Arthropod pests of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) and their management

There are ninety one insects, six mites and one snail pest have been found feeding on pomegranate crop in India. Pomegranate pests cause severe damage to flowers, fruits, twigs and leaves by de sapping, biting and boring, which result in loss of quality of fruits and reduction in yield. In addition, the abuse of insecticides has led to secondary pests outbreak like pomegranate whitefly, (Siphoninus phillyreae Haliday), spiralling whitefly, (Aleurodicus dispersus Russell), mealy bug (Pseudococcus lilacinus Cockerell), thrips (Rhipiphorothrips cruentatus Hood, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood, Anaphothrips oligochaetus Karny), aphid (Aphis punicae Passerini) and mites (Aceria granati Can. and Massal, Oligonychus punicae). The above reports confirmed that the commercially growing pomegranate farmers are facing a number of pest problems in their field, with no practical ecofriendly solutions. Further, in order to increase the production and productivity, farmers are growing pomegranate under high density planting. Since the introduction of high density planting in pomegranate is new, systematic study on the occurrence of pests is wanting. Hence, to address the problem of pests with ecosafe management practices was discussed in this review.