Intregated Management and Forecasting of Insect Pests of Mulberry (Morus alba L.) for Eastern and Northeastern Regions of India

Abstract

In India a large number of insect pests has been reported in mulberry, of which three sucking pests, viz., Thrips, Mealy bug and Whitefly are emerged as major pests due their perennial occurrence, persistent level of abundance and extent of damage potential. It has been estimated that leaf yield loss due to infestation of major pests is between 11%-24%. Sometimes, due to extensive whitefly infestation during autumn crop leads to complete crop loss. Over the years exhaustive studies were undertaken to develop management strategies. Their biology, life table, seasonal incidence, pest weather relationship, cultural, chemical, biological and botanical control measures were worked out. Integrated management strategies were formulated and recommended to the stake holders. These were adopted in a larger extent for managing the insect pests. In this paper a comprehensive account is elaborated on the integrated management strategies for major insect pests of mulberry.