SUSTAINABLE PLANT PROTECTION IN AUTONOMOUS CULTIVATION SYSTEMS: STRATEGIES FOR CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENTS

Abstract

Autonomous cultivation systems, including modern phytotrons as highly controlled plant growth environments, are becoming key tools in precision agriculture, plant research, and sustainable food production in closed systems. Their applications extend beyond academic and experimental laboratories to urban farming, gastronomy, and residential environments, enabling the cultivation of fresh crops directly at the point of consumption. These systems allow precise control of temperature, humidity, light, CO₂ concentration, and ventilation, providing optimal growth conditions but also introducing new challenges in biosafety, hygiene, environmental stability, and product quality. This paper analyzes abiotic and biotic factors affecting plant health in controlled environments and evaluates the risks associated with fungal, bacterial, viral pathogens, and insect pests. Special attention is given to contamination pathways such as water, substrates, air, and human handling and their interactions with microclimatic parameters. The persistence of pesticides in closed systems is discussed, as it may lead to higher residue levels than under field conditions. Based on current knowledge, the study proposes integrated preventive and protective strategies (IPM) combining physical, biological, and, where necessary, chemical measures. Emphasis is placed on environmental monitoring, automation, sensor technologies, and microclimate management for early risk detection and targeted intervention. The selection of resistant genotypes and optimization of microbial environments are highlighted as key elements of long-term sustainability. From a regulatory perspective, the paper underscores the need to update European GAP and HACCP systems to address the specificities of hydroponic, aquaponic, and phytotronic technologies, providing a foundation for safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable plant production in controlled environments.