By Arooj Zulfiqar

ISLAMABAD, July 25: Insect pest damage is one of the primary reasons for reduced crop production on farms and agricultural premises. There are many different pest species that can cause agricultural damage, and if left untreated, they can result in income loss.

Talking to WealthPK, Scientific Officer at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) Muhammad Ashraf Khan said, “Agricultural products for human consumption and animal feed are severely harmed by insect pests. Diseases and insect pests can lower production, and in the worst cases, completely destroy a crop.”

“Every fruit and vegetable have their own pests and they have their own methods to control them. We categorize these pests into chewing pests, sucking pests, etc. Chewing pests target every fruit or vegetable they can find. They feed on insects by biting plant parts and by chewing the fruits these plants produce. A piercing-sucking insect is one that uses specialized mouthparts to pierce cells and then consumes the contents. Piercing-sucking insects are one of the most damaging pests,” he said.

“Some other pests, which include insects like mosquitoes and white flies, act as vectors; they neither feed on their own nor do they harm by sucking, and chewing. Instead of directly damaging crops, they act as vectors, spreading viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. These pathogens or viruses are released when they travel and sit on plants,” Ashraf added.

‘’Another cause of diseases – and the biggest problem not only in Pakistan, but also throughout the globe – is the fruit fly. The adult fruit fly feeds on fruits and vegetables and lays eggs there; as a result, when the eggs hatch, the maggots feed on the fruit flesh and consume it. For example, fruit flies within guavas. Additionally, there are other pests that harm agricultural crops, such as vertebrate pests, which include birds, animals, and reptiles. Pest vertebrates include mice, dogs, birds, and more pests.”

“Depending on the preventive step we take, there are several strategies to control each insect. The level of crop damage is assessed if the insect pests attack or cause damage, which involves monitoring or pest scouting because crop damage has a threshold level,” said the NARC scientific officer.

“Before this threshold level, we don't use any kind of spray or take any preventative steps because the costs would outweigh the harm caused by pests. There is another level known as the Economic Injury Level (EIL) after this threshold level. If EIL is harmed, we take whatever required remedial action to stop them,” he said.

“We utilize pest traps, such as yellow, light, or high traps, to control it. Moreover, because they don't contain sprays, these traps don't harm crops; however, if traps are unable to control an infestation, sprays will be used.”

“We use various pesticides for each category; for some, we spray pesticides on plants so that when insects come into contact with them, they die. For others, we use pesticides that get absorbed into the plant and kill pests from inside. We are also focusing on biological pest control i.e., control of life through life. Particularly in Pakistan, sugarcane borers damage sugar crops, and we use biological control measures to stop them,” he said.

“Chrysoperla and Trichogramma are the two things we use. Therefore, it is the duty of sugar mills in Pakistan to have at least one laboratory and to give farmers tricho cards for all of the properties which come under their premises. The key advantage of this procedure is that no chemicals are used, costs are reduced, and the environment is not damaged,” he said.

“Its other advantage is that it is safe for health and it relieves the pressure of MRL (Maximum Residual Level) as well, which arises when our fruits and vegetables are exported and the pesticide content of our consignments is discovered to be higher than the MRL,” said Ashraf.

He added, “Pakistan needs a strong pest management system since agriculture is being severely damaged, which costs us a lot. The government is responsible for making sure that farmers employ proper preventative measures. It is the duty of the agriculture extension department to establish farmer field schools, where they should educate and train small farmers on new practices.”

Credits: INP-WealthPk