Abstract:
In Ukraine, excessive land tillage has disrupted the balance among land
use categories, decreased biodiversity, and accelerated soil degradation
processes.
These negative consequences can be mitigated by replacing grain
production on low-productivity, eroded, sloping, and otherwise infertile lands
with high-margin niche crops, such as Lavandula hybrida Rev.
Lavandin is a perennial essential oil crop obtained through natural or
artificial hybridization of narrow-leaved lavender (Lavandula angustifolia
Mill.) and broad-leaved lavender (Lavandula latifolia Medic.). Compared to
its parent species, lavandin demonstrates higher yields and greater essential
oil output due to heterosis and propagates exclusively by vegetative means.
The floral raw material of Lavandula hybrida Rev. is highly demanded in
various production and processing industries (cosmetics, perfumery,
pharmaceuticals, veterinary medicine, chemical, and technical sectors).
Lavandin plants and plantations are also popular in ornamental horticulture
and the tourism industry.
The species composition of segetal vegetation, phytopathogenic
microbiota, and harmful and beneficial entomofauna in lavandin plantations
was studied during 2021-2023 in the landmass of the private enterprise
«Krynytsia», located in the southern subzone of the Steppe zone of Ukraine,
in the southwestern part of Kherson district, Kherson region, village Inhulets
(46°48'12.2"N 32°50'37.5"E). The obtained results confirmed that lavandin is
relatively resistant to pathogenic microflora and pests compared to other
Lavandula L. species. However, weed infestation, especially during the first
to third years of plantation life, remains a significant factor that can
substantially limit crop productivity. The high level of agronomic practices
and overall farming culture at the enterprise, along with the use of a modern
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system, created an effective protective
barrier against the reproduction and spread of harmful organisms in
Lavandula hybrida Rev. plantations.
