Ludhiana, July 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Dr Sarwan Kumar, Principal Entomologist in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, is among an international team of scientists whose research has been published in the prestigious journal Science Advances.
The study, titled Plant diversity modifies multi-trophic interactions in croplands, grasslands and forests, presents a global assessment of how plant diversity influences interactions among plants, herbivores and their natural enemies. It analysed data from 149 field studies conducted across 27 countries spanning five continents, making it one of the most comprehensive syntheses on the subject.
According to the findings, greater plant diversity in croplands enhances the abundance of natural enemies relative to herbivores, strengthening biological control of crop pests. The study found that the enemy-to-herbivore ratio increased in both organic and conventional farming systems, suggesting that crop diversification can support sustainable and preventive pest management.
In grasslands and forests, the research found that higher plant diversity primarily boosts plant productivity and supports herbivore and natural-enemy communities through bottom-up ecological processes, highlighting that the effects of plant diversity vary across ecosystems and management practices.
The researchers said the findings underscore the importance of crop diversification and habitat management in reducing dependence on chemical pest control while promoting biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Dr Kumar’s participation in the international collaboration highlights PAU’s growing contribution to global research in entomology, biodiversity, ecological interactions and sustainable agriculture.
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