Tea mosquito bug, Helopeltis spp. (Miridae; Hemiptera) an emerging phytotoxic pest: A comprehensive review of its biology and management

The Tea Mosquito Bug (TMB), Helopeltis spp. (Miridae: Hemiptera), is a highly destructive pest that significantly threatens plantation and fruit crops across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. With a wide host range, Helopeltis spp. infests various economically vital crops such as tea, cashew, pomegranate, guava, neem and cocoa. Both nymphs and adults feed by piercing plant tissues, extracting fluids and injecting enzymes like polyphenol oxidase from their salivary glands, leading to browning and scab-like lesions on affected plant parts, ultimately reducing yield. Additionally, the damage is compounded by the transmission of secondary pathogens, particularly Botryodiplodia theobromae and Phytophthora, causes which lead to dieback diseases in crops like neem and pomegranate, resulting in causing considerable economic losses. Although chemical control methods especially insecticides have traditionally been used for managing Helopeltis spp., excessive reliance on these methods has led to various challenges. These include the development of pesticide resistance, environmental pollution and concerns about pesticide residues in agricultural products resulting in strict regulations in many developed nations. As a result, there is a pressing need for alternative and sustainable management strategies. Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which incorporates biological control agents, cultural practices, botanical insecticides and selective chemical use has emerged as a promising and environmentally sound approach for controlling Helopeltis spp. in an economically viable way. This review provides an in-depth assessment of the biology, ecology and behavior of Helopeltis spp., along with a comprehensive analysis of their global host plant range. Furthermore, it highlights recent advancements in pest management, particularly focusing on IPM strategies and ongoing research into biological control, such as utilizing natural predators and parasitoids. By reducing dependency on chemical pesticides, these sustainable practices are crucial for minimizing the impact of TMB on global agricultural systems enhancing crop resilience and promoting long-term environmental sustainability.