Phytosanitary status of lavandin (Lavandula hybrida Rev.) plantations in the conditions of the Southern Steppe of Ukraine

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.