Significance of Microbes and their role in pest management in tea ecosystem: A mini-review

Abstract

Tea plantations are subjected to damage by several insect pests and mites resulting in significant crop loss every year. Although efficient control has been achieved by the use of recommended synthetic pesticides over many years, they contribute to several ill effects such as the resurgence of pests, the development of insect pest resistance unwanted residues in the made tea. This has led the planting community to look for safe alternative methods to tackle pests and diseases on tea. Microbials play vital in combating pest menace in many agroecosystems including tea. Emphasis on the use of natural enemies such as entomopathogens and antagonists for pest/disease control has expanded the range of control possibilities. The incorporation of eco-friendly alternatives to existing agricultural pesticides that are employed to manage insect pests and improve sustainability has been popularized in recent years. This review summarizes current knowledge on entomopathogenic fungi, nematodes, viruses, bacteria, etc. as it relates to their possible utilization in biological pest management in tea.

Keywords: Entomopathogenic fungi, Bacteria, Viruses, Nematodes, Pest management