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The book “Recent Trends in Plant Protection” is written with the comprehensive information on modern and highly profitable techniques for pest management including insect- pest and diseases. The content of this book are presented in simple language and easy to understand, which not only arouses students’ interest but also simplifies the comprehension process. The chapters of this book provides an overview of the development of modern pest management approaches viz., plant diseases detection techniques, insect trapping, bio inputs and bio pesticides (importance of predatory insects including its conservation techniques, important entomophagous pathogens and their mass multiplication), impact of agrochemicals, new classifications of pesticides and pesticide spraying equipment, plant vectors, regulatory and molecular approaches and non-insect-pest management.

Introduction Plant disease detection is a crucial aspect of modern agriculture, as it allows early identification and management of diseases, minimizing crop losses and maximizing yields. In recent years, advancements in technology have led to the development of more sophisticated techniques for plant disease detection. Point-of-care (POC) diagnostic assay for plant disease detection is a rapid, advanced, and on-site testing method designed to identify the presence of pathogens or diseases in plants. This type of diagnostic tool is particularly valuable for farmers, agronomists, and researchers who need immediate results to make timely decisions about disease management and crop protection strategies.

Introduction There are multiple methods or trapping technologies available for pest management in agriculture. Some of the method discussed in literature are described here. Insect pests in an agricultural field can cause damage to the crops by infecting the crops with diseases and thus may affect adverse impact on its quality. Nowadays, farmers set up insect traps like sticky papers that comes in different colours such as yellow, green and blue to monitor the number of pests. Different insects are specifically/ particularly attracted to the colours of the sticky paper commonly such as yellow or blue (Espinoza et al?, 2016).

Introduction Worldwide, 40% of a crop is lost to insect damage, particularly in developing countries. Some of the major insect pests belong to the Lepidoptera and Coleoptera, and their larval or grub stages cause major damage to economically important crops including tobacco, cotton, corn, sorghum, tomato, sunflower, pulses, wheat, and lucerne. Recently, some insecticides have been primarily used for agricultural pests. Over the years, most pesticides have led to insecticide resistance in major lepidopterans, a reduction in natural enemy populations, and harm to mammals and the environment.

Introduction Millions of dollars are lost each year due to insect crop devastation, and the use of chemical pesticides has unwanted side effects such as resistance and unintentional impacts on species that are beneficial (Kumar et al. 2019). For farmers, authorities, and academics, finding additional target-selective pest management techniques is of utmost importance. Enhancing performance, cost-effectiveness, and increasing the markets for bio pesticides are all made possible by biotechnology. Molecular methods are used to detect and track the emergence and spread of particular types that are natural enemies (Tipvadee, 2002). It offers chances for the growth of beneficial insect natural enemies with features including pesticide resistance, cold tolerance, and sex ratio change.

Introduction Biopesticides are biological substances or plant-based products that are used for decreasing the number of pests in an ecosystem. These substances, which include natural enemies, microbial products, phytochemicals, and semiochemicals, are derived from plants and animals. Biopesticides use non toxic approaches to keep pests under control. They are widely recognised as low-risk items that are secure for both humans and the environment. It makes use of natural pest such as parasitoids, predators, nematodes, and semiochemicals as well as botanicals, microbiological pathogens like fungi, bacteria, and viruses.

Introduction The term “biological control” was first used by Smith in 1919 to signify the use of natural enemies (whether introduced or otherwise manipulated) to control insect pests. DeBach (1964) defined biological control as the action of parasites, predators, or pathogens that maintain another organism's population density at a lower average than would occur in their absence (Dhaliwal and Arora, 2016). According to a recent definition by Eilenberg et al. (2001) biological control or biocontrol is “The use of living organisms to suppress the population density or impact of a specific pest organism, making it less abundant or less damaging than it would otherwise be.

Introduction The paper summarises recent findings on nematodes, viruses, bacteria, and other entomopathogenic microorganisms (EM) and their potential application in biological pest control. It's important to carefully research the ecological characteristics of EM and their function in nature in order to utilise various biological control tactics against insect hosts efficiently. Since it identifies frequent patterns in the interactions between insect pests and EM that have just lately been uncovered through research, this chapter aids readers in understanding the significant advancements in this sector.

Introduction Providing sufficient habitat and other food supplies to already-existing or naturally-occurring beneficial species is one of the most successful and long-lasting ways for reducing economic harm from pests. In contrast to monocultures or pesticide-treated fields, beneficial species such as predators, parasites, and pest-sicking "pathogens" are significantly more numerous in varied farms where pesticides are used less frequently.

Introduction In the relentless battle against crop weeds, farmers have traditionally relied on chemical herbicides and labour-intensive mechanical methods. However, concerns about environmental impact and herbicide resistance have driven the search for more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. One such solution is biological control, harnessing the power of predatory insects to manage weed populations naturally. This chapter delves into the fascinating world of biological control, exploring the key concepts, benefits, and implementation strategies of using predatory insects to combat crop weeds.

Introduction Insect pests cause a loss of 18-26% of global yearly agricultural yields. A wide range of the losses 13-16% occur in the field prior to harvest. Furthermore, post-harvest pests are responsible for a significant portion of agricultural product storage losses. Poor management practises might result in the loss of 50-60% of stored grains over the storage period of time.Farmers have used chemical pesticides to control insect pests for many years but the effects on non-target organisms, groundwater contamination, residues on food crops and the emergence of insect pests resistant to chemical pesticides have forced scientists to concentrate on the development of alternative eco-friendly measures.

Introduction Chemical communication between plants and insects is an essential part of mutual relationships, in which both partners benefit from the communication. The role of volatiles in pollination systems provides an excellent model for understanding the ecology and evolution of chemical communication between plants and insects. Infochemical:- A chemical that conveys information in an interaction between two individuals evoking in the receiver a behaviour or physiological response. Chemicals involved in interspecific communications were given the name of Allelochemicals by R. H. Whittaker in 1970. Allelochemicals affect the survival, growth & development of herbivorous insects as well as their natural enemies.

Introduction In most developing nations, the primary method of managing insect pests on various crops is by synthetic insecticides. One of the fastest and most efficient ways to reduce insect populations is by chemical control where a farmer quickly achieves extraordinary results. However, overusing pesticides indiscriminately and without proper research for longer periods of time led to a number of issues, including the risk of environmental contamination, loss of biodiversity, development of insecticide resistant pest populations, resurgence, outbreaks of secondary pests, increase in chemical inputs, toxicological hazards due to accumulation of pesticide residues in the food chain, etc.

Introduction Trichoderma spp. are free living, filamentous fungi that multiply rapidly on many substrates such as soil, decaying wood materials and as root colonizers. Trichoderma spp. have a high potential for reproduction and sporulation, as well as competitive ability and saprophytic survival. The escalating need for eco-friendly and sustainable agriculture has driven extensive research on biological control agents like Trichoderma. These beneficial fungi exhibit potent antagonistic activity against plant pathogens, offering a promising alternative to conventional chemical pesticides.

Introduction Semiochemicals, which can refer to both intraspecies and interspecies communication chemicals, was first coined by Law and Regnier in 1971 (simeon-marker or signal). Semiochemicals are chemical signals that cause different behavioral reactions in organisms. In most groups of animals, chemical communication seems to be the main means of information transfer. Since 1971, the term "semiochemical" has been in use. It is derived from the Greek word "semeon," which meaning "sign" or "signal. Semiochemicals are communication agents that alter the behaviour of living things by carrying information between them (Dicke M and Sabelis M W, 1988).

Introduction The challenge for all disciplines of agriculture is to increases production and improves quality of agricultural produce. This is applicable to the discipline of plant protection and manage risk. In the past many pathogens are responsible for food scarcities including famines. In addition to endemic problems there are many crop pests which are entered India from other foreign countries because in India did not have an effective control measure (plant quarantine) system to stop the introduction of exotic pests, diseases and weeds. Cottony cushion scale, woolly aphid, San Jose scale, golden cyst nematode of potatoes are some exotic pests introduced into our country and cause extensive damage.

Introduction An agrochemical is a chemical product used in industrial agriculture. In most of the cases, agrochemicals refer to pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, algaecides, rodenticides, molluscicides and nematicides), fertilizers, soil conditioners, liming and acidifying agents and plant growth regulators that provide benefits and manage agricultural ecosystem. Agrochemicals were introduced to enhance crop yields and minimized the crop losses due to pests and categories as fertilizers and pesticides. In the past sixty years with the wake of the green revolution (1960s), use of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium based inorganic fertilizers and pesticides has greatly increased food production by improving efficient and economical crop production in order to fulfil the food needs of the rapidly expanding world population (Pal et al?, 2006).

Introduction The toxicant must be able to be applied effectively in order to come into touch with the pest or leaf and to leave a uniform and permanent deposit on the plant surface. Pesticide in chemically pure form is known as technical grade pesticides. These cannot be applied as such due to high toxicity and complex physical properties. They are converted into a ready to-use form known as formulation. Formulation converts the technical grade pesticide into a product which can be suitably diluted & applied by practical methods. Which have homogeneous distribution over large area, convenient to handle and more attractive to the pest.

History  • The fossil evidence also indicates the presence of plant diseases 250million years ago.  • The diseases caused by fungi and nematodes were discovered by Monocernin 1735.  • Johan Needham (1743) identified wheat gall caused by a nematode.  • Adolf Mayer (1886), demonstrated the transmission of Tobacco mosaicvirus (TMV).  • EF Smith (1890) described bacterial wilt in cucurbits. • The thrips (Thysanoptera) as vectors of plant viruses were identified thescientific studies made by Samuel and his team.  • Karl Maramorosch (1952) demonstrated the multiplication of Asteryellows virus (AYV) in leafhopper vector.  • The mite Aceriatulipae has been identified as a vector of Wheat streakmosaic virus by JT Slykhuis in 1955.  • The term “viroid” (viruses without protein coat) was coined by TO Dienerduring 1971.

History  • The fossil evidence also indicates the presence of plant diseases 250million years ago.  • The diseases caused by fungi and nematodes were discovered by Monocernin 1735.  • Johan Needham (1743) identified wheat gall caused by a nematode.  • Adolf Mayer (1886), demonstrated the transmission of Tobacco mosaicvirus (TMV).  • EF Smith (1890) described bacterial wilt in cucurbits. • The thrips (Thysanoptera) as vectors of plant viruses were identified thescientific studies made by Samuel and his team.  • Karl Maramorosch (1952) demonstrated the multiplication of Asteryellows virus (AYV) in leafhopper vector.  • The mite Aceriatulipae has been identified as a vector of Wheat streakmosaic virus by JT Slykhuis in 1955.  • The term “vir

Introduction In agricultural and horticultural ecosystems greater extent of losses caused by pests includes insect-pests, plant diseases, and weeds and have directly affected the production. Out of these, a group of animals other than the insects also causes the considerable yield losses to agricultural and horticultural crops and commonly known as vertebrate pests such as birds, rodents and mammals. In recent times mammals such as blue bull (Nilgai), wild boars, rodents, porcupine and monkeys has gaining the status of pests and in certain cases a huge damage is being encountered (Rao, et al?, 2015). Among mammals, blue bull and wild boar both has become a serious problem in most of the Indian states for farmers in major agricultural and horticultural crops and resulting into immeasurable damage.

Introduction Entomophagy, the consumption of insects, is rooted in human evolutionary history (Fontaneto, 2011). Throughout Africa, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, insects have held a vital position in the timeline of human nutrition. There exist more than 1900 documented species of insects that serve as human diets at globally, with notable groups encompassing grasshoppers (Orthoptera), caterpillars (Lepidoptera), grubs (Coleoptera), wringed termites (Isoptera), some hymenopteran insects, cicadas (Hemiptera), and a diverse array of aquatic insects. It is intriguing to observe that insects are regularly consumed by over two billion people, and in specific regions, they make up a substantial portion of the animal proteins consumed.

Introduction Bees belonging to the Apis genus can be found in a wide range of climates worldwide. Among them, the Apis mellifera Linnaeus species is distributed across diverse environments such as sub-Saharan Africa, northern Europe, and Central Asia. This species exhibits remarkable adaptability, thriving in various habitats like the oases of the African desert, the Alps, the edges of the tundra, and the misty regions of the United Kingdom. Additionally, other honey bee species within the Apis genus are predominantly distributed in Asia, specifically in tropical Southeast Asia.Honeybees are good biological indicators.

Introduction The Greek term "Sericos" is the source of the English word "sericulture". The words "Seri" and "Cos" in this word both refer to culture. Sericulture is the art of rearing the silkworms for the purpose of producing silk. An elastic protein of insect origin, silk is synthesized by the silk gland of the silkworm. Fibrion and sericin, two various types of proteins, constitute the fiber known as silk. Silk is most frequently produced by chins. Following China, India is the second-largest producer of silk. Furthermore, it is the world's largest consumers of silk. The major silk producing state in India is Karnataka. Tasar, Muga, Mulberry, Oak tasar, and Eri silk are all produced in India. One other commercial fabric of animal origin outside wool is silk, which is a gift from nature to humans.

Introduction Lac, a resinous exudation from female scale insects, has been utilized in India since the Vedic period. Its earliest mention can be traced back to the Atharva Veda, where the insect is referred to as 'Laksha,' and its characteristics and behavior are described. In the renowned Indian epic 'Mahabharata,' there is also a mention of a 'Laksha Griha,' a house made of lac, skillfully constructed by the 'Kauravas' with the help of their architect 'Purocha,' with the malicious intent of setting the 'Pandavas,' their formidable enemies, on fire. The use of lac was well-known to the Greeks and Romans since ancient times. The use of lac was well-known to the Greeks and Romans since ancient times. In Asia, the cultivation of lac insects has a rich history, with indications that it dates back as far as 4000 years in China, where its cultivation coincided with the growth of the silk industry

A  Absorption 43, 49, 171, 173  Abundance 9, 10, 62, 92, 120, 125, 151  Adjuvants 177, 186  Aerosol 184  Agitation 180, 184  Agitator 188, 189  Agrochemicals 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173  Allelochemicals 30, 119, 145  Annealing 2, 7  Antagonistic 56, 114, 137, 138, 141 Antibiotics 236  Apneumone 146  Attractant 17, 18, 24, 28, 118, 126, 150, 151, 181  Augmentation 67, 68, 98, 104, 105  Auto parasitism 66