Pest Complex of Horticultural Crops in District Ghizer (Gilgit-Baltistan), Pakistan: A Baseline Survey

Agriculture is the main source of livelihood of the farming community of Gilgit-Baltistan especially district Ghizer. Wheat and other horticultural commodities are grown as cash crops in the district, however, productions have severely been suffered because of insect-pests and diseases. Being a remote area and lack of infrastructural facilities from field to markets, a major part of produce is being wasted. Earlier to this, no particular survey has been conducted regarding pests of concerns in the district, which is now dire need of time. Therefore, the current study was planned to document the basic information regarding insect-pests of horticultural crops of this area and provide basis to formulate programs for environment friendly and sustainable pest management strategies to enhance crop productivity and make farming profitable for farmers. In current survey, the main emphasis was to record the insect-pests and diseases that have become a great concern to farmers and environment of not only district Ghizer but also over all Gilgit- Baltistan province. Survey was confined to horticulture crops and some other major agronomic crops grown by local farmers on their farms. The overall results of this survey revealed that apple codling moth, apricot moth, white grub, cut worm, fruit flies and mealy bug were major insect-pests of horticultural crops which needed to be controlled on priority basis. The developmental needs of farming community required extensive trainings and first-hand knowledge on crop production, good agricultural practices and crop protection techniques. This document will provide basic information for formulating sustainable agriculture strategies in future.