INVESTIGATIONS TO EVALUATE THE SIDE-EFFECTS OF PESTICIDES ON THE GREEN LACEWING CHRYSOPERLA-CARNEA STEPH (NEUROPTERA, CHRYSOPIDAE) IN THE FIELD

Investigations were carried out to assess the side effects of pesticides in the field on Chrysoperla carnea. The experiment is based on the release of mass reared larvae on orchard plants such as apples, strawberries, red or black currants, and the application of pesticides at the recommended concentrations. Monitoring was carried out by C. carnea-larvae, trapped on baiting cards, which were distributed on the plants and contained eggs of the Angoumois grain moth Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier). In order to optimize the method, different coloured baiting cards, the most effective way to position them in the field and the best time for monitoring was researched. The results indicate that black baiting cards placed at the lower part of the plants give the highest catches. About five warm days with no or little rain were found to be needed to conduct the test.