APPLICATION OF GIS AND REMOTE MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES IN THE STUDY OF THE BIOECOLOGY OF TOMATO PESTS (ON THE EXAMPLE OF ANDIJAN REGION)

Аннотация

The article provides an in-depth analysis of the bioecological characteristics, life cycles, and distribution factors of the main pests of tomato crops - Tuta absoluta, aphids, and thrips - in the conditions of the Andijan region. In particular, the possibilities of using modern GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and remote sensing technologies (drones, multispectral cameras, satellite images) for the timely detection of these harmful organisms and planning effective measures to combat them are highlighted. Also, in pest monitoring, forecasting models based on AI (artificial intelligence), Random Forest, YOLO, NDVI indices, and early warning systems are explained with practical examples. The article, based on the real conditions of the Andijan region, reveals ways to implement innovative approaches in tomato agroecosystems. Keywords: Tomato pests, Tuta absoluta, GIS technologies, Remote sensing, drone monitoring, NDVI index, Satellite imaging, Artificial intelligence (AI), Random Forest, YOLO, Andijan region, Bioecology, Early warning system, Feromon traps, Tomato agroecosystem Introduction. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is one of the most important vegetable crops in the world, and its product plays an important role in human nutrition. However, tomato cultivation is seriously threatened by various pests - on a global scale, it is noted that insect pests damage an average of 13-14% of the yield of agricultural crops. In regions with a warm climate, such as the Andijan region, the most harmful pests to tomato crops are the tomato moth (Tuta absoluta), various aphids, and thrips. It is known that in the conditions of the Fergana Valley (including Andijan), the tomato moth has become one of the five most dangerous pests of vegetable and melon crops in recent years. In this article, using the example of the Andijan region, the bioecological characteristics of tomato pests and the use of modern geoinformation systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies (drones, satellite imagery, etc.) in monitoring their distribution are analyzed. Attention will also be paid to the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithms in the 79 МЕЖДУНАРОДНАЯ КОНФЕРЕНЦИЯ АКАДЕМИЧЕСКИХ НАУК observation process, increasing the effectiveness of monitoring, and forming early warning systems. Main tomato pests and their bioecology In the Andijan region, among the main insects damaging tomato yields in open fields and greenhouses are the Tuta absoluta (tomato moth), aphids, and thrips. Below, these pests and their bioecological characteristics (life cycle, reproduction and distribution factors) are described. Tuta absoluta (tomato moth) The tomato moth is a small moth (butterfly) that originated in South America and has rapidly spread throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa since 2006. In Uzbekistan, this invasive pest was first identified in 2016 and is currently found in many tomato-growing regions of the country. Tuta absoluta is an oligophagous plant, mainly characteristic of tomatoes, and can also damage other nightshade crops (potatoes, eggplants, tobacco, etc.). Its eggs are small (0.35 mm) and are laid one by one on the leaf surface; each female butterfly can lay up to 250-300 eggs during its lifetime. The hatched larvae feed by forming shafts inside leaves and fruits - this shaft-like damage is a characteristic feature of tomato moths, manifesting as large wounds in leaves and small holes in fruits. The larva develops in four stages, completing development in 13-15 days; then pupates in the soil or in plant debris. Adults (imago) are small grayish-brown butterflies, with a body length of only ~6 mm, narrow wings, and black spots on top. The life cycle is very short - under optimal conditions (25-27°C), it takes only 30-35 days for the egg to hatch and reproduce. Therefore, in warm regions, this pest can develop up to 10-12 generations throughout the year (even in greenhouse conditions). For example, in observations conducted in the central part of the Fergana Valley, it was noted that Tuta absoluta produces 5-6 generations during the season (even 6 generations, including those in the warehouse), the development period of each generation lasted about a month. Reproduction conditions are very suitable for sunny and warm climates, and larval development accelerates when the daily temperature is around 25-30°C. In this case, the pest continues to multiply in the open field until the end of autumn; with the arrival of winter, it can partially survive in the pupal or adult moth stage. Studies have shown that in the Fergana Valley, the tomato moth can overwinter in the egg, pupa, and adult moth stages. In particular, in the Andijan region and adjacent territories, larvae and pupae are found in open areas before the onset of autumn cold, and in winter, the adult stage of the live moth is observed in greenhouses (for example, in the Tashlak 80 МЕЖДУНАРОДНАЯ КОНФЕРЕНЦИЯ АКАДЕМИЧЕСКИХ НАУК district). This pest