Integrated Management of Hadda Beetle in Ashwagandha (withania somnifera): A Sustainable Approach

Abstract

Ashwagandha [Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal] is a highly valued medicinal plant in India, known for its bioactive compounds such as withanolides, which are extensively used in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda. However, its cultivation is threatened by the Hadda beetle (Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata; Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), a notorious pest that feeds on the plant's foliage,
leading to significant defoliation, reduced root yield, and diminished medicinal quality. An integrated pest management (IPM) approach is crucial for suppressing its incidence by combining cultural practices, biological control, mechanical methods, and the judicious use of chemical pesticides. By focusing on IPM as a sustainable pest control strategy, farmers can effectively manage Hadda beetle infestations, minimize economic losses, and ensure the production of highquality, phytochemically rich ASHWAGANDHA. The implementation of IPM not only enhances crop productivity but also promotes ecological balance in medicinal plant cultivation systems.