Insect Pests of Wheat in North India: A Comprehensive Review of Their Bio-Ecology and Integrated Management Strategies

Gurveer Singh and Neelendra K. Joshi ()
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Gurveer Singh: Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
Neelendra K. Joshi: Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 19, 1-24

Abstract: Wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) is a vital food crop for majority of the world’s population. However, its yield potential is significantly threatened by insect pests, which adversely affect production, quality, and overall food security. The diverse array of insect pests throughout wheat’s growth stages necessitates a comprehensive understanding of their interactions with wheat cultivation. This review critically assesses the diversity, biology, ecology, and management strategies of major insect pests in North India, including aphids, termites, pink stem borer, gram pod borer, armyworm, and brown wheat mite. These pests infest wheat at various growth stages, posing significant challenges to sustainable production. Moreover, existing pest control strategies are challenged by evolving agronomic practices in the region and climate change globally. As agricultural systems worldwide aim for sustainability and resilience in the face of climate change, this review advocates for the adoption of an integrated pest management (IPM) approach combining innovative and traditional pest control strategies to enhance ecosystem services and fortify the resilience of agricultural systems. By interlinking these pivotal elements, this review presents a valuable perspective on the important pests affecting wheat and the currently used IPM practices, emphasizing the need for adaptive management in the context of evolving climate challenges.

Keywords: wheat; insect pests; climate change; integrated pest management; cereal grain aphids (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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