BARI detects new pest in country

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FE Team | Published: April 21, 2026 22:45:45

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Scientists at the Entomology Division of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) have identified a harmful insect species -- 'jumping plant bug' (Halticus minutus Reuter) -- in Bangladesh for the first time.
The pest, described as a new exotic species in the country, was recently observed in pointed gourd fields in Abdulpur under Jashore Sadar, marking the first recorded occurrence of the insect in Bangladesh, according to BARI scientists. Entomologists said the pest damages crops by sucking sap from leaves. While its presence has been confirmed, they noted that the level of infestation remains under control.
However, farmers should not be panicked due to infestation of this pest, because BARI has already formulated effective management strategy against this pest, BARI said in a press release.
Chief Scientific Officer and Head of the Entomology Division of BARI Dr. Nirmal Kumar Dutta advised the farmers not to spray toxic chemical insecticides indiscriminately to resist this pest attack, as this practice would kill the beneficial insects which naturally control the pest.
Instead, he recommended clean cultivation practices, regular crop monitoring, and need-based application of biopesticides such as spinosad or other less toxic, new-generation insecticides in consultation with agricultural extension officials.
The jumping plant bug is widely distributed across Asia and the Pacific region and is considered a major pest in several countries, particularly affecting crops such as sweet potato and soybean. It has also been reported to infest vegetables including cucurbits, beans and cabbage.