Role of entomophages against pomegranate pests and their biosafety

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) native of Iran to the Himalayas in northern India is cultivated since ancient times throughout the Mediterranean region of Asia, Africa, and Europe. Pomegranate is one of the important fruit crops in India and is being cultivated in arid and semiarid regions of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Totally 91 insects, 6 mites and 1 snail pest feeding on pomegranate crop have been reported in India. Commercially growing pomegranate farmers are facing a number of pest problems in their field, with no practical eco-friendly solutions. Hence, to address the problem of pests under high-density planting with eco-safe management practices were discussed in this book.