Pod Bug Complex in Legume Crops: Biology, Host Interactions, and Modern Management Approaches

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Pulse crops, such as Vigna radiata (green gram), Vigna mungo (black gram), Vigna unguiculata (cowpea), and Lablab purpureus (lablab), play an important role in the human diet as major sources of plant protein and also contribute significantly to sustainable agriculture through biological nitrogen fixation from the atmosphere into the soil. However, crop productivity is constrained by attacks from various insect pests at different crop stages. Among the several pest species affecting these pulse crops, the pod bugs Riptortus pedestris, belonging to the family Alydidae, and Clavigralla gibbosa, belonging to the family Coreidae, both within the order Hemiptera, are categorised as primary yield-reducing pests, particularly during the reproductive stage, from post-flowering and pod set to harvest. These insect pests cause serious damage to developing pods and seeds through their piercing-sucking mouthparts, leading to shrivelled grains, reduced seed quality, and a substantial reduction in market value. Infestation often intensifies during dry seasons or under warm climatic conditions that favour rapid multiplication and overlapping generations. Pod bug damage is identified by discoloured pods, malformed seeds, lower pod or seed weight, and reduced seed germination capacity. This review provides comprehensive information on the taxonomy, host range, origin, distribution, morphology, life cycle, phenology, symptoms, and integrated pest management strategies for pod bugs within pulse crop ecosystems. Effective management requires the integration of cultural, biological, and chemical approaches in a compatible manner to support sustainable pulse production.