Stan dotychczasowy i kierunki rozwoju badan z zakresu ochrony roslin ozdobnych przed szkodnikami

Regular investigations on ornamental plant protection against pests at the Research Institute of Pomology and Floriculture in Skierniewice have started in 1969. The main aim was to develop plant protection programmes for glasshouse and field crops against major pests. The most dangerous pest for rose and camation under covers – the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae ), was selected as the foremost priority to the economic injury level and biological efficacy of some compounds. At the same time our investigations included studies on effectiveness of new compounds against the glasshouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum), aphids (Macrosiphum euphorbiae, Macrosiphum rosae, Aphis gossypii), the brown sof t scale (Coccus hesperidum) and the citrus mealybugs (Planococcus citri). Much time was devoted to elaboration of the control programme against the quarantine pests occurring on main crops in greenhouses: nematode (Meloidogyne spp.), American serpentine leaf miner (Liriomyza trifolii), cotton white fly (Bemisia tabaci), bulb scale mite (Steneotarsonemus laticeps), western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis ). In the last five years research works are carried out on the occurrence, damages and control of field pests of ornamental trees and shrubs. Our future research will be concentrated on development of biological bases to control new quarantine pests such as the burrowing nematode (Radopholus similis) and the South American leaf miner (Liriomyza huidobrensis). Some time will be devoted on description of new species of eriophyoid mites (Eriophyoidae) and determination of their economic importance in ornamental nursery production. There are urgent needs to elaborate new methods of detecting and forecasting of many field pests and also to improve the programme of their control by new generation of chemical compounds. Ornamental plant protection in botanical gardens, parks and city greeneries, where some pests are very dangerous, will require the special attention.