STUDY OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CHEMICAL PREPARATIONS AGAINST CREEPING PESTS OF FRUIT CROPS

Creeping pests, primarily terrestrial mollusks such as slugs (Deroceras spp., Arion spp.) and snails (Helix spp., Cornu aspersum), represent a significant threat to fruit crops worldwide, including in the orchards of Uzbekistan. These pests damage leaves, shoots, flowers, and fruits, leading to yield losses, reduced fruit quality, and increased susceptibility to secondary infections. This study evaluates the effectiveness of several chemical molluscicides—metaldehyde, iron phosphate (ferric phosphate), ferric sodium EDTA, and methiocarb—under field conditions in apple, pear, and cherry orchards in the Tashkent and Samarkand regions of Uzbekistan. Field trials conducted over two growing seasons (2024–2025) demonstrated that metaldehyde-based baits achieved the highest mortality rates (up to 85–92% within 7 days), followed by ferric sodium EDTA (78–88%). Iron phosphate formulations showed slower action but were safer for non-target organisms and suitable for integrated pest management (IPM). The study also highlights the importance of bait formulation, application timing, and environmental factors (humidity, temperature) on efficacy. Recommendations for optimized use in Uzbek orchards are provided, emphasizing rotation of active ingredients to prevent resistance and integration with cultural and biological methods. Results contribute to sustainable pest management in fruit production.