Biological control of invasive pests in India

Abstract

Invasive species are one of the major and most rapidly growing threats to agricultural biodiversity, livelihoods, animal and human health, forestry and biodiversity which result in huge economic losses. They occur in all major taxonomic groups including viruses, fungi, higher plants, ferns, algae mosses, invertebrates, fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) invasive insect pest is one which becomes established in natural or semi-natural ecosystems or habitat, and threatens native biological diversity. These insect pests can multiply in large numbers and cause damage to economically important crop plants. These pests become invasive in introduced area due to the absence of natural enemies and favourable environment parameters. In India, the Directorate of Plant Protection Quarantine and Storage (DPPQ&S) is responsible for implementation of Destructive Insect and Pest Act (DIPA), 1914 through Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order, 2003 to prevent entry, establishment and spread of exotic plant pests into India to safeguard agriculture, horticulture and forest tree plants. There are about 23 invasive insect pests reported in India. This paper reviews the various biological control options for the invasive pests.