Introduction;
With the onset of warm weather, gardeners and vegetable growers face one of the biggest problems — insect pests. These small creatures can cause significant damage to plants, which in turn affects the harvest and health of the garden. The main sign of leaf damage is holes in the leaves. And this is a very serious problem.
Because the affected leaves cannot be restored or treated. In addition, they are practically no longer suitable for consumption or storage. In this article, we will look at the main types of insect pests, their impact on plants and effective means of controlling them.
1. Main types of insect pests
1.1 Colorado potato beetle
The main threat to potato plantings can be considered the Colorado beetle! By the way, the Colorado beetle also feeds on other plants. But, the main one, of course, is potatoes. The probability that the potato tops will be eaten to its skeleton is 100%.
At first, of course, the beetles eat the leaves along the edges. Then, they gnaw holes. Young and tender shoots are most susceptible. The next victims after potatoes may be tomatoes, eggplants and other plants. It should be noted that during the season, the development of one to three generations of beetles is possible.
1.2. Flea beetles;
Ground fleas belong to the group of leaf-eating beetles. Interestingly, they are only a few mm in size. They prefer to live in colonies. Usually, they gnaw small holes in the leaves. Their location is usually in the vegetable garden or flower garden. They love clear sunny weather, and therefore do not tolerate rainy weather. They also adore weeds. They begin their development as larvae in the soil. Since the main food at this time is plant roots. The most common is the so-called cruciferous flea. First of all, they damage the upper buds, root collars, thereby inhibiting the development of plants. If there are a lot of them, they can destroy the plant in a few days. As a plant protection, preparations such as Aktara, Grom-2, Komandor, Matrin Bio, Fitoverm, etc. are usually used. 
As folk remedies you can use:
a. Dust the plants with a powder made from a mixture of wood ash and tobacco dust b. Spray with a solution or infusion of nettle. (To prepare it, take 500-700 g of nettle, chop it, pour 5 liters of water and leave for 24 hours). c. Spray with a decoction of wormwood (chop 1 kg of wormwood, take 3 liters of water, boil for 10-15 minutes, strain and bring the volume to 10 liters). Also, for better adhesion to the leaves, you can add 50g of soap.
As a preventative measure, you can use:
1. Follow crop rotation rules; 2. Establish weed control; 3. It is advisable to germinate phytoncidal plants (garlic, nasturtium, etc.). 4. It is advisable to plant plants at a favorable time, in particular, when the temperature has not yet reached 15 degrees Celsius and pests have not yet begun to multiply. This is approximately the end of June, mid-July. At this time, population growth is low; 5. In addition, it will be great if you cover the seedlings with non-woven covering material; 6. Mulch and loosen the soil regularly as often as possible; 7. Water the plants correctly; 8. Be sure to dig up the soil in the fall;
1.3. Whitefly
Whitefly is a small insect that attacks many plants, including vegetables and flowers. It feeds on plant juices, which causes the leaves to turn yellow and wither. In addition, whiteflies secrete a sticky substance that promotes the development of sooty mold, which impairs photosynthesis and can lead to the death of the plant.
How to fight it?!
There are several methods that can be used to control whiteflies. First, mechanical methods such as hand picking and setting yellow sticky traps can help reduce their numbers.
Secondly, chemical insecticides can be effective, but their use requires caution so as not to harm beneficial insects. Finally, biological methods, such as the use of natural enemies of whiteflies, such as ladybugs, can also help control their population.
1.4 Mealybug
Mealybugs are pests that affect both indoor and garden plants. They form whitish colonies on leaves and stems, which hinder photosynthesis and can lead to the death of the plant. Mealybug is a pest that forms whitish colonies on the leaves and stems of plants, which makes photosynthesis difficult. 
To combat it, you can use mechanical methods such as hand picking of insects, Mealybugwashing plants with soapy water.Mealybug is a pest that forms whitish colonies on the leaves and stems of plants, which makes photosynthesis difficult. To combat it, you can use mechanical methods such as hand picking of insects, Mealybugwashing plants with soapy water.
2. The influence of insect pests on plants
Insect pests can have different effects on plants. First of all, they weaken plants by sucking out their juices. This can lead to a decrease in yield and deterioration in the quality of fruits. In addition, some pests are carriers of diseases, which can cause epidemics among plants.
3. Insect pest control
3.1. Mechanical methods
Mechanical methods of pest control include hand picking, traps and nets. For example, Colorado potato beetle traps can be very effective if set early in the pest’s life.
3.2. Chemical agents
Chemical plant protection products such as insecticides can be effective in controlling insect pests. However, they should be used with caution as they may have negative effects on beneficial insects and the environment. It is important to follow the instructions on the packaging and use the products at the recommended doses.
3.3. Biological methods
Biological pest control methods include using natural enemies of insects. For example, ladybugs
are natural predators of aphids and can help control their numbers. You can also use special preparations based on beneficial microorganisms that help fight pests.
3.4. Folk remedies
There are many folk remedies that can help in the fight against insect pests. For example, an infusion of garlic or tobacco can repel aphids and other pests. You can also use a soap solution to treat plants, which will help destroy insects on the surface of the leaves.4.
4. Prevention of pests
Prevention is key when it comes to pest control. Here are some tips to help reduce the risk of pests: 1. Regular Plant Inspection: Regularly inspect your plants for pests. The sooner you spot a problem, the easier it will be to deal with.
2.Cultivation Practices: Proper plant care, including watering, fertilizing, and pruning, will help strengthen your plants and make them less susceptible to pests.
3.Crop Rotation: Changing the location of crops on your property will help prevent pests from building up in the soil.
4. Using Resistant Varieties: Choose plant varieties that are more resistant to pests and diseases.
Conclusion;
Controlling insect pests is an important part of gardening. Knowing the main types of pests, how they affect plants, and how to control them will help you keep your
