Arthropod Pest Management in Sustainable Agricultural Systems

Abstract

Insect pests have been considered to cause substantial annual losses in global crop production. Chemical pesticides have been the primary solution for controlling such insect pests in conventional agricultural practice. However, the overuse of chemicals has caused long-term and irreversible destruction to the environment. Therefore, seeking alternatives and safe agricultural practices has become vital to attaining sustainability. To achieve sustainability, the approaches to pest control must be reconstructed. According to Wyss et al. (Org Res, 33–36, 2005), a conceptual model can be developed for arthropod pest management in sustainable agricultural systems. This model involves using preventative measures followed by direct and curative measures if necessary. The process can be split into four phases. First, in the core phase, initial action is taken to reduce the chances of pest infestation and damage. The second and third phase strategies for pest management are to control pest insects by using natural means. The fourth phase strategy is to apply approved insecticides (biological or synthetic) to control pests. In summary, the proposed arthropod management practice stresses a spectrum of approaches ranging from those that operate in a purely preventative manner to curative methods that are typically considered a last resort.