Integrated pest and disease management practices in oilseeds – A critical review

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.), soybean (Glycine max L.), rapeseed-mustard (Brassica spp.), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), castor (Ricinus communis), Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), safflower (Carthamus tinctoris L.), linseed (Linum usitatissimum) and niger (Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass) are the major oilseed crops. Besides, abiotic factors, biotic factors especially pests and diseases account for >50% reduction in their productivity. During earlier days, the pests and diseases were controlled with traditional practices. With green revolution, insecticides are being used extensively. The misuse of the broad spectrum insecticides or the sublethal doses have led to several undesirable side effects such as, development of resistance in insect populations, pest resurgence, destruction of natural enemies, changes in dynamics of pest population and contamination of environment. A possible solution for this is to adopt “Integrated Pest Management”. Different components of IPM, suggestions for successful IPM programme in oilseed crops, constraints in wide adoption of IPM in farmer's fields are discussed.