Litchi production through smart pest management

Abstract

Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) is an important subtropical evergreen fruit which is affected by several biotic stresses particularly insect-pests causing reduction in quality production and productivity. Under changing climatic condition, litchi fruit and shoot borer, litchi bugs, loopers, leaf folder, weevils and mites are becoming as major threat to quality litchi production and leading to more than 90% borer infested fruit in unmanaged orchard. Various smart management options viz. application of bio-enhancers, cultural/mechanical practices and safer/newer molecules (IGRs, avermectins, spinosyns, diamides) have been found effective against these pests. Therefore, an attempt has been made to describe major insect-pests associated with litchi along with probable and advanced management options to manage these important pests.