DHARAMSHALA: A new type of pest has been found by scientists in farms of the hill state as a result of climate change and prolonged summers. Entomologists of Agricultural University of Himachal Pradesh at Palampur have discovered new varieties of pests which were affecting the yields of fruits, vegetables and other cereal crops. Talking to TOI, RS Chandel a senior scientist, said that they have found ‘Tuber moth’ in potatoes which affects when they are stored in warehouses.He said, “Tuber moth turns the potato black. Earlier, there were not so much but now their population in crops have increased. Most of the pests either reduces the yield or affects the flavor of the crops.”Pawan Sharma, another entomologist, said that nectar production of honey bees was also reducing. “It is due to climate change that these pests are being found these days.”He further added that Pinworm, a pest which is usually found in South America, was found in Himachal in 2014 for the first time. Nowadays, it is affecting tomatoes plants in areas like Sundernagar in Mandi district , Solan, Bilaspur and Kangra districts.

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