Pests Of Fruit Crops

In the realm of global fruit production, India ranks second only to China, and fruits play a vital role in fulfilling the nutritional needs of society while also providing employment opportunities, particularly in rural agricultural economies of developing countries such as India. The advent of Hi-tech Horticulture has led to a paradigm shift in fruit crop cultivation, and climatic changes and increased cropping intensity have resulted in a remarkable and rapid transformation of the fruit ecosystem. Unfortunately, this shift has also led to a rise in biotic stresses, such as those caused by insect, mite, and nematode pests.

The use of synthetic, poisonous chemical pesticides to protect fruit crops from insect pest devastation is a quick and easy solution, but it has significant drawbacks. Consequently, integrated approaches that incorporate cultural, mechanical, biological, and ecological management strategies in combination with safe and need-based pesticidal chemicals are necessary to combat this complex and pernicious problem.

This compilation represents an exhaustive effort to gather information about banned and withdrawn pesticides, as well as other relevant details such as the host range, distribution, marks of identification, mode of feeding, and symptoms of infestation for various pests. In addition, experts from various reputable institutes across India have contributed their knowledge on the bionomics of the pests, biological control measures, pesticide residue problems, and ways to mitigate these issues.

Nripendra Laskar, Professor of Agricultural Entomology completed his B. Sc. (Ag.) and M. Sc. (Ag.) in Agricultural Entomology degree with specialisation in Economic Entomology from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Visvavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal and qualified NET organised by ASRB, ICAR, New Delhi in 2000. He obtained his Ph. D. Degree from Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, West Bengal. Dr. Laskar has 20 years of research, teaching and extension experience in his concerned field of specialisation. He has successfully guided a number of students in both M. Sc. and Ph.D. level and presently working on Tephritids of economic importance and Beekeeping. He has published more than 40 research papers in different journals of National and International repute, 14 book chapters, 05 books and several popular articles. He is the member of a number of scientific societies in India and member of editorial board of the 'Journal of Agriculture and Technology' and Editor of a half yearly bengali magazine of agriculture, folk culture and literature, 'Ujaan'. In addition, Dr. Laskar is presently acting as the Principal Investigator of 05 research projects. He has attended and presented scientific findings on Agricultural Entomology in different National and International Seminar, Symposium and Conferences.

Hirak Chatterjee, Professor and Head, Department of Plant Protection, Palli Siksha Bhavana (Institute of Agriculture) Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan and Nodal Officer of NISAGENET, ICAR, New Delhi has obtained B.Sc.(Ag) and M.Sc.(Ag) degree from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Visvavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia and Ph.D. degree from Uttar Banga Krishi Visvavidyalaya, Pundibari, Coochbehar. He was awarded 'Crop Research' award (2005) for his contributions in the field of sustainable insect-pest management and microbial control of insect-pests of vegetable crops. Dr. Chatterjee has 25 years experience of teaching, research, and extension and served in different capacities under BCKV, UBKV and Visva-Bharati. He has published more than 75 research papers in International and National Journals of repute and several technical bulletins on 'Eco-friendly pest management strategies' of some important vegetable crops. He has written several book chapters and guided 12 M.Sc. (Ag.) and 5 Ph. D. students. In addition he has been the Principal Investigator and Co-investigator of two major International projects funded by AVRDC, Taiwan and DFID, London respectively, which won the International recognition upon its successful implementatio.

Supriya Biswas is devoted in Agriculture particularly in Agricultural Entomology. He passed B. Sc. (Ag.) from Post Graduate College, Ghazipur (affiliated to the VBS Purbanchal University, Jaunpur) and M.Sc. (Ag.) in Agricultural Entomology from Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Cooch Behar, West Bengal. He completed Ph.D in Agril. Entomology (Major in Economic Entomology) from Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya. He has qualified NET conducted by ASRB (ICAR) New Delhi. Dr. Biswas has published 26 research papers, 02 book chapters and 04 popular articles. He has the distinction of having attended and presented papers at several National and International Seminars / Symposium. Dr. Biswas also has membership of different National and International Scientific Societies.