Introduction to Insect Pests of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) and their Management: A Review

Sesame (Sesamum indicum), a valuable oilseed crop, is affected by a variety of insect pests that cause significant yield losses. The most common pests include the leaf webber and capsule borer, gall fly, whiteflies, bud fly, bihar hairy caterpillar and hawk moth etc. These pests can damage sesame plants at various stages of growth, leading to reduced seed quality and productivity. This review discusses the key insect pests of sesame, their life cycles, and the economic damage they cause. Additionally, it highlights various pest management strategies, including cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical control methods, with a focus on integrated pest management (IPM) practices. The role of resistant varieties, organic products such as neem-based formulations, and biological control agents like fungal pathogens is explored. The review emphasizes the importance of eco-friendly and sustainable pest control methods to ensure higher yields and improved profitability for sesame growers.