**6. Management of invasive insects**

The process of management of invasive insects (**Figure 1**) includes management at three different levels of invasion of pest:


The Indian government has framed certain laws to cope with the invasive species. The formulation of laws to prevent the entry of invasive species ages back to 1914 when the Destructive Insects and Pests Act 1914 was framed [45]. With the elapse of time, these laws were modified from time to time. Presently, the primary plant quarantine concerns of India are dealt by the Plant Quarantine Order 2003. The Plant Quarantine Order 2003 includes new import policies with required statutory measures which aim to restrict the import of infested plants or plant products. The order advocates a prior PRA to estimate the phytosanitary measures required to protect plant resources against the invasive pest [46].

Plant quarantine facilities include:


**59**

**7. Conclusion**

*Invasive Insects in India*

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.91986*

the help of yellow sticky traps, light traps, etc.

i.**Monitoring.** There is a total of 71 plant quarantine stations across major and minor ports (34 seaports, 12 airports, 14 land frontiers and 11 foreign post offices) in India [47] which deals exclusively on restricting the import of any foreign contaminants. One of the major approaches for managing the invasive insects is its early detection. But the problem lies with the exact identification of the insect (to species level). Identification of the species requires expertise in insect taxonomy which is a limiting constraint in India [48]. Hence the government of India has established molecular diagnostic facilities across the quarantine station for easy and rapid detection of invasive insects [49]. Apart from molecular techniques, monitoring is also done by the use of chemical pheromones (sex pheromones and attractants) or by physical with

ii.**Biological.** The boom reproduction of invasive insects in a new environment is because of non-availability of their natural enemy and unlimited food supply [50]. Biological control is an ancient practice to control introduced pests, which deals with a timely introduction (classical biological control), augmentation (mass release of native or exotic natural enemies) and conservation (habitat management) of natural enemy (predators and parasitoids) from their (invasive insect's) native places in hope that they may reduce the invasive pest population to non-harming levels [51]. There are many examples of biological control which are listed above (**Table 1**). Biological control is sufficient to control the alarming invasiveness if once the natural enemy is established, has long-term effects and is cost-effective too [52]. Sometimes the biological control comes with a consequence which should be pre-analysed before the introduction of the bioagent [53]. For example, *Zygogramma bicolorata* was introduced in India to manage *Parthenium hysterophorus* which ended up as a pest of sunflower [54]. There must be prior research to prevent such introduction of natural agents which may have a negative impact.

iii.**Chemical control.** Prevention is always better than cure. Hence, strict

quarantine is the best solution for the management of invasive insects, that is, a thorough investigation of all kinds of imported goods and products in order to hamper the introduction of dangerous species. However, after the breaching for this barrier, the next prompt control measure is pesticides (chemicals). Pesticides are quick acting and are very efficient in reducing or eradicating the invasive insects. But prior knowledge about the insecticide regarding its mode of action, selectivity and residual effect is very much essential while applying an insecticide to manage the invasive insect.

Globalisation has enriched us beyond belief, but it too comes with a consequence.

Increased connectivity due to globalisation has resulted in the introduction of numerous invasive insect pests to India which not only have devastated several agricultural crops but also have caused huge monetary loss. This situation further got worse with the advent of global warming and climate change which favoured the establishment and spread of the invasive species. Hence, management of the invasive insects is a challenge. Minimising the loss caused by invasive insects requires an "international management approach" with strict legislation laws and better cooperation among countries with respect to exchange of information regarding the invasive species and their natural enemies. Moreover, there should be a hierarchical setup

**Figure 1.** *Management of invasive insects.*

### *Invasive Insects in India DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.91986*

*Invasive Species - Introduction Pathways, Economic Impact, and Possible Management Options*

The process of management of invasive insects (**Figure 1**) includes management

a.When the pest has not been introduced: Preventive measures are taken to avoid the entry of the invasive insect, *viz.* pest risk analysis (PRA), quarantine and

monitoring. This is the best way in managing the invasive species.

Postquarantine measures are taken in such cases such as rejection of the consignment from which the pest has introduced and eradication by means of

c.When the introduced insect has established itself: Various curative measures such as cultural, biological and chemical means of management are adopted.

The Indian government has framed certain laws to cope with the invasive species. The formulation of laws to prevent the entry of invasive species ages back to 1914 when the Destructive Insects and Pests Act 1914 was framed [45]. With the elapse of time, these laws were modified from time to time. Presently, the primary plant quarantine concerns of India are dealt by the Plant Quarantine Order 2003. The Plant Quarantine Order 2003 includes new import policies with required statutory measures which aim to restrict the import of infested plants or plant products. The order advocates a prior PRA to estimate the phytosanitary measures required to

• An integrated pest risk analysis system and a national pest risk analysis unit for

• A national management centre for phytosanitary certification to continuously

review the national standards for export phytosanitary certification

b.When the species is introduced but is not spread to nearby areas:

**6. Management of invasive insects**

at three different levels of invasion of pest:

fumigation of the consignment lot.

protect plant resources against the invasive pest [46].

• An integrated information management system

conducting an integrated pest surveillance

• An integrated phytosanitary border control system

Plant quarantine facilities include:

• A national phytosanitary database

**58**

**Figure 1.**

*Management of invasive insects.*

