*S.B.V.P. University of Ag. and Tech. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ghaziabad (U.P.)
G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technologyw, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Dhakrani, 248142, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Online published on 15 September, 2011.
Temperate fruits are prone to attack by insect pests which are one of the major limiting factors in their successful production. Estimates of yield losses caused by various pests attack range from 10–35% in various crops during different seasons. Unlike agricultural crops, temperate fruit crops which are grown as monoculture, the pest problems are entirely different and complex in nature. Such pest situation have led to repeated and excessive use of chemical pesticides. This has resulted in development of resistance in pest species, residue in fruits, adverse effect on non target organisms and rejection in export. Adoption of IPM schedules is more relevant in these crops because they are export oriented in nature and are often consumed directly thus carry greater hazards of pesticide residues in the fruits. With respect to promote greater IPM implementation, special emphasis is necessary to generate increased awareness and transfer of available practicable and sound IPM programmes. The strategic steps will include determination of farmers pest management knowledge, attitude and practices, IPM trial demonstrations and appropriate training of extension personnel and farmers. Unless farmers acquire basic knowledge about identification of pests, their time of appearance, peak period of incidence, nature and extent of damage and suggested/recommended IPM practices, it is impossible for them to resort to apply appropriate/relevant practices for effective and integrated management of economically important pets. Under the IPM, top priority should be given on “monitoring”. Even though it is laborious, the farmers should cultivate the practice of monitoring their fruit crops every 10–15 days. No pesticides should be applied unless there is a need. The information available on the integrated management of major insect- pests of temperate fruits and the scope and challenges in the adoption of IPM strategies for the future are reviewed and discussed in this chapter.
