of manually releasing natural enemies is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of agricultural pest and disease control technology, and relates to an ecological method for pest control. Background Technology

[0002] The information disclosed in this background section is intended to enhance understanding of the overall background of the invention and is not necessarily to be construed as an admission or in any way implying that such information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art.

[0003] With the continuous development of modern agricultural technology, driven by market demand, economic benefits, technological innovation, and policy support, greenhouses are a clear development trend. However, due to the unique environmental conditions within greenhouses, pests occur more frequently and severely, and their control is more difficult. To control pest damage, chemical pesticides must be used frequently and in large quantities. While the use of chemical pesticides has achieved some results, its frequent and excessive use has also produced a series of adverse effects, such as environmental pollution, pesticide residues, pest resistance, and resurgence, threatening safe agricultural production and sustainable development. Therefore, to ensure stable output and safe production in greenhouses, green and ecological pest control technologies are gradually gaining attention.

[0004] Due to the enclosed nature of greenhouses, natural enemies cannot enter. Therefore, releasing commercially available natural enemies has become a major biological control measure. Many studies have shown that releasing natural enemy insects several times over several weeks during greenhouse crop production can enable them to successfully establish themselves in the greenhouse and control crop pests. However, many problems still exist in actual production. First, the timing of natural enemy release cannot be accurately determined; releasing them too early or too late will affect the control effect. Second, greenhouses usually contain a single crop, and the food source for natural enemies is also limited, which makes it difficult to maintain the natural enemy population in the later stages. Multiple releases of natural enemies also lead to high control costs, affecting economic benefits.

[0005] There are already published patent documents regarding methods for cultivating natural enemy insects in the field by planting functional plants. One patent document indicates that planting a combination of attractant functional plants such as sweet alyssum, Cnidium monnieri, and amla in farmland systems for ecological pest control not only cultivates natural enemy insects and controls pests but also does not harm the farmland ecosystem. Furthermore, these functional plants have medicinal value and good ornamental value, thus balancing ecological and economic benefits. However, this combination of functional plants and Cnidium monnieri is only suitable for open field crops; the effectiveness of cultivating natural enemies for pest control in greenhouses requires further research.

[0006] Other patent literature describes the cultivation of aromatic basil in pots or by planting it in vegetable greenhouses, every 5-20m... 2Plant or pot a basil plant, spaced 20-50cm apart from vegetables. After the vegetables are transplanted, move the basil seedlings to a greenhouse and perform regular leaf thinning and topping before the basil flowers. This invention provides a suitable habitat for the natural enemy, the lacewing, in the greenhouse, increases the colonization rate of the lacewing, promotes pest control, and reduces pesticide use. However, single-function plants and single natural enemy insects can only control a limited number of pests, resulting in limited control effects. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the problems of improper application of natural enemy insects and poor pest control in greenhouses, this invention provides a method for ecological pest control in greenhouses using Cnidium monnieri.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution.

[0009] A method for ecologically controlling pests in facility crops using Cnidium monnieri includes the following steps: (1) Before the crops are transplanted or emerge, transplant the Cnidium monnieri seedlings with a growth period of 2-3 months into the crop field. The plant spacing and row spacing of the Cnidium monnieri seedlings are 40-50cm, and a Cnidium monnieri strip is planted every 10-15m. (2) Hang the potted snake bed in the flowering period above the crops planted on the ground, with each pot spaced 5m apart and 1.2-1.7m above the ground. Replace the snake bed with a new potted snake bed in the flowering period after the snake bed enters the green fruit period. (3) Three days after the potted snake bed is placed or at the early stage of pest occurrence, release East Asian small flower bugs, Encarsia formosa and Heterochromis heterochromis; (4) When the ground-level snake bed enters the jointing stage, sow snake bed seeds in the original position.

[0010] The pests mentioned are thrips, whiteflies, and aphids.

[0011] The crop in question is a Solanaceae crop, preferably a chili pepper, tomato, eggplant, potato, or physalis.

[0012] In step (1), the width of the snake bed strip is 0.5-1m, and the length is at least half the width of the greenhouse; the snake bed is planted on the crop ridge or downwind.

[0013] In step (2), the density of potted snake beds is 2-3 plants / pot.

[0014] In step (3), the release rate of the East Asian small flower bug is 1-2 bugs / m². 2 The release rate of Encarsia formosa is 1000-2000 per 667m². 2 The release rate of ladybug egg cards is 1000-4000 eggs / 667m. 2 .

[0015] In step (3), the indicators for the initial occurrence of pests are 5-10 aphids / plant, 0.3-0.5 whiteflies / plant, or 0.5-1 thrips / plant.

[0016] In step (4), the seeding rate is 3-4 g / m². 2 .

[0017] The present invention has the following advantages: This invention utilizes potted Cnidium monnieri cultivation in greenhouses to cultivate artificially released natural enemies. Compared to open fields, this extends the cultivation period of natural enemies, allowing them to function continuously within the greenhouse. This avoids pest outbreaks without reducing crop yield, while also reducing the use of chemical pesticides and promoting green crop production. By cultivating the functional plant Cnidium monnieri in greenhouses to cultivate released natural enemy insects, this invention simultaneously cultivates natural enemy insects and controls pests, promoting the population growth of natural enemy insects and reducing the cost of artificially releasing them. Furthermore, the Cnidium monnieri used in this invention has medicinal value, resulting in significant ecological and economic benefits. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 A diagram showing the planting and placement of potted snake beds; Figure 2 Schematic diagram of potted snake bed hoisting; Figure 3 Population dynamics of the East Asian small flower bug under different treatments; Figure 4 Figure showing the dynamic changes in population size of Encarsia formosa under different treatments; Figure 5 A graph showing the dynamic changes in the population size of *Heterochromis heterochromis* under different treatments; Figure 6 Figure showing the dynamic changes in the population size of western flower thrips under different treatments; Figure 7 A graph showing the dynamic changes in whitefly population size under different treatments; Figure 8 A graph showing the dynamic changes in aphid populations under different treatments. Detailed Implementation

[0019] This invention provides a method for ecologically controlling pests on solanaceous crops in greenhouses using Cnidium monnieri, comprising the following steps: S1, Ground-transplanted snake bed Cultivate Cnidium monnieri seedlings 2-3 months before transplanting solanaceous crops such as peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, and physalis to obtain strong seedlings.

[0020] After the greenhouse is cleared / sealed, the land is prepared and raised, and the snake bed is transplanted according to the size of the greenhouse: For greenhouses less than 15m in length, leave a 50-100cm gap at the bottom ventilation opening, and transplant snake beds with a plant spacing of 40-50cm to form a snake bed area; For greenhouses longer than 15m, transplant snake beds on the ridges with a plant spacing of 40-50cm to form snake bed strips. The length of the snake bed strip should be at least half the length of the ridge. Set up a snake bed strip every 10-15m.

[0021] S2, Hanging Potted Planter Snake Bed Plant 3-5 Cnidium monnieri plants in a flowerpot and control fertilizer, water, temperature and photoperiod to obtain flowering Cnidium monnieri. Hang the flowerpots above the ground crop planting area. The height of the flowerpots can be adjusted according to the height of the crop plants and can be set to 1.2-1.7m. The flowerpots should be placed at 5m intervals. When the Cnidium monnieri enters the green fruit stage, replace it with a new potted Cnidium monnieri in the flowering stage.

[0022] S3, Release the Enemy After placing the potted snake bed in the pot for 3 days, release natural enemies, including East Asian small flower bugs, Encarsia formosa, and ladybug egg cards, at the following densities: The release rate of the East Asian small flower bug is 2 bugs / m². 2 The release rate of Encarsia formosa was 2000 wasps per 667m³. 2 The release rate of the ladybug egg card was 1000 eggs / 667m. 2 .

[0023] S4, Reseeding of Cnidium monnieri When the ground-level snake bed enters the jointing stage, apply 3-4g / m² at the transplanting site. 2 By broadcasting Cnidium monnieri seeds at a certain sowing rate, combined with the natural seed shedding after the Cnidium monnieri matures, the effect of Cnidium monnieri throughout the entire flowering period can be achieved in a greenhouse.

[0024] In the above method, potted *Cnidium monnieri* is used as a transitional measure. Combined with direct transplantation, it allows for the early release of natural enemies in the greenhouse. During the flowering period, the potted *Cnidium monnieri* provides habitats, breeding grounds, and food for these enemies, increasing their colonization rate and maintaining their population size. This continues until the transplanted *Cnidium monnieri* flowers, further supporting natural enemy population growth and reducing the frequency and amount of artificial releases of natural enemies, thus maximizing the natural enemy conservation function of *Cnidium monnieri*. In greenhouses, potted *Cnidium monnieri* can be used in a hanging manner, making the application of this functional plant more flexible and reducing the planting area it occupies. This method allows the functional plant *Cnidium monnieri* to play a role throughout the entire production cycle of the greenhouse.

[0025] The endpoints and any values ​​of the ranges disclosed in this application are not limited to the precise ranges or values, and these ranges or values ​​should be understood to include values ​​close to these ranges or values. For numerical ranges, the endpoint values ​​of the various ranges, the endpoint values ​​of the various ranges and individual point values, and individual point values ​​can be combined with each other to obtain one or more new numerical ranges, which should be considered as specifically disclosed in this application.

[0026] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0027] Example 1: Ecological control of pepper pests in greenhouses using Cnidium monnieri and suspended potted Cnidium monnieri. This embodiment provides a method for ecologically controlling pests on chili peppers in a greenhouse using natural enemies and *Cnidium monnieri*. The test site was located in Wucheng County, Dezhou City, Shandong Province. The test plot was a 120m × 15m greenhouse, with a 40m × 15m area isolated by insect-proof netting and film as the treatment zone. Figure 1 and 2 As shown, follow these steps: (1) Plant Cnidium monnieri in early July and obtain robust Cnidium monnieri seedlings that meet the transplanting standards in early September; After the winter-warm greenhouse is sealed, fertilizer is applied and ridges are made in single rows. The ridge specifications are 20cm high, 70cm wide, and 110cm wide furrow. Since the greenhouse length is less than 15m, a distance of about 100cm is reserved at the lower ventilation opening. On September 6, the snake bed plants are transplanted with a plant spacing of 40cm. After transplanting, they need to be watered thoroughly and allowed to recover for 3 days to form the snake bed area. Transplant the chili seedlings at a spacing of 35cm between plants, in a single row and on a single ridge, and water them thoroughly for 3 days to allow them to recover. (2) Plant Cnidium monnieri in flower pots, with 2-3 seedlings per pot, and obtain flowering Cnidium monnieri by controlling fertilizer, water, temperature and photoperiod; While transplanting ground-grown snake beds, hang flower pots above the ground-grown snake bed area or snake bed strip, with the flower pot opening at a height of 1.2m and the flower pots spaced 5m apart; after the snake beds enter the green fruit stage, replace them with new potted snake beds in the flowering stage. (3) Three days after planting and hoisting are completed, i.e., on September 10th, at a rate of 2 heads / m 2 Release 2000 East Asian small flower bugs / 667m 2 Release Encarsia formosa and 1000 eggs / 667m 2 Release ladybug egg cards; (4) When the ground-grown Cnidium monnieri enters the jointing stage, apply 3g / m² to the transplanting site on September 16th. 2 Sow the seeds of Cnidium monnieri at the appropriate amount.

[0028] Other agricultural operations and disease management proceeded normally, but pest control was not carried out. Surveys of natural enemies and pepper pest populations, as well as calculations of control effectiveness, were conducted on September 17th, September 24th, October 1st, October 8th, October 15th, October 22nd, October 29th, and November 5th. The survey of natural enemies and pests was conducted visually using a five-point method. Two pepper plants were randomly selected at each survey point, and two leaves were selected from each plant at three different heights (top, middle, and bottom), for a total of six leaves per plant. After the peppers entered the flowering period, all flowers on the selected pepper plants were included in the survey. The number of natural enemies and pests at each life stage on the leaves and flowers of each plant was recorded until the peppers were harvested. Insect population reduction rate = (Insect population before control - Insect population after control) ÷ Insect population before control × 100%.

[0029] Table 1. Changes in the number of natural enemies (heads / plant) Table 2. Control efficacy against major pests on chili peppers (scalpers / plant) The combination of snake bed and hanging system significantly increased the population of three natural enemy insects during implementation. In particular, the number of Oriental flower bugs and ladybugs reached an average of 1.92 and 32.6 per plant, respectively, at the peak. In the later stages of the experiment, it also ensured that there were a considerable number of natural enemy insects in the greenhouse space, resulting in longer pest control time and better pest control effect. It suppressed pest outbreaks, with the peak pest occurrence reaching only 10 thrips per plant, 19.6 whiteflies per plant, and 100 aphids per plant. Furthermore, it rapidly reduced the number of pests in the later stages, with the highest single-day pest population reduction rate reaching 100%, ensuring crop growth.

[0030] Comparative Example 1: Releasing only natural enemies to control pepper pests in greenhouses. This embodiment provides a method for controlling pests on chili peppers in greenhouses using only natural enemies. The test site was located in Wucheng County, Dezhou City, Shandong Province. The test plot was a 120m × 15m greenhouse. A 40m × 15m area was isolated using insect-proof netting and film as the treatment zone. The following steps were followed: (1) After the winter-warm greenhouse is closed, apply fertilizer and make ridges in single rows. The ridges are 20cm high, 70cm wide, and 110cm wide with furrows. Transplant the chili seedlings in single rows with a plant spacing of 35cm. Water thoroughly for 3 days to allow the seedlings to recover. (2) After the seedlings have recovered, plant them at a rate of 2 seedlings / m² 2 Release 2000 East Asian small flower bugs / 667m 2 Release Encarsia formosa and 1000 eggs / 667m 2 Release the ladybug egg card. The remaining procedures are the same as in Example 1.

[0031] Table 3. Changes in the number of natural enemies (heads / plant) Table 4. Control efficacy against major pests on chili peppers The effectiveness of releasing natural enemies alone depends on their colonization. In this case, during the release period, the natural enemy insects provided good control, suppressing pest growth. However, after the release ended, the number of natural enemies peaked on October 15th and began to decline gradually, leading to a subsequent pest outbreak. By October 22nd, the whitefly population had reached 36 individuals per plant, and by November 5th, the aphid population had reached 350 individuals per plant and was still increasing. Therefore, the same number of natural enemy releases cannot achieve pest control throughout the entire crop growth cycle.

[0032] Comparative Example 2: Using only the cultivation of Cnidium monnieri for ecological control of pepper pests in greenhouses. This embodiment provides a method for ecologically controlling pests on chili peppers in greenhouses using natural enemies and Cnidium monnieri. The test site was located in Wucheng County, Dezhou City, Shandong Province. The test plot was a 120m×15m greenhouse, and a 40m×15m area was isolated using insect-proof netting and film as the treatment zone. The following steps were followed: (1) Plant Cnidium monnieri in early July and obtain robust Cnidium monnieri seedlings that meet the transplanting standards in early September; After the winter-warm greenhouse is sealed, fertilizer is applied and ridges are made in single rows. The ridge specifications are 20cm high, 70cm wide, and 110cm wide furrow. Since the greenhouse length is less than 15m, a distance of about 100cm is reserved at the lower ventilation opening. On September 6, the snake bed plants are transplanted with a plant spacing of 40cm. After transplanting, they need to be watered thoroughly and allowed to recover for 3 days to form the snake bed area. Transplant the chili seedlings at a spacing of 35cm between plants, in a single row and on a single ridge, and water them thoroughly for 3 days to allow them to recover. (2) After the transplanted snake bed is hoisted for 3 days, it is installed at a rate of 2 heads / m 2 Release 2000 East Asian small flower bugs / 667m 2 Release Encarsia formosa and 1000 eggs / 667m 2 Release ladybug egg cards; (3) When the ground-grown Cnidium monnieri enters the jointing stage, apply 3g / m² to the transplanting site on September 16. 2 Sow the seeds of *Cnidium monnieri* at the specified sowing rate. The remaining operations are the same as in Example 1.

[0033] Table 5. Changes in the number of natural enemies (heads / plant) Table 6. Control efficacy against major pests on chili peppers In the treatment of planting only snake bed, the population of natural enemy insects was higher than that of releasing natural enemies alone, but the effect on the conservation of natural enemies was not as good as the combination of snake bed and hanging treatment. The population of natural enemies during the peak and later periods was significantly lower than that of the combined treatment. It had a certain inhibitory effect on the population of pests during the pest outbreak period, but the number of pests was still higher than that of the combination of snake bed and hanging treatment.

[0034] Analysis of the above examples and comparative survey results shows that the combination of *Cymbidium goeringii* and hanging treatments achieved a better effect in conserving natural enemies. Four weeks after the release of natural enemies (October 8th to November 5th), the populations of several released natural enemies, especially the Oriental Asian small flower bug and the multicolored ladybug, were higher than those in the treatments of releasing only natural enemies or planting only *Cymbidium goeringii*. The population of small flower bugs was even on the rise. Furthermore, the combination of *Cymbidium goeringii* and hanging treatments significantly reduced the incidence of pests in the experimental plots. The peak population numbers during the pest outbreaks were significantly lower than the other two treatments. Regarding the population dynamics of thrips and whiteflies, the peak periods for the *Cymbidium goeringii* and hanging treatments, as well as those of planting only *Cymbidium goeringii*, occurred earlier, with lower pest numbers. The combined treatment also had a lower thrips population, with a more significant decline in the later stages. In addition, the *Cymbidium goeringii* and hanging treatments did not experience an outbreak of aphids; the population only reached 100 aphids per plant on October 1st before being controlled, and the population continued to decline until it reached zero.

[0035] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

[0036] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A method for ecologically controlling pests in facility crops using Cnidium monnieri, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: (1) Before the crops are transplanted or emerge, transplant the Cnidium monnieri seedlings with a growth period of 2-3 months into the crop field. The plant spacing and row spacing of the Cnidium monnieri seedlings are 40-50cm, and a Cnidium monnieri strip is planted every 10-15m. (2) Hang the potted snake beds in the flowering period above the ground-planted peppers, with each pot spaced 5m apart and 1.2-1.7m above the ground. Replace them with new potted snake beds in the flowering period after they enter the green fruit stage. (3) Three days after the potted snake bed is placed or at the early stage of pest occurrence, release the egg cards of the East Asian small flower bug, the Encarsia formosa, and the ladybug; (4) When the ground-level snake bed enters the jointing stage, sow snake bed seeds in the original position.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pests are thrips, whiteflies, and aphids; the crops are Solanaceae crops.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The crops mentioned are chili peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, or physalis.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (1), the width of the snake bed strip is 0.5-1m, and the length is at least half the width of the greenhouse; the snake bed is planted on the crop ridge or downwind.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (2), the density of potted snake beds is 2-3 plants / pot.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (3), the release rate of the East Asian small flower bug is 1-2 bugs / m². 2 The release rate of Encarsia formosa is 1000-2000 per 667m². 2 The release rate of ladybug egg cards is 1000-4000 eggs / 667m. 2 .

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (3), the indicators for the initial occurrence of pests are 5-10 aphids / plant, 0.3-0.5 whiteflies / plant, or 0.5-1 thrips / plant.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (4), the seeding rate is 3-4 g / m². 2 .

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