Geographical range of melon ladybird Epilachna chrysomelina F. in conditions of Zeravshan valley, Uzbekistan

Samarkand State University, Department of Ecology and Life Safety, 140104 Samarkand, Uzbekistan

^* Corresponding author: boymurodov1971@mail.ru

Abstract

This article is devoted to the study of the geographical distribution, as well as the biology and ecology of the melon ladybug (Epilachna chrysomelina F.), a dangerous pest of melons and gourds in the conditions of the Zerafshan Valley of Uzbekistan. Studying of the biology of the melon ladybug and the development of measures to combat it is currently particular important in the Zerafshan Valley in connection with the development of large tracts of land. The conditions of the newly developed lands make it possible to successfully cultivate, along with cotton, valuable melons and gourds. However, the biology of the pest in the conditions of the Zarafshan Valley of Uzbekistan has not been sufficiently studied and effective measures to combat it have not been developed. The control measures recommended to date are largely outdated and need to be improved. The melon ladybug (Epilachna chrysomelina F.) is widespread in the farms of Samarkand and Bukhara regions of the Zerafshan valley and in some areas of Jizzakh and Syrdarya regions of Uzbekistan, but it is not found in the same numbers and damages the melons and gourds to varying degrees. Within certain geographic limits, mainly due to climatic factors, Epilachna chrysomelina F. currently has an intermittent, lacy character of distribution.