A Review on Innovative Approaches for Forest Pest Management in India

Abstract

India's forest ecosystems, though covering only 21.71% of the national geographical area, harbour immense biodiversity and ecological significance. The nation's varied forest types from tropical rainforests to dry alpine belts are vital ecological assets, yet increasingly threatened by biotic disturbances, especially insect pests. The paper aims to review innovative approaches for forest pest management in India. Unlike agriculture, where short crop cycles permit timely pest impact assessments, forest pest outbreaks often go unnoticed until substantial ecological and economic damage has occurred. The prolonged life cycles of both forest trees and associated insect pests, coupled with limited baseline data, hinder timely interventions. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) offers a holistic and sustainable solution, combining biological, cultural, and chemical strategies. However, the application of IPM in forestry remains underdeveloped due to challenges in monitoring, logistical limitations, and a lack of adaptive frameworks. The increasing necessity for integrated pest management systems which consider regional climate variability, forest biodiversity, and ecological sustainability into account has been highlighted by recent studies. This paper synthesises current pest management scenarios in Indian forestry, showcasing success stories from global and national contexts. It discusses the role of forest insect pests across tree developmental stages and explores their impact on natural forests, plantations, and non-timber forest products. Case studies include teak (Tectona grandis), sal (Shorea robusta), eucalyptus, and poplar, highlighting the practical integration of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), parasitoids like Trichogramma raoi, and botanical fumigants for seed pest control. Specific attention is given to emerging tools, indigenous biocontrol agents, and formulation advancements for EPNs adapted to Indian conditions. The findings underline the urgent need for localised, ecologically compatible IPM models, along with capacity-building initiatives to equip frontline forest managers. By advancing research and fostering region-specific guidelines, the adoption of IPM in forestry can contribute significantly to sustainable forest health management and biodiversity conservation. In conclusion, a critical factor in the broader adoption and success of IPM in forestry is the development of locality- and species-specific guidelines that are user-friendly and readily applicable by forest managers and field staff.