Emergence ofMaruca vitrataas a Major Pest of Food Legumes and Evolution of Management Practices in Asia and Africa

Abstract

Legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata, has emerged as a major pest on food legumes in Asia and Africa. It is an oligophagous pest, feeding on over 70 species in Fabaceae. We examine the species complex in Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas, with an emphasis on molecular taxonomy. Studies on pheromone production and perception suggest the existence of pheromone polymorphism, especially in Asia and Africa. No Maruca-resistant varieties are available in the major food legumes including cowpea, pigeonpea, mungbean, and yard-long bean. Legume growers use chemical pesticides indiscriminately, leading to the development of pesticide resistance. However recent developments in habitat management, classical biocontrol with more efficient parasitoids, biopesticides, and judicious use of insecticides pave the way for sustainable management of M. vitrata, which can reduce the pesticide misuse. Active engagement of the private sector and policy makers can increase the adoption of integrated pest management approaches in food legumes.

Unfolding the mitochondrial genome structure of green semilooper (Chrysodeixis acuta Walker): An emerging pest of onion (Allium cepa L.)

“…These insect pests affect almost every stage of the onion and cause a potential yield loss of 20 to 90% in onion production [8,9]. Insects can coevolve with the host plants, a relatively frequent phenomenon attributed to the prevailing environmental condition and host plant availability [10][11][12]. Subsequently, insects pose a serious threat by expanding their geographic distribution and host range.…”

Suppression of pheromone biosynthesis and mating behavior by RNA interference of pheromone gland‐specific fatty acyl reductase in Maruca vitrata

“…Maruca vitrata (Lepidoptera; Crambidae) is a serious agricultural pest that damages leguminous crops, such as cowpea, mung bean, and soybean, and is distributed in Asia, Africa, and Australia. Among leguminous crops, M. vitrata causes extremely severe damage to cowpea resulting in up to 80% decrease in yield (Zhou et al ., 2015; Srinivasan et al ., 2021). The sex pheromones of M. vitrata consist of one major component, ( E,E )‐10,12‐hexadecadienal ( E 10 E 12‐16:Ald), and two minor components, ( E,E )‐10,12‐hexadecadienol and ( E )‐10‐hexadecenal.…”

Population Genetic Differentiation and Structure of Maruca vitrata (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in India

“…The control of M. vitrata relies mainly on the use of chemical insecticides, as no Marucaresistant varieties are available in the major food legumes [7]. The frequent application of insecticides has resulted in an increased resistance to these insecticides.…”