Preserving Nature's Allies: A Framework for Sustainable Agriculture and Biodiversity Conservation through the Guardians of the Soil - Red Velvet Mite (Trombidium spp.) Conservation
Gummadala. Kasirao *
Department of Agronomy, School of Agricultural Sciences, G.D. Goenka University, Sohna, Gurugram-122 103, Haryana, India.
Perli. Himavarsha
Department of Agronomy, School of Agricultural Sciences, G.D. Goenka University, Sohna, Gurugram-122 103, Haryana, India.
Deepak Maurya
Department of Horticulture (Vegetable Science), School of Agricultural Sciences, G.D. Goenka University, Sohna, Gurugram-122 103, Haryana, India.
Shiv Singh Tomar
Department of Agronomy, School of Agricultural Sciences, G.D. Goenka University, Sohna, Gurugram-122 103, Haryana, India.
Azmeera Saikumar
School of Agricultural Sciences, G.D. Goenka University, Sohna, Gurugram-122 103, Haryana, India.
Dabbu Ganesh
School of Agricultural Sciences, G.D. Goenka University, Sohna, Gurugram-122 103, Haryana, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The indiscriminate use of high-energy inputs like chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and farm mechanization is resulting in a decline in the amount of organic carbon in the soil, a decrease in the population of soil microbes, a loss of biodiversity in the flora and fauna and an accumulation of inorganic chemicals, which are deteriorating soil and crop ecosystems. Due to habitat loss brought on by excessive chemical use, both the variety and number of insects are declining globally. If extensive action is not taken, many of these important creatures, including Earthworms, Green Lacewings, Ladybug Beetles, Trombidium spp., and others will go extinct within the next few decades. Ironically, the uncontrolled application of chemical fertilizers, insecticides, and pesticides as well as over-exploitation by the drug trade are the main threats to these beneficial and valuable creatures. In this study, the importance of beneficial, farmer-friendly, trombididae in biological pest management, medicinal use, enhancing soil fertility and identifying potential change trajectories and forecasting their consequences on beneficial insects provides a scientific framework for making informed decisions regarding sustainable agriculture methods to save them from extinction were suggested.
Keywords: Tromidium spp., soil health, biological control, biodiversity, conservation, medicine mite