Advances in Pest Management in Pulses-Based Cropping Systems under Changing Climate

Abstract

Pulses are the principal sources of dietary protein among the vegetarian populations and are an integral part of the daily diet in several forms worldwide. These crops are mainly grown under rainfed conditions and the productivity levels of these crops are quite low mainly because of several biotic and abiotic stresses affect at various stages of crops. Recently, climate variability is also leading to changes in crop pest and diseases scenario which may also increase the losses of crop plants. Management of these biotic stresses of pulses and chemical pesticides is the most effective but due to several adverse effects of these pesticides in human, animal, and plants, integrated pest management (IPM) strategies are the most adoptive and effective integrative approaches worldwide. Crop rotation and cultural practices may reduce the intensity of diseases and insect pests are another important component of IPM. Biological control agents/biopesticides are another important area of IPM which are widely accepted and using worldwide for the management of plant diseases and insect pest and also for the promotion of plant growth. Hence, there is a urgent need to explore and develop an economically viable and cost-effective strategy for diseases and insect pest management in pulses in relation to climate change.