How insect and diseases affect the vegetable crop production in our country? Explain the important steps taken by the vegetable growers to contain them. Discuss about the Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
Insect pests and diseases significantly impact vegetable crop production in our country, causing reduced yields, lower quality, and economic losses for farmers. Insects such as aphids, whiteflies, fruit borers, and thrips attack various vegetables, sucking sap or boring into fruits, stems, and leaves, leading to stunted growth and decreased productivity. Similarly, diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes, such as blights, wilts, downy mildew, and mosaic viruses, cause foliage damage, wilting, and fruit rot, further lowering marketable yields.