Insect-Pests of Sugar Beet and Their Integrated Management

Abstract

The sugar beet agro-ecosystem has a few key or primary pests that may actually limit production under certain conditions. A couple of these are available all over the world. In addition to the primary pests, there are numerous species that cause periodic losses to sugar beet, while a few species have such a low population rate that no serious damage occurs. Sugar beet crops could be considered a long-term cropping system from the time of planting to harvest. Knowledge of the species complex and their roles in the ecosystem can be essential for deciding whether or not to use pesticides. The indiscriminate use of pesticides may lead to outbreaks of leaf-feeding and sucking pests. There is a need for more emphasis on the augmentation and conservation of natural enemies. Farmers are advised for practicing integrated insect pest management strategies for controlling the insect-pests and their damage and encourage the natural build-up of parasitoids and predators. The chapter provides a comprehensive overview of various insect-pests that affect sugar beet crops, with a focus on Indian conditions.