In Russia’s Krasnodar Region, the Lazarevskaya Experimental Station for Plant Protection maintains the population of some 10,000 predacious insect species capable of fighting various parasites. Industrially-bred useful predators are only meant for agricultural purposes.
The Lazarevskaya Experimental Station was established in 1947 to specialize in methods of using parasites, predators and microorganisms to cope with varmints and plant diseases. Today, the process of growing fruit and vegetables in hothouse conditions requires some 15-20 chemical soil treatments. In this context, the Lazarevskaya station is seeking to reduce the amount of pesticides to a minimum, thus neutralizing the effects of ecologically harmful substances in final products. One of this sphere’s priorities is to develop and introduce biological means of combating pests, primarily the use of beneficial insects (entomophages).
For instance, the predacious stink bug Perillus bioculatus is a natural enemy to the Colorado beetle whom it actively annihilates, and the world-famous ladybug is bred to destroy aphids. The Lazarevskaya station’s special pride is the Cryptolaemus montrouzieri beetle used for the biological control of mealy bugs. This predator has been saving Sochi’s tea leaf, grape and citrus crops for quite a number of years already.
The experimental station is placing major emphasis on microbiology, with its laboratories breeding mushroom-, bacteria- and virus-based microorganisms meant to infect pests causing a chain reaction and entailing the death of the entire colony. Furthermore, the station also breeds the so-called “paratrooper” insects to be delivered to agricultural fields aboard helicopters, the organization’s head Lyudmila Bugayeva explains.
“Our technique of spreading predator bugs by air reduces labor efforts manifold as compared to the manual resettlement of insects,” said Lyudmila Bugayeva.
However, these activities have not always been that successful. In the 1990s, the organization was on the verge of a shutdown, with the lack of funds jeopardizing scientific projects developed for decades. But the station’s well-knit team managed to withstand those hard times, Lyudmila Bugayeva said. “We survived mainly because of our enthusiasm. Back in those days, we lacked central heating and had to take the insect to our homes. And still, our foundation remained unharmed.”
The station successfully preserved its scientific potential and proceeded with research. The team has its own patented innovative technologies and certificates of prestigious international forums.
At present, the Lazarevskaya station is mainly engaged in scientific projects on the effective development of useful insects. Employees believe they will shape the future of agriculture. Working out biological means of countering varmints is closely connected to the world’s food safety. The production of high-quality, beneficial and eco-friendly foodstuffs is a recipe for a healthy nation and its genetic conservation, which is an undoubtedly urgent issue for each and everyone.
