Research Progress on Occurrence, Damage and Integrated Management of Diseases and Pests in Moringa oleifera

Moringa oleifera Lam. possesses significant economic, medicinal, and ecological value, extensively cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. However, the continuous expansion of its cultivation area has been accompanied by a growing severity of pest and disease infestations, which now pose a major constraint to the sustainable development of the Moringa oleifera industry. This paper provides a systematic overview of the species, occurrence patterns, damage characteristics, and integrated management strategies for pests and diseases in Moringa oleifera. Among these, 20 diseases have been identified, with the most severe being fruit rot, anthracnose, tip wilt, branch canker, and dieback. In contrast, pest species are more numerous, totaling 130, primarily including Plutella xylostella, Spodoptera litura, Noorda blitealis, Aphididae spp., and Tetranychus cinnabarinus. Effective management requires establishing a green integrated pest management system centered on the principle of "prevention first, comprehensive control." This system should emphasize the foundational role of plant quarantine, accelerate the development of resistant germplasm and improved cultivars, optimize ecologically based agricultural practices, and promote synergistic application of biological and physical control methods. The goal is to rationally reduce dependence on chemical pesticides while integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and smart plant protection for intelligent monitoring and precise intervention. Implementing such a strategy is crucial for ensuring the healthy and sustainable growth of the Moringa oleifera industry.