Small Pests, Big Problems: Know the Minor Pests of Crops
Posted on August 20, 2025
Introduction
Not all pests look dangerous at first. Some start small, quietly living on plant leaves or stems. But these “minor pests” can quickly become serious threats when left unchecked. Many farmers ignore these early signs and lose their crop later. Knowing the minor pests, their early damage, and how to manage them on time can protect the harvest.
Common Minor Pests and Their Early Signs
Aphids
- Tiny green, black, or brown insects.
- Found in groups on soft shoots and buds.
- Cause curling of leaves and sticky honeydew.
- Ants are often seen with them.
Thrips
- Slender, fast-moving insects.
- Create silver lines or bronze patches on leaves.
- Cause poor flower development.
Jassids (Leafhoppers)
- Small wedge-shaped insects that jump when disturbed.
- Suck sap and cause yellowing or leaf burn on margins.
Mealybugs
- White, cotton-like insects on leaf axils or fruit stalks.
- Attract ants and cause sooty mould.
Flea Beetles
- Small shiny beetles that jump.
- Leave shot-hole damage on leaves, especially in brinjal.
Mites
- Very small, hard to see.
- Found on lower leaf surface.
- Cause yellow specks or bronzing on leaves.
Why Minor Pests Become Major Later
- Warm, dry weather helps rapid multiplication.
- Lack of monitoring allows hidden pests to spread.
- Overuse of pesticides kills natural enemies, giving minor pests a free hand.
- Ignoring early damage makes it harder to control later.
Real Field Example: How a Farmer Beat the Minor Pests
In Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh, a vegetable farmer named Ramu noticed sticky leaves and curling on his brinjal crop. At first, he ignored it, thinking it was normal. But after two weeks, the plants became weak and started wilting. On closer look, he found aphids and mealybugs spread across the field. With advice from the local KVK, he started using neem oil spray, removed badly infested leaves, and avoided chemical sprays that would kill beneficial insects. Within 10 days, the pest population reduced and the crop recovered well. Moral: Early attention to small signs saved his full harvest.
Simple IPM Tips to Handle Minor Pests
- Inspect plants twice a week, especially new growth.
- Use neem oil (5 ml/liter) or soap spray to control soft-bodied pests.
- Install sticky traps for aphids, thrips, and whiteflies.
- Avoid overwatering, as it favors mealybugs and mites.
- Encourage ladybird beetles, spiders, and lacewings in your field.
- Remove infested leaves or branches early.
Conclusion
Minor pests should never be taken lightly. By observing early signs and taking soft corrective action, farmers can avoid big losses. With regular field checks and low-cost IPM steps, small pests can be stopped before they become big problems.
About the Author :
This article was written by KOMMANA SAI SIRISHA, M.Sc. Agricultural Entomology
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