author(s)
Bhupen Kumar Sahu and Ipsita Samal

abstract
Cucurbits, belong to family Cucurbitaceae, commonly known as guard family has been reported to be adversely affected by a range of biotic constraints, out of which, insect-pests are important. There is a need for effective and economic pest control/management which requires the use of cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical methods. The combination of these different methods is necessary for achieving good management of pests. Pest management can be achieved only by a long-term assurance to integrated pest management practices (IPM). IPM involves the strategic use of resistant varieties, cultural measures, crop rotations, biological control, and selective pesticides. IPM requires an under-standing of the interaction between pests, plants, and the environment. IPM must ensure optimal use of chemical pesticides and minimum environmental contamination to maintain crop production. In this regard, there is a need to implement eco-friendly pest management practices by proper identification of the pest.