Diversity, Abundance, and Pest Potential of Orthoptera in Agricultural Crops of a Subtropical Region of Pakistan

Abstract

Agriculture plays a crucial role in the development of nation’s economy. Insect plant interaction is a major component in the trophic food chain and a significant topic in agriculture and entomology. Orthoptera is known to be one of the largest and common insect order in Pakistan.  The present study aims to determine the diversity of the order Orthoptera in crop system of district Sialkot, Pakistan. This study was conducted to understand the economic importance of Orthoptera insects and generate a better design for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the future. Sampling on the sorghum, rice and maize crops was done for a period of four months from June to September 2022. Insects were collected by using a sweep net and handpicking method. A total of 628 specimens were collected of order Orthoptera belonging to two suborders Caelifera and Ensifera, representing 26 species from three families Acrididae, Pyrgomorphidae and Tettigoniidae. Results suggest that the cropping system of district Sialkot has rich fauna of order Orthoptera and some species could act as serious agricultural pest and can cause huge economic loss to crop production. Eco-friendly Orthoptera management techniques are needed to maintain a sustainable agro-ecosystem to achieve 2^nd SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) goal with no hunger.