Maize is a strategic crop for agriculture, but its productivity is frequently influenced by pest pressure that requires efficient control measures. In this context, plant protection practices must be assessed not only in relation to pest suppression, but also in terms of their effects on beneficial arthropods that contribute to the ecological balance of maize fields. The aim of this paper is to examine the differences between conventional pesticides and biopesticides with regard to their impact on beneficial arthropod communities in maize crops, while also considering the relevance of these approaches for sustainable crop protection in Romania. The review is based on the analysis of scientific papers indexed in international databases, focusing on studies that address non-target effects, pesticide selectivity, and the role of beneficial fauna in maize agroecosystems. Recent research shows that synthetic pesticides, although often effective in rapid pest control, may disturb natural enemy populations through direct toxicity and indirect ecological effects. By comparison, biopesticides are generally associated with a lower ecological burden and a greater compatibility with integrated pest management strategies, although their performance is not uniform under all field conditions. The novelty of this paper consists in bringing together these aspects within a discussion centered on maize and on the current need for more sustainable protection options in Romania. The main limitation of the review is related to the uneven distribution of available data and the limited number of studies specifically conducted under Romanian agricultural conditions. Even so, the findings underline the practical and scientific importance of choosing crop protection solutions that preserve beneficial biodiversity together with crop productivity.

maize, beneficial arthropods, conventional pesticides, biopesticides, non-target effects, integrated pest management

agronomy

Presentation: poster