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A Complete Guide to the Insect Pests of Mung Bean in Rajasthan
Last Updated: August 10, 2025
Identifying the Enemy: A Guide to the Insect Pests of Mung Bean
Have you ever looked at a damaged mung bean leaf—discolored, curled, or chewed—and wondered exactly which culprit was responsible? For farmers and gardeners, accurate pest identification is the critical first step toward effective and sustainable control. Simply spraying a generic pesticide without knowing the target can be wasteful and harmful to beneficial insects. The key to successful crop protection lies in understanding the full spectrum of threats you face.
This article serves as a comprehensive identification guide, drawing directly from a two-year scientific survey conducted in Rajasthan. We will list and describe the various insect pests of mung bean documented in the study, from the most notorious culprits to the less frequent visitors. By the end, you will have a clearer picture of the entomological challenges facing this vital crop.
The Comprehensive Survey: More Than Just a Few Bugs
Many farmers are familiar with the “usual suspects” that plague their fields, but the full diversity of insect life interacting with a crop can be surprising. The research conducted a thorough survey over the 2019 and 2020 Kharif seasons to create a complete inventory. The “present investigation is revealed that several insect pests were infested on the mung bean crop” during this period (p. 153).
Over the course of the study, a total of twelve distinct insect species were identified as pests. While some were minor, their collective presence contributes to the overall stress on the crop. The investigation found that “Out of twelve insect species, six species of order lepidoptera, four species of Hemiptera, one species of coleoptera and one species of order orthoptera were recorded” (p. 47). This diversity highlights the need for a broad understanding of pest identification.
The Main Culprits: Major Insect Pests of Mung Bean
While twelve species were identified, the study quickly zeroed in on the three that caused the most significant and consistent damage. These are the pests that demand the most attention from farmers. The research states, “Among all recorded insect pest, three species were found major insect pests of mung bean. these were aphid (Aphis craccivora), jassid (Ampoasca motti) and whitefly (Bemisia tabaci)” (p. 153).
Let’s look at each of these major threats in more detail:
- Aphid (Aphis craccivora): Often found in colonies on tender stems and leaves, these small, sap-sucking insects drain the plant of vital nutrients, leading to stunted growth and reduced vigor.
- Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci): These tiny, white-winged insects are a double threat. Not only do they suck sap, but they are also the primary vector for the “yellow mosaic virus in green gram” (p. 189), a disease that can slash yields dramatically.
- Jassid (Ampoasca motti): Also known as leafhoppers, jassids feed on the underside of leaves, causing a characteristic yellowing at the leaf edges that eventually curls and dries up, a condition known as “hopper burn.”
A Rogues’ Gallery: The Full List of Mung Bean Pests
Beyond the big three, several other insects were documented causing damage to the mung bean crop. Having a complete list is invaluable for accurate field scouting. The following pests were identified in the study (p. 47):
- Beetles:
- Blister Beetle (Mylabris pustulata): A chewing pest that can defoliate plants.
- Caterpillars (Moths and Butterflies):
- Pod Borer (Helicoverpa armigera): A highly destructive pest whose larvae bore into pods, destroying the seeds within.
- Cabbage Looper (Trichoplusia ni): This caterpillar feeds on leaves, creating ragged holes.
- Pea Blue (Lampides boeticus): The larvae of this butterfly can infest flowers and pods.
- Beet Webworm Moth (Spoladea recurvalis): Larvae web leaves together and feed within the protected space.
- Cucumber Moth (Diaphania indica): Another defoliating caterpillar.
- Red Hairy Caterpillar (Amsacta albistriga): Known for occurring in large numbers and causing severe defoliation.
- Other Significant Pests:
- Sting Bug (Halyomorpha halys): A piercing-sucking pest that can damage seeds and pods.
- Desert Locust (Schistocera gregaria): A highly migratory and voracious pest capable of consuming entire fields.
This comprehensive list, backed by scientific observation, provides farmers with a reliable checklist for identifying the full range of insect pests of mung bean in the region.
Conclusion: Identification is the First Step to Control
Understanding the enemy is half the battle. This detailed survey of the insect pests of mung bean in Rajasthan provides an essential foundation for any effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. By accurately identifying both the major and minor pests present in their fields, farmers can make more targeted, efficient, and sustainable decisions about control strategies, whether they choose botanical, indigenous, or synthetic methods.
About the Author
Anand Kumar Prajapat is a Research Scholar from the Department of Zoology at Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur. His doctoral research focuses on the practical application of entomology, specifically studying the insect pests that affect vital agricultural crops in Rajasthan and evaluating sustainable methods for their control.
Sources & Citations
- Thesis Title: Study and Possible Control Measures for Insect Pests of Mung Bean in Rajasthan
- Researcher: Anand Kumar Prajapat
- Guide (Supervisor): Dr. Lekhu Gehlot
- University: Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur
- Year of Compilation: 2022
- Excerpt Page Numbers: 47, 153, 189.
Disclaimer: Some sentences have been lightly edited for SEO and readability. For the full, original research, please refer to the complete thesis PDF linked in the section above.
Which of these pests have you found to be the most challenging to manage in your own fields or garden? Share your experience in the comments below!
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