Understanding Insect Behavior and Physiology for Effective Pest Management
Ramesha N M *
Division of Entomology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012, India.
Dibyajyoti Mahanta
Department of Plant Pathology, PAU, Ludhiana-141004, India.
Sujatha G S
Department of Entomology, Indian Agriculture Research Institute, New Delhi – 110012, India.
Sanjay Hazarika
Department of Entomology, Assam Agricultural University Jorhat, Assam, India.
Shradha Parmar
Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gwalior, M. P. 474002, India.
Biplove Bala
Department of Entomology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema- 797106, India.
Chandan Kumar Panigrahi
Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan, Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar - 751003, Odisha, India.
Anand Nagsen Warghat
Department of Agricultural Entomology, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh-211007, India.
Katta Subramanya Sai Teja
Department of Entomology, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Bihar, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Effective pest management is crucial for sustainable agriculture and public health, necessitating a deep understanding of insect behavior and physiology. This paper explores the intricate mechanisms that govern insect activities and their interactions with the environment, which are pivotal in developing targeted and efficient pest control strategies. By delving into the sensory and neural processes that drive insect behavior, we uncover how insects locate food, mates, and habitats, providing insights into disrupting these processes to control pest populations. Additionally, the study examines the physiological adaptations that enable insects to thrive under various environmental conditions, such as resistance to pesticides and adaptation to climate changes. Understanding these adaptations is essential for designing novel, more sustainable pest management techniques. The paper also discusses the role of chemical ecology in pest management, focusing on pheromones and other semiochemicals used in integrated pest management (IPM) programs. By combining behavioral studies with physiological research, this paper aims to highlight the synergy between these fields, offering a comprehensive approach to developing innovative and effective pest control methods. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the advancement of pest management practices that are not only effective but also environmentally sustainable and economically viable.
Keywords: Insect pests, entomology, sustainable, physiology, semiochemicals