Insect pests of amaranthus and their management

Abstract

Amaranthus (Amaranthus spp.) is one of the most popular leafy vegetables in India. They are grown widely as a source of grain and leafy vegetables. It is rich source of many essential micronutrients like carotene, vitamin A, B, C and D, iron, calcium, amino acid like lysine and minerals especially iron, phosphorous and magnesium. But its production hampers due to the infestation of various insect pests namely Amaranth stem weevils: Hypolixus truncatulus (F.), H. nubilosus (B.), Beetworm Moth: Spoladea recurvalis (F.), Leafminer: Liriomyza huidobrensis (B.), Aphid: Myzus persicae S., Plant Bugs: Cletus sp., which ultimately affect the true potential of the crop. Here, the present article provides recent information regarding different insect pests of amaranthus, their identification, life-history, nature of damage and their management in an eco-friendly way.