Vol. 8, Special Issue 9, Part L (2024)

The present study was conducted to monitor and document the insect pest complex associated with mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) at the Crop Research Centre, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, during the Kharif cropping seasons of 2022 and 2023. Mung bean, an important short-duration pulse crop in India, suffers from significant yield losses due to a variety of insect pests. This research identified both major and minor pests affecting mung bean and evaluated their impact on crop health and productivity. Major pests observed included the green semilooper (Trichoplusia ni), tobacco caterpillar (Spodoptera litura), Bihar hairy caterpillar (Spilosoma obliqua), white fly (Bemisia tabaci), green leaf hopper (Empoasca kerri), spotted pod borer (Maruca vitrata) and gram pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) additionally, minor pests such as the cowpea aphid (Aphis craccivora), Blue butterfly (Lampides boeticus), Blister beetle (Mylabris phalerata), Surface Grass Hopper (Chrotogonous trachypterous) and stem fly (Ophiomyia phaseoli) were recorded. Each pest's taxonomic classification, nature of damage, and impact on mung bean growth and yield were documented. The study provides a comprehensive overview of the pest complex in mung bean and highlights the need for integrated pest management strategies to mitigate losses and improve crop productivity. The findings serve as a valuable resource for researchers and farmers aiming to enhance mung bean cultivation practices.