Bhagalpur: In view of the possible threat to the litchi production following the detection of the invasive litchi stink bug (Tessaratoma javanica) in Bihar, a multi-institutional technical task force comprising scientists from ICAR-National Research Centre on litchi, Bihar Agricultural University (BAU) and Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University has been constituted for systematic surveillance, geo-referenced monitoring and development of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.Scientists at BAU described the invasive litchi stink bug as a serious threat to litchi-growing regions and growers in the state. The pest attacks tender vegetative flushes, floral panicles and developing fruits. Both nymphs and adult insects feed by extracting sap, leading to drying of young shoots, panicle blight, premature fruit drop and substantial deterioration in fruit yield and market quality.They said the detection of the invasive pest in litchi orchards necessitates phytosanitary measures under prescribed rules and guidelines to protect native agriculture and ecosystems and prevent the spread of dangerous agricultural pests, weeds and plant diseases.Earlier, under the guidance of BAU director A K Singh and scientist Kiran Kumari, intensive field surveys and pest surveillance were conducted by BAU scientist Goswami, a member of the expert task force, along with other associates in major litchi-growing pockets of Bhagalpur district, including the BAU Sabour campus, Kahalgaon, Pannuchhak, Mamalakha, Tintanga, Ganganagar, Budhuchak and Shanti Colony.The surveys revealed localised occurrence of litchi stink bug nymphs in the horticulture garden at BAU’s Sabour campus, while all other surveyed orchards were found free from infestation, indicating limited pest incidence at present.BAU vice-chancellor D R Singh said on Friday that scientists and experts at the university are closely monitoring pest dynamics in coordination with national research institutions and state horticulture agencies. He said scientific surveillance, rapid diagnostic assessment, farmer sensitisation and timely implementation of IPM interventions are essential for safeguarding the sustainability and export competitiveness of Bihar’s litchi industry.