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Title: Impact of Climate Change on Armyworm Infestation and Horticultural Crop Production in Gilgit-Baltistan
Authors: Zakir Hussain, Iqbal Hussain, Aqleem Abbas, Maqsood Hussain, Riaz Ahmad, Muhammad Shoaib
Journal: Plant Protection
Publisher: Center for Community Learning
Country: Pakistan
Year: 2023
Volume: 7
Issue: 3
Language: English
Keywords: ArmywormMythimna unipunctaoutbreakhorticultural cropsGilgit-Baltistan
The armyworm is one of the major threats to global food crop security. It is a polyphagous pest that has recently spread to Gilgit Baltistan (GB) from another region of Pakistan. This pest has posed a significant threat to economically important cereal crops like wheat and maize, as well as to vegetable crops such as beans, forage crops like berseem and alfalfa, and fruit trees. While it has been reported in other regions of Pakistan, there has been no confirmed presence of the armyworm in GB, Pakistan. In April 2022, the armyworm invaded crops in districts Gilgit, Nagar, Hunza, Diamer, and Baltistan region. To monitor its movement, the integrated pest and disease management (IPDM) department of GB established mechanical traps in these districts. The armyworm outbreak persisted in these districts until the end of June 2022. The field survey revealed that the pest primarily targeted wheat, beans, maize, berseem, clovers, forage grasses, and vegetables. Suspected armyworm moths were captured and identified as Mythimna unipuncta through morphological analysis. Various pesticides were applied in the aforementioned districts to manage the armyworms. Additionally, the farming community of GB was provided with mechanical traps and spray machines. The invasion of armyworms might be attributed to climate change, which has been observed over the last 4-5 years in GB. This case study confirms the first instance of armyworm immigration into GB, and it will serve as a valuable resource for the monitoring and management of armyworms. Moreover, raising farmer awareness about climate change and its impact on armyworms is essential. To effectively manage insect pests under changing climatic conditions, it is crucial to collaborate with stakeholders and farmers to prepare and enhance armyworm risk assessment maps. Furthermore, a comprehensive study involving molecular identification of the Fall Armyworm (FAW) should be conducted to achieve scientific identification
To document the first instance of armyworm immigration into Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Pakistan, analyze its impact on horticultural crop production, and propose management strategies in the context of climate change.
The study involved monitoring armyworm movement using mechanical traps, conducting field surveys to identify targeted crops, capturing and morphologically identifying armyworm moths as Mythimna unipuncta, applying various pesticides, and distributing mechanical traps and spray machines to farmers. The research also reviewed existing literature on armyworm biology, distribution, and damage, and discussed the potential link between climate change and the observed infestation.
graph TD
A[Monitoring with Mechanical Traps] --> B[Field Surveys for Crop Targeting];
B --> C[Capture and Morphological Identification of Armyworm];
C --> D[Pesticide Application];
D --> E[Distribution of Traps and Spray Machines];
E --> F[Analysis of Climate Change Impact];
F --> G[Formulation of Management Strategies];
G --> H[Conclusion and Future Recommendations];
The study highlights the significant threat posed by the armyworm to food crop security in GB. The observed invasion is presented as the first confirmed instance in the region, with climate change identified as a potential contributing factor. The paper discusses the biology and damage patterns of the armyworm, emphasizing the need for integrated pest management strategies, farmer awareness, and enhanced risk assessment maps. The limitations of morphological identification and the importance of molecular identification for the Fall Armyworm (FAW) are also noted.
- The armyworm (Mythimna unipuncta) invaded crops in Gilgit, Nagar, Hunza, Diamer, and Baltistan regions of GB from April to June 2022.
- Economically important crops such as wheat, beans, maize, berseem, clovers, forage grasses, and vegetables were primarily targeted.
- The invasion is suspected to be linked to climate change observed over the past 4-5 years in GB.
- The Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPM) department of GB implemented control measures including pesticide application and distribution of mechanical traps and spray machines.
The initial armyworm influx into Gilgit-Baltistan occurred from mid-April to June 2022, primarily affecting cereals, followed by legumes, forages, and fruit trees. The study confirms the first immigration of armyworms into GB and underscores the need for enhanced pest management strategies, farmer training, and research into biopesticides, eco-friendly alternatives, and crop genotypes resistant to armyworm infestations. Addressing the absence of a dedicated plant protection department in GB and raising farmer awareness about climate change impacts are crucial for future agricultural security.
- Date of Invasion: The armyworm invasion in GB occurred from April to June 2022.
- Pest Identification: The captured armyworm moths were identified as Mythimna unipuncta through morphological analysis.
- Affected Regions: The invasion was reported in Gilgit, Nagar, Hunza, Diamer, and the Baltistan region.
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