A new mealybug species, Paraputo blackmani Joshi, sp. n. (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) is described and illustrated based on adult females collected from Butea monosperma (Fabaceae), in Bengaluru Rural district, Karnataka, southern India. The new mealybug is most similar morphologically to P. mazoensis (Hall). Ants belonging to the genus Nylanderia were found tending the mealybugs; notes on the ecological associates of the mealybug and a key to adult females of all the species of Paraputo recorded from India are provided.

In the increasing globalisation era, movement of goods and planting materials between countries being carried out at ease, are potential factors of introduction of invasive alien insects, diseases, and weeds in India. Infested fruits carried by international travellers, cargo / sea shipments of wood logs, food trade, and accidental introduction through air travels were the potential ways of entry of invasive alien insects into any country. The entry of alien invasive pest causes huge economic damage by way of direct crop loss. In addition, the panic situation to save the crops results in indiscriminate use of chemical insecticides that is harmful to applicator, farmer and consumer. Frequent application of insecticides leads to reduction in natural enemies and pollinators there by having an adverse impact on the ecosystem. The present paper critically reviewes the existing plant quarantine regulations in India, recent invasive and migratory insect pest problems and way forwards to safeguard Indian Agriculture.

The bio-security of Agriculture can never be ignored, as is food security. The world has become a global village due to unprecedented trade in agriculture between countries and people’s ability of travel. India having a diverse climatic condition and rich biodiversity is vulnerable to the pest vagaries. Introduction, spread and establishment of invasive insects, diseases, weeds and other organisms is detrimental to the plants. Such invasions have caused havocs in the past. The plant quarantine is the only way to safeguard future of plant health in general and agriculture in particular. The present paper throws light on the existing plant quarantine regulations in India and critically analyses the emerging issues pertaining to pest incursions and also discusses about the way forwards to safeguard Indian Agriculture.