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Book Title: Integrated Crop Pest Management Using Innovative Approaches

OPEN ACCESS | Published on : 08-Apr-2026 | Pages: 43-52 | Doi : 10.37446/edibook252025/43-52

Smart pest management - integrated and innovative approaches for managing pumpkin beetle infestation in cucurbits


  • Ramesh K. B
  • ICAR-Indian Institute Vegetable Research, Regional Research Station, Sargatia, Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.

  • Gangaraj R
  • ICAR-Indian Institute Vegetable Research, Regional Research Station, Sargatia, Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.

  • Viveka Nand Singh
  • ICAR-Indian Institute Vegetable Research, Regional Research Station, Sargatia, Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.

  • Pushpendra Pratap Singh
  • ICAR-Indian Institute Vegetable Research, Regional Research Station, Sargatia, Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.

  • Jai Prakash Gupta
  • ICAR-Indian Institute Vegetable Research, Regional Research Station, Sargatia, Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.

  • Harihar Singh
  • ICAR-Indian Institute Vegetable Research, Regional Research Station, Sargatia, Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Abstract

Cucurbitaceous vegetables are the major source of income for small holding farmers. However, production potential of this vegetable is hindered by many pests like red pumpkin beetle, fruit fly, cucurbit stink bug, cucumber thrips, cutworms etc. Red pumpkin beetle (RPB) has been a significant concern in cucurbit production, damaging from germination up to harvesting. This chapter analyses host preference shown by RPB among different cucurbits along with severity of damage. Moreover, this paper shows heavier application of insecticides to control RPB which has adverse effect on human health and agro-ecosystem. In order to reduce such haphazard application of insecticides, other control techniques need to be formulated and familiarize with farmers. Integrated pest management (IPM) is the best option that provides several measures, alternative to insecticide and facilitates sustainable environment management. Different kinds of eco-friendly techniques practiced by farmers are in need to refine scientifically. In addition, it elicits appropriate integration of such techniques in field research that are applicable to farmer’s field.

Keywords

Cucurbitaceous, red pumpkin beetle, agro-ecosystem, integrated pest management, eco-friendly

References

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ISBN : 978-81-993853-5-1

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