ISLAMABAD: 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.
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. –INP
