author(s)
Divya Chaand, Rakesh Kumar Gupta, Suheel Ahmad Ganai and Ramandeep Kour

abstract
The use of pesticides and other approaches that treat only the symptom of high pest density are unsustainable, and should be the last, rather than the first, line of defence. It is important to understand how natural enemies function within the ecosystem and how to promote their abundance and effectiveness through habitat management and other cultural management approaches. Habitat management with field margins and other non-crop habitats manipulates the environment in order to enhance the survival of natural enemies and to improve their efficiency as pest control agents. Mixtures of so-called “insectary” plants can provide nectar and pollen all season long if properly maintained, but they must be selected with care. Because beneficial insects differ in the size and structure of their mouth¬parts, not all flowers are equally accessible (or valuable) to all species.