Abstract
In the context of sustainable agricultural development, there is an increasing demand for environmentally safe and effective plant protection products. Particular attention is being paid to the use of sulfur-containing industrial waste as a source of biologically active compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological activity of calcium polysulfide (lime sulfur solution – LSS, a 40% aqueous solution) obtained from sulfur-containing waste against a complex of apple pests. Field experiments were conducted in an apple orchard in the Almaty region using standard phytosanitary monitoring methods. The results showed that the application of calcium polysulfide at concentrations of 1.0…3.0% provided high biological efficacy against mites (Panonychus ulmi, Bryobia rubrioculus), as well as Cydia pomonella larvae and mealybugs. The biological efficacy ranged from 74,1% to 90,3% depending on the concentration. The highest efficacy was observed at a concentration of 3,0%, where the reduction in mite damage reached 90,3% on leaves and 88,5% on fruits. The findings confirm the high efficacy of calcium polysulfide derived from sulfur-containing waste and demonstrate its potential for use in integrated pest management systems. Its application contributes to reducing pesticide load and promoting the rational utilization of secondary resources.