Abstract:
Zhangping Shuixian tea, a national geographical indication (NGI) product, faces severe threats to its sustainable development due to recent outbreaks of the tea green leafhopper (
Empoasca onukii Matsuda). This study aimed to explore more effective control strategies against E. onukii, reduce chemical pesticide reliance among tea farmers, and promote ecological tea garden construction. From May to October 2023, a randomized block design (RBD) was conducted across three representative tea gardens: F
1 (biological-physical synergy), F
2 (Chemical Control), F
3 (Physical Control). Pest dynamics and population trends of E.
onukii were monitored, and control efficacy among treatments was statistically compared. The results showed that the F
1 treatment integrated
Harmonia axyridis ladybeetles (beneficial-to-pest ratio 1∶30) achieved a corrected control efficiency of 94.68% at 7 days after treatment, which was higher than that of the F
2, F
3 treatments. Notably, F
1 reduced pesticide usage by 65%, elevated tea residue compliance rates to 100%, and realized a dry tea yield of 39.92 kg/667 m
2, with an 8.60% increase compared to the control (CK). In conclusion, the “biological-physical synergy” model (F
1) can provide a quantifiable paradigm for sustainable pest management in subtropical hilly tea plantations.