A Review on Integrated Disease Management Strategies in Vegetable Crops
Balaji K *
Department of Agricultural Engineering, Sethu Institute of Technology, Anna University, Sardar Patel Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu- 600 025, India.
Lekshmi R Babu
Department of Chemical Engineering, MVJ College of Engineering Hoskote, Bangalore, Karnataka – 560 067, India.
Santosh Vilasrao Gaikwad
Department of Agricultural Meteorology, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada krishi Vidyapeeth, Krushi Nagar, Parbhani, Maharashtra- 431402, India.
Pratik Chandra Morya
Department of Agricultural Science, Jharkhand Rai University, Raja Ulatu, Namkum, Ranchi, Jharkhand-834010, India.
Chahat Kaundal
School of Agricultural Studies, Geeta University, Panipat, Haryana-132145, India.
Mahesh Pathak
School of Crop Protection, College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, Umiam, Meghalaya-793103, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Vegetable crops are highly vulnerable to a wide range of diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes, leading to substantial yield losses and reduced quality. This review aims to explore the integrated disease management strategies in vegetable crops. Traditional reliance on chemical pesticides has raised concerns about resistance development, environmental degradation, and human health risks. Integrated Disease Management (IDM) provides a holistic framework that combines cultural, biological, chemical, host resistance, and innovative technologies for sustainable disease control. This review synthesises current knowledge on IDM practices in as biocontrol agents and nanotechnology, and the integration of resistant cultivars with precision farming. Challenges and opportunities in adopting IDM are also highlighted, with a focus on climate change impacts and future research directions. Future research should emphasize climate-resilient resistant varieties, smart delivery systems for biocontrols, and digital tools for disease forecasting to ensure global food and nutritional security.
Keywords: Integrated disease management, vegetable crops, biological control, host resistance, cultural practices, sustainable agriculture