Maize, as a major global staple crop, faces a wide range of biotic stresses that significantly affect its growth, yield, and quality. Biotic stresses in maize are caused by living organisms, such as insects, pathogens, nematodes, and weeds. These stresses can lead to reduced productivity, loss of quality, and increased costs for farmers who must manage or mitigate their effects. IPM is a holistic approach to managing pests in maize using sustainable, environmentally friendly practices. Combines cultural, biological, mechanical, and chemical control methods. Cultural practices include crop rotation, resistant maize varieties, and habitat manipulation. Biological control involves using natural enemies such as parasitoid and predators to manage pest populations. Chemical control focuses on bio-pesticides and selective insecticides with minimal environmental impact. Regular monitoring and early pest detection are critical for timely interventions and informed decision-making. Reduces reliance on chemical pesticides, minimizing harm to the environment and non-target organisms. Improves maize productivity by preventing pest-related damage. Promotes ecological balance and long-term agricultural sustainability. IPM is vital for meeting the growing global demand for maize while conserving natural resources.
Sorghum, known for its resilience and high nutritional value, is a crucial millet that plays a vital role in ensuring global food security. India is a significant contributor to the world's sorghum production. Despite this, the cultivation of sorghum faces numerous challenges due to the presence of various insect pests that can cause substantial yield losses and affect the quality of the harvested crops. To address these issues effectively, the implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies is imperative. In this chapter, a detailed account of the primary insect pests infesting sorghum in India is presented, highlighting their biology and nature of damage. Furthermore, the chapter emphasizes the diverse array of IPM techniques that can be employed to combat these pests, encompassing cultural, mechanical, biological control practices and judicious use of chemical pesticides. By equipping farmers with the knowledge and tools necessary to apply these strategies, sustainable sorghum production can be safeguarded, enhancing both productivity and crop quality in the long term.
Mustard is a key oilseed crop in India and globally, requiring precise management for sustained production. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is essential for controlling pests in mustard cultivation. This chapter underscores the importance of systematic field monitoring, scouting, and establishing Economic Threshold Levels (ETLs) to guide timely interventions. Cultural practices like early sowing, clean cultivation, and deep ploughing are highlighted for reducing pest pressure. It also covers mechanical and physical controls, such as sticky traps and manual removal, alongside biological control using natural enemies and biopesticides as eco-friendly alternatives. The use of neem-based botanical insecticides is discussed for their effectiveness and minimal environmental impact. Chemical control is considered, emphasizing insecticide application based on ETLs to protect pollinators and maintain ecological balance. This comprehensive approach is crucial for sustainable pest management in mustard cultivation, ensuring productivity and environmental stewardship.
ISBN : 978-81-981855-3-2
