Annual Review of Entomology (2021) 66, 141-161

Ramasamy Srinivasan, Manuele Tamò and Periasamy Malini (2021)
Emergence of Maruca vitrata as a major pest of food legumes and evolution of management practices in Asia and Africa
Annual Review of Entomology 66, 141-161
Abstract: Legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata, has emerged as a major pest on food legumes in Asia and Africa. It is an oligophagous pest, feeding on over 70 species in Fabaceae. We examine the species complex in Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas, with an emphasis on molecular taxonomy. Studies on pheromone production and perception suggest the existence of pheromone polymorphism, especially in Asia and Africa. No Maruca-resistant varieties are available in the major food legumes including cowpea, pigeonpea, mungbean, and yard-long bean. Legume growers use chemical pesticides indiscriminately, leading to the development of pesticide resistance. However recent developments in habitat management, classical biocontrol with more efficient parasitoids, biopesticides, and judicious use of insecticides pave the way for sustainable management of M. vitrata, which can reduce the pesticide misuse. Active engagement of the private sector and policy makers can increase the adoption of integrated pest management approaches in food legumes.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Manuele Tamò

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
damage/losses/economics
control - general

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Maruca vitrata	Beans (Phaseolus)
	Maruca vitrata	Cowpea and relatives (Vigna)
	Maruca vitrata	Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan)