Prevalence of Insect Pest Infestations on Crop Yields and Management Strategies in Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu, India

This study evaluates the prevalence of insect pest infestations, their impact on crop yields, and the effectiveness of various pest management strategies in the Tiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu. Field surveys were conducted across seven key agricultural locations—Gummidipoondi, Minjur, Pallipattu, Poondi, Sholavaram, Tiruvallur, and Tiruttani—to assess pest densities and their correlation with crop yield losses. The most prevalent pests included Bactrocera cucurbitae (Melon Fly), Leucinodes orbonalis (Shoot and Fruit Borer), Helicoverpa armigera (Gram Caterpillar), Scirtothrips dorsalis (Chilli Thrips), and Myzus persicae (Green Peach Aphid), with pest densities peaking during the Kharif season. The study found that Bactrocera cucurbitae on bitter gourd exhibited the highest pest densities in Gummidipoondi (66.4 ± 5.99 pests per farm) and Tiruttani (64.0 ± 6.12 pests per farm), resulting in yield losses of 16.67%. Helicoverpa armigera on red gram caused notable yield reductions in Pallipattu (15.0%) and Minjur (14.0%). Statistical analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between pest density and yield loss, with r = 0.85 (p < 0.01) for Bactrocera cucurbitae and r = 0.80 (p < 0.05) for Helicoverpa armigera. In terms of management strategies, chemical control methods were found to be the most effective, reducing pest densities and yield losses significantly, particularly for Bactrocera cucurbitae, where chemical sprays reduced yield loss to 8.33% in Minjur. Organic and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies showed moderate effectiveness, particularly in controlling Leucinodes orbonalis on brinjal, with yield losses around 12.50% in Tiruttani. The study emphasizes the critical need for region-specific, climate-adapted pest management strategies to mitigate the economic impact of pest infestations on crop yields. The results contribute to a deeper understanding of the relationship between pest populations, crop productivity, and the effectiveness of different pest control methods, providing valuable insights for enhancing agricultural resilience in tropical regions.