Impact of insects and pests in loss of crop production: A review

Abstract

Like abiotic stress, biotic stress plays a crucial role in loss of crop production worldwide. The damage caused by insect pest is one of the primary factors for reduced crop production. In this review, the production losses of major crops caused by insect pest have been discussed. There is an awareness and enthusiasm among farmers for taking plant protection measures. Introduction of new high-yielding varieties and hybrids with disease resistance towards insect pest is one of the major sustainable agricultural approaches. Pest and insect control is one of the unique ways to be departed from diseases. Uses of chemical control methods such as antifeedants, chemosterilants and irradiation techniques are customarily used. Such approaches lead to adopting and paving integrated pest management in crops. Moreover, the need for efficient pest surveillance service and quick forecasting of pests and biology of pests and diseases have become an essential tool that the pest population can be brought down immediately before any significant damage is done. Hence in the following context, types of crop pest, classification of insect pest, major crops and major pest, the pest status, scientific classification, biology of the pest and their prevention and control measures have been critically reviewed. Mechanical, chemical, and biological control measures have also been discussed in this review.