Insect pests pose a significant threat to millet crops, undermining their resilience and productivity despite their natural hardiness and adaptability to harsh conditions. Millets, including species like little millet, kodo millet, barnyard millet, and pearl millet, are essential staples in semi-arid and arid regions, particularly in Africa and Asia. These crops are crucial for food security, providing essential nutrients and supporting the livelihoods of millions, especially in rural areas where agriculture is the primary economic activity. However, millet crops face significant challenges from insect pests throughout their growth cycle. Pests such as stem borers, shoot flies, aphids, and armyworms have evolved mechanisms to attack millet plants, causing extensive damage and reducing yields. The impact of these pests extends beyond agricultural losses, affecting the economic and social well-beings of smallholder farmers. Reliance on chemical pesticides exacerbates environmental and health risks and promotes pesticide resistance. Therefore, a holistic approach integrating various pest management strategies within the framework of integrated pest management (IPM) is essential. This chapter deals with the major and minor insect pests of millet, their biology, ecology, and behaviour and explores comprehensive IPM strategies, emphasizing sustainable practices. The aim is to equip farmers, researchers, and policymakers with the knowledge and tools to enhance millet production sustainably and promote food security.

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Insect Pests of Millet Crops and Their Integrated Management

  • Amit Umesh Paschapur,
  • Ipsita Samal,
  • Prabhu C. Ganiger,
  • P. N. Guru,
  • Ashish Kumar Singh

摘要

Insect pests pose a significant threat to millet crops, undermining their resilience and productivity despite their natural hardiness and adaptability to harsh conditions. Millets, including species like little millet, kodo millet, barnyard millet, and pearl millet, are essential staples in semi-arid and arid regions, particularly in Africa and Asia. These crops are crucial for food security, providing essential nutrients and supporting the livelihoods of millions, especially in rural areas where agriculture is the primary economic activity. However, millet crops face significant challenges from insect pests throughout their growth cycle. Pests such as stem borers, shoot flies, aphids, and armyworms have evolved mechanisms to attack millet plants, causing extensive damage and reducing yields. The impact of these pests extends beyond agricultural losses, affecting the economic and social well-beings of smallholder farmers. Reliance on chemical pesticides exacerbates environmental and health risks and promotes pesticide resistance. Therefore, a holistic approach integrating various pest management strategies within the framework of integrated pest management (IPM) is essential. This chapter deals with the major and minor insect pests of millet, their biology, ecology, and behaviour and explores comprehensive IPM strategies, emphasizing sustainable practices. The aim is to equip farmers, researchers, and policymakers with the knowledge and tools to enhance millet production sustainably and promote food security.