Insect pests and their effect on fruit and vegetable crops

Abstract

Fruit and vegetable crops face persistent threats from diverse insect pest complexes that reduce yields and compromise produce quality. This research assessed pest damage patterns and associated economic losses across ten major horticultural crops cultivated under Indian conditions. Crops examined included four fruit species (mango, guava, citrus, banana) and six vegetables (tomato, brinjal, okra, cucurbits, cabbage, chilli). Pest populations were monitored through standardized sampling while damage assessments followed established rating scales. Results revealed yield losses ranging from 18.3% in citrus to 42.3% in brinjal with vegetables generally suffering higher damage than fruits. Seasonal patterns showed peak pest pressure during May-August coinciding with warm humid conditions favorable for pest multiplication. Major pest groups included fruit flies causing 28.4% damage in mango, shoot and fruit borers responsible for 42.3% loss in brinjal, and sucking pests contributing 35.8% damage in tomato. Economic losses ranged from Rs. 28,800 per hectare in citrus to Rs. 58,700 per hectare in brinjal. Damage severity indices showed strong positive correlation with temperature (r = 0.78) and humidity (r = 0.72) during critical growth stages. The research identified brinjal, cucurbits, and tomato as most vulnerable crops requiring prioritized pest management investment. Integrated management combining cultural practices, biological control, and judicious chemical use reduced losses by 45-62% compared to untreated controls while maintaining produce quality standards for market acceptance.