Invasive Pest and Diseases in Indian Agriculture: Management and Case Studies

Alien invasive insect pests pose a significant threat globally, impacting food security, disrupting ecosystem functions, endangering human health, and causing severe economic losses. In the era of globalization and liberalized trade policies, their introduction has become increasingly inevitable. India, in particular, has witnessed a sharp rise in such incursions from around 10 invasive insect pests recorded over a century (1889-1989) to more than 15 new entries in just the last decade (2013-2023). These pests, once established, often escape natural enemies such as predators, parasitoids, and pathogens in their new environments, leading to widespread infestations and crop damage when timely management measures are lacking. Despite the presence of a regulatory framework, the frequent invasion of alien pests remains a challenge, especially given India’s extensive and porous borders with neighboring countries. Invasive pests such as the Cassava Mealybug, Fall Armyworm, Rugose Spiraling Whitefly, South American Tomato Pinworm, Papaya Mealybug, Coconut Eriophyid Mite, Eucalyptus Gall Wasp, Erythrina Gall Wasp, Coffee Berry Borer, Serpentine Leaf Miner, and others have caused substantial damage across various crops. Recently, new pest alerts have been issued for the Apple Leaf Blotch Miner (Leucoptera malifoliella) in Jammu & Kashmir and the Mango Soft Scale (Fistulococcus pokfulamensis) in Karnataka. India as an agrarian nation with diverse agro-climatic zones and crop varieties, the risk of invasive pest establishment remains high. This paper provides a critical review of the current status of invasive insect pests in India, examines the pathways of their entry, assesses the threats they pose to agriculture, evaluates existing regulatory mechanisms, and suggests strategic directions for effective management and prevention of future invasions.