Seasonal Abundance of Important Pests of Mango and their Correlation with Weather Parameters

The investigation was carried out at the Instructional Farm, ASPEE College of Horticulture and Forestry, Navsari Agricultural University (N.A.U.), Navsari, Gujarat, India during 2021-2022. The leaf webber, leafhopper, fruit fly, shoot borer, and thrips were found abundant, whereas the mealybug and stone weevils were very less. The leaf webber population exhibited a significant negative correlation with minimum temperature (r= -0.488*) and evaporation (r=-0.483*). The leafhopper population had a highly significant positive correlation with wind velocity (r= 0.577**) and rainfall (r= 0.823**) and a significant negative correlation with minimum temperature (r=-0.495*) and morning relative humidity (r= -0.414*). Fruit fly population exhibited a highly significant positive correlation with minimum temperature (r= 0.761**), wind velocity (r= 0.646**), and evaporation (r= 0.524**). There was a significant negative correlation of shoot borer population with minimum temperature (r= -0.804**), evening relative humidity (r= -0.467*), and wind velocity (r= -0.437*). Thrips population had a highly significant negative correlation with minimum temperature (r= -0.690**), evening relative humidity (r= -0.879**), wind velocity (r= -0.567**), and rainfall (r= - 0.541**) and a significant positive correlation with sunshine hours (r= 0.684**) and maximum temperature (r= 0.438*). Among natural enemies, ants, mantids, spiders, and chrysopa were found in the orchard and none of the parasitoids were reported.

Seasonal Abundance of Melon Fruit Fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) Infesting Cucumber in Relation to Abiotic Factors

The present investigation on seasonal abundance of melon fruit fly in relation to weather parameters was conducted in cucumber at the farmers field, Kharsad, Navsari, Gujarat using Nauroji Stonehouse fruit fly trap containing cue-lure baited wooden block during summer 2022. Studies on seasonal abundance revealed that in cucumber the activity of adults of B. cucurbitae commenced from 13th Standard Meteorological Week (SMW) i.e., 4th week of March and continued till 19th SMW (1st week of May) which ranged from 38.00 to 59.75 with an average of 45.11 male fruit flies per four traps while, the peak adult population was observed during 17th SMW i.e., 4th week of April (59.75 mean male fruit flies/4 traps). Moreover, adult population of melon fruit fly showed positive and significant correlation with maximum temperature and negative and significant correlation with morning relative humidity.

Impact of Weather Parameters on Population Dynamics of Fruit Flies (Bactrocera sp.) on Phalsa (Grewia asiatica Linn.)

Field experiments were meticulously conducted for two consecutive years (2018 and 2019) at a phalsa orchard situated in the Regional Horticulture Research Station (RHRS), Raya, District-Samba. The primary aim of these experiments was to comprehensively examine the population dynamics of fruit flies and their susceptibility to variations in weather parameters. To this end, green valley fruit fly traps were strategically deployed throughout the orchard to monitor fruit fly populations. The outcomes of the study revealed that fruit fly activity commenced during the 15th standard week and reached its zenith during the 24th standard week in both years. Correlation analysis underscored a notably strong and positive correlation with maximum (0.575**) and minimum (0.696**) temperatures. Furthermore, a significant negative correlation (–0.422*) was observed between morning relative humidity and fruit fly catches. However, the study did not find any statistically significant correlation between evening relative humidity, rainfall, and fruit fly captures. The weather conditions accounted for an impressive 59.70% of the observed variations in adult fruit fly trap catches of B. dorsalis and B. zonata on phalsa which highlighted the intricate interplay between environmental factors and the population dynamics of these fruit fly species in the phalsa crop ecosystem.

Seasonal Occurrence of Melon Fruit Flies (Zeugodacus cucurbitae Coq.) and Its Natural Enemies on Bitter Gourd

Aim: To study the seasonal occurrence of cucurbit melon fly and correlation study with weather parameters to know the impact of abiotic environmental factors on the activity of melon fruit fly concerning infesting the fruits of bitter gourd in crop ecosystem.Place and Duration of Study: College of Agriculture, VNMKV Parbhani, Maharashtra. Studies during two seasons Rainy and Summer 2021 and 2022 respectively.Methodology: The experimental plot was kept unsprayed throughout the crop season. The observation was recorded as soon as the incidence was noticed from five randomly selected plants at weekly intervals. The observations of fruit flies were recorded from the day of fruit formation to the last picking of the fruit. The damaged and healthy fruits were recorded at eachpicking to knowing the percentage fruit infestation by fruit flies.Results: Fruit fly was the major pest of bitter gourd in fruit damage. The fruit damage record range was 15.65 to 59.33 per cent in the rainy season whereas, 28.99 to 61.14 per cent in the summer season. The per cent fruit infestation shows a significant and positive correlation with no. of maggots per fruit (r = 0.857 and 0.905) during both seasons respectively. Weather parameters like morning relative humidity (MRH) and rainfall the during rainy season show significant and positive correlation (r = 0.87 and r = 0.71 respectively) whereas, during the summer season significant and positive correlation (r = 0.77) with MRH and significant and negatively correlated with (r = - 0.66) minimum temperature. The record of larval pupal parasitoid Psyttalia fletcheri (Silvestri) and it was discovered that 16% of the population was parasitized during the experimental periodConclusion: The infestation may vary from season to season, region to region and concerning variety also. Here the infestation range was higher during the summer season, which may be because of the coincidence with the fruit season of mango in that area.

Influence of Weather Parameters on Incidence of Black Spot of Papaya Caused by Asperisporium caricae

The severity of the black leaf spot disease of papaya increased with increase in rainfall and during dry spells the disease declined considerably. The maximum disease severity was found during the late winter and spring seasons of the year. In the present study, the disease severity of black spot of papaya was recorded in the TNAU, Orchard at monthly interval for a period of one year from January to December 2018. The results revealed that the disease severity increased progressively from August to November 2018 and the disease was found to be less in summer months. The disease severity was found to reach maximum of 31.21% during the November 2018. The lowest disease severity of 9.45% was found during the month of May 2018.

Regression Equation Model for Brinjal Pests (Solanum melongena L.) in Maharashtra Plain Zone

An experiment “Effect of weather parameters on growth, yield and insect pest infestation on brinjal varieties under different planting windows” was carried out at Faculty of Agriculture Department of Agricultural Meteorology Farm, Centre for Advanced Agricultural Meteorology, College of Agriculture, Pune during Kharif seasons of 2014 and 2015. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. The treatment comprised of three brinjal hybrids viz., V1:Phule Arjun, V2: Krishna, V3: Panchganaga as main plot and four planting windows viz., P1: 31st MW (30 July-5 August), P2: 32ndMW (6-12 August), P3:33rdMW (13-19 August) and P4: 34thMW (20-26 August) as sub plot treatments.The correlation of meteorological parameters with incidence of brinjal shoot and fruit borer was studied in 2014. The correlation of shoot and fruit borer on brinjal (0.764*and 0.796*) and (0.784* and 0.704*) with the weather parameters are presented. Whereas morning relative humidity, rainfall and bright sunshine hours showed positive correlation with shoot and fruit borer population Average number of aphids/ jassid/ whiteflies plant showed highly significant negative correlation with minimum temperature(r= -0.702*,-0.710* and 0-.800*,) respectively. During 31stMW planting windows maximum temperature showed significant negative correlation with shoot and fruit borer population(r= -0.796*).It was observed that the infestation of shoot and fruit borer started increasing from October to November and its decreased onwards meteorological week. Amongst all the brinjal hybrids, Phule Arjun hybrids found significantly superior under extended planting windows followed by Krishna and Panchganga. Planting during 31st MW (1st week of August) was observed to be most suitable and optimum for brinjal considering the growth and yield attributes. This planting window was at par with 32nd MW planting window. Linear correlation analysis for brinjal fruit yield with weather parameters was significantly positively correlated with maximum temperature and minimum temperature.Timely planting during 31st MW (P1) and 32nd (P2) recorded lower incidence of shoot and fruit borer, aphids, jassid and whiteflies. Whereas, crop planted during 34thMW (P4) recorded maximum incidence of all pests. Among the brinjal hybrids, higher incidence was recorded with Panchganaga and minimum was recorded on Phule Arjun.Among the brinjal hybrids lower incidence of shoot and fruit borer, aphids, jassids and whiteflies was recorded on hy. Phule Arjun, which was found to be tolerant. This was followed by hy. Krishna. The higher incidence of all pests was recorded hy. Panchganga, which was found to be susceptible. Pest population on brinjal shoot/fruit/Aphid/Jassid/Whiteflies had significant negative correlation with minimum temperatures, whereas, morning and evening relative humidity, wind speed, pan evaporation and bright sunshine hours showed positive correlation pests population.

Progression of Powdery Mildew of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) in Relation to Weather Parameters

The work entitled “Progression of powdery mildew of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) in relation to weather parameters” was carried out in Agriculture Research Farm, Banda University of Agriculture & Technology, Banda, Uttar Pradesh, India during Rabi 2020-21 season. As infection and development of a disease depends on the favourable environmental conditions hence, relationship between powdery mildew of Indian mustard and weather factors was evaluated in Ganga, Varuna, Giriraj and RH-0749 varieties of Indian mustard in which maximum temperature between 25-30°C, minimum temperature >10°C with minimum relative humidity (RH) <50% favoured the development of powdery mildew in all the four varieties Indian mustard varieties. Individual and combined effects of different weather parameters on development of powdery mildew was evaluated using correlation and regression analysis. Percent disease index (PDI) of powdery mildew was positively correlated with the maximum and minimum temperature whereas, it was negatively correlated with maximum RH, minimum RH and rainfall in Indian mustard varieties Ganga, Varuna, Giriraj and RH-0749. Coefficient of determination (R2) explained that 96, 96, 95 and 96 % powdery mildew development was influenced by the maximum temperature, minimum temperature, maximum relative humidity, minimum relative humidity and rainfall in Indian mustard varieties Ganga, Varuna, Giriraj and RH-0749, respectively. Multiple linear regression equation was developed to find out the expected PDI of the disease based on the predictor weather variables. Correlation analysis explained that warmer temperature and lesser humidity favoured the development of powdery mildew in Indian mustard. Multiple linear regression model developed in current investigation may be utilized for development of powdery mildew prediction model in Indian mustard.

Seasonal Incidence of Insect Pests of Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Miller)

A field experiment was conducted at Entomology research field, IANS, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur during Rabi, 2022, for studying the seasonal incidence of insect pests infesting tomato. Serpentine leaf miner, aphid appeared during 46th SMW and whitefly, jassid during 48th SMW, while fruit borer was observed during 2nd SMW. Correlation study revealed that Serpentine leaf miner, whitefly, aphid, jassid and fruit borer witnessed significant positive correlation with the maximum temperature and minimum temperature. Serpentine leaf miner and fruit borer recorded negative non-significant correlation with the morning relative humidity and evening relative humidity. Whitefly, jassid and aphid population had significant negative correlation with the morning relative humidity. Whitefly and jassid population registered a significant negative correlation with evening relative humidity. Aphid incidence had a non-significant negative correlation with the evening relative humidity. However, all the insect pests showed non-significant correlation with the rainfall.

Influence of Weather Parameters on the Population of Sucking Pests in Castor Genotypes

Field experiment were carried out to study the seasonal incidence of leafhopper, Empoasca flavescens and thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis and also the influence of weather parameters on the sucking pest population in five castor genotypes i.e., DCH-519, DCH-177, ICH-66, NBCH, PCH-111 during Rabi, 2020-21 at the research farm of RARS, Palem, PJTSAU, Telanagana. The pest population was recorded from 10 random plants and the incidence was observed from 48th standard meterological week and the peak population of sucking pests was observed during 6th to 8th standard week. PCH-111 and NBCH were observed to be more susceptible to sucking pests whereas DCH-519 was least susceptible. The observed pest population is correlated with weather parameters by taking the weather data from the agro meteorological observatory located at RARS, Palem. Correlation studies indicated that all the parameters except max temperature had a negative influence on thrips whereas temperature showed positive influence towards hoppers.

Abundance of Major Insect Pests in Rice and Their Relation to Weather Parameters

The present investigation has been conducted in rice crop during Kharif 2021-22at Students’ Instructional Farm of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.), India. The population of six major insect pests was recorded viz. Rice Yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulus), Rice Leaf folder (Cnapholocrocis medinalis), Rice ear head bug (Leptocorisa acuta), Brown plant hopper (Nilaparvata lugens), White backed plant hopper (Sogatella furcifera)and Green leaf hopper (Nephotettix nigropictus) that cause most damage at different crop growth stages initiated after sowing till harvesting. The maximum population of yellow stemborer was observed on rice crop at 36th SMW (12.20 per cent dead heart). The infestation of dead heart was non-significant positively correlated with minimum, maximum temperature and RH% (0.433, 0.010 & 0.253 respectively) and negatively correlated with rain fall (0.081) whereas, significant negatively correlated with sunshine (0.552*). The maximum population white ear in 40th SMW (16.80 per cent). The infestation of white ear was non-significant negative correlation with minimum, maximum temperature (-0.062, -0.167) and positive correlation with RH & rain fall (0.244 & 0.173) whereas, significant positive correlation with sunshine (0.703*). Maximum leaf folder population was observed during 35th SMW (16.35 per cent). and infestation of leaf folder was non-significant positive correlation with minimum temperature & RH (0.427 & 0.505) and negative correlation with maximum temperature, rainfall and sunshine (-0.079, -0.030 & -0.291). The maximum population was recorded of ear head bug in 38th SMW i.e., (10.90 ear head bug/hill respectively.). The infestation of ear head bug was non-significant positive correlation with minimum temperature, RH, rainfall & sunshine (0.061, 0.176, 0.155 & 0.210) and negative correlation with maximum temperature (-0.407). The peak mean population of BPH was recorded in 37th SMW i.e., (11.25 brown plant hopper/hill respectively.) Itwas non-significant positive correlation with minimum temperature & RH (0.463 & 0.357) and negative correlation with maximum temperature & rainfall (-0.066 & -0.088) whereas, significant negative correlation with sunshine (-0.597*), The peak mean population of WBPH was recorded in 38th SMW i.e., (12.80 white backed plant hopper/hill respectively.) It was non-significant positive correlation with minimum temperature, RH & rainfall (0.300, 0.337 & 0.185) and negative correlation with maximum temperature (-0.300) whereas, significant negative correlation with sunshine (-0.094*) and the maximum population of green leaf hopper was recorded in 37th SMW i.e., (10.80 green leaf hopper/hill respectively.) with the infestation of green leaf hopperwas non-significant positive correlation with minimum temperature & RH (0.479 & 0.369) and negative correlation with maximum temperature & rainfall (-0.077 & -0.120) whereas, significant negative correlation with sunshine (-0.633*).

The Climatic Variability during Kharif Season in Prayagraj and Varansi District for Last One Decade

The present study attempts to know the trend of selected weather parameters and to analyse the impact of weather parameters on Yield of rice in Prayagraj and Varanasi district. The secondary data of weather parameters for the study was obtained from Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS).The weather data of Varanasi were obtained from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi for the period from 2008 to 2018. The parameters consider viz., maximum temperature, minimum temperature, sun shine hour, rainfall and rice yield for the study. The variability terms (SD and CV) were computed over seasonal and annual periods for Maximum and Minimum Temperature, Rainfall of Prayagraj and Varanasi districts during 2008 to 2018.The long term trend in maximum, minimum temperature and rainfall, solar radiation has been calculated on monthly, seasonal and annual for Prayagraj and Varanasi. Trend was studied in 10 years period seasonal trend was observed for five seasons i.e. summer (March to May), south west monsoon (June to September), post monsoon (October and November), winter (December to February) and Kharif (June to november.) by using liner trend analysis. The linear trend value. The trend analysis revealed that the maximum temperature and minimum temperature showed a positive trend at Prayagraj whereas and rainfall and solar radiation showed a negative trend and the trend over a period during study period 2008-2018.Trend of one decades (2008-2018) was showed a decrease in Maximum Temperature, Minimum Temperature and Rainfall at Varanasi .The yield of Rice in Varanasi was positively correlated with rainfall; however negatively and significantly correlated with maximum temperature and minimum temperature and bright sun shine.

Dynamics of Pests, Natural Enemies and Pollinators of Lycopersicon esculentum Mill and Correlation with Weather Parameters

The experiment was carried out at K.V.K. Instructional Farm located near College of Agriculture, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (O.U.A.T.), Bhawanipatna, Kalahandi, during the cropping season 2020–21. The most significant pests found in Lycopersicon esculentum Mill were tomato fruit worm, serpentine leaf miner, and whitefly, while flea beetle was of minor importance.The population of whitefly had significant negative correlation with evening and mean relative humidity (RH). The population of leaf miner had significant positive correlation with maximum, minimum and mean temperature but significant negative correlation with mean RH. There was a significant positive correlation of flea beetle population with minimum temperature. The tomato fruit borer population had significant positive correlation with maximum, minimum and mean temperature but significant negative correlation with morning and mean RH. The natural enemies, lady bird beetles, spiders, praying mantis, rove beetle, red ant, dragonfly (red body) and damselflies (blue, brick red and black body) were found in the plots. The population of spider had significant negative correlation with maximum, minimum and mean temperature but significant positive correlation with bright sunshine hours (BSH). The population of spider had significant negative correlation with evening RH but significant positive correlation with BSH. There was a significant positive correlation of red ant population with BSH. The population of rove beetle had significant positive correlation with maximum, minimum and mean temperature. The pollinators recorded from experimental field were honey bee and carpenter bee. Of which, carpenter bee was the most frequent floral visitor and considered the main pollinator of tomato. The pollinators appeared in higher numbers during the blooming period and was the dominant species found in the field. There was a significant negative correlation of population of carpenter bee with maximum, minimum and mean temperature. The population of honey bee had significant negative correlation with evening RH.

Seasonal Incidence of Insect-pests, Natural Enemies and Pollinators of Solanum melongena L. and Correlation between Their Daily Occurrences with Weather Parameters

The investigation was carried out at K.V.K Instructional Farm of Bhawanipatna, Kalahandi, Odisha, India during the cropping season 2020-21. Brinjal shoot and fruit borer (BSFB), whitefly, and jassid were the most significant pests found in brinjal, Solanum melongena L. while epilachna beetle was of minor importance as it was found in much lower numbers and caused less damage. They were found from 2nd to 16th Standard Meteorological Week (SMW). The population of whitefly had significant negative correlation with morning, evening and mean Relative Humidity (RH). There was a significant negative correlation of population of jassids with evening and mean RH but significant positive correlation with bright sunshine hours. The population of epilachna had significant negative correlation with morning, evening and mean RH but positive correlation with maximum, minimum and mean temperature. BSFB infestation on fruit had significant negative correlation with morning, evening and mean RH but positive correlation with maximum and mean temperature. There was a significant positive correlation of BSFB infestation on shoot with maximum, minimum and mean temperature but significant negative correlation with rainfall. The natural enemies found in brinjal ecosystem from 4th to 16th SMW and belonged to ladybird beetles, spiders, preying mantids, black ant, carabid beetle, syrphid flies, damselfly and chrysopids. The population of spiders had significant negative correlation with evening and mean RH but positive correlation with bright sunshine hours. There was a significant negative correlation of population of coccinellids with evening RH. The pollinators recorded from experimental field were honeybee and carpenter bee from 3rd to 16th SMW. Among them, carpenter bee, Xylocopa sp. was the most dominant visitor of brinjal flower in the field and was identified as potentially important in brinjal. The pollinators appeared in higher numbers during the blooming period and was the dominant species found in the field. The population of honey bees had significant negative correlation with evening RH.

Influence of weather parameters on Aphis craccivora and Bean common mosaic virus disease incidence in Vigna unguiculata L. Walp

Aim: Many crop modelling and climate simulation studies have reported variability in pest and pathogen distribution as well as their interaction with host. These prediction encourages to revisit the pest and pathogen epidemological and distribution studies in light of changing climate. In line with above assumption, the present field study was carried out to study the population dynamics of cowpea aphid (Aphis craccivora) and its influence on BCMV disease incidence. Methodology: In this field experiment, A. craccivora population and BCMV disease incidence data were collected in different standard meteorological weeks of 2013-2014 and 2014-2015. Impact of weather parameters on A. craccivora and BCMV disease incidence was statistically analyzed. Results: The significant change in A. craccivora population and BCMV disease incidence was documented during the study. The maximum aphid population was observed during rabi season and less was observed in kharif and summer season. Whereas, incidence of BCMV was recorded maximum in rabi season. Correlation analysis affirmed, minimum temperature (Tmin) and rainfall had negative impact on A. craccivora whereas weather parameters had non-significant impact on BCMV disease incidence. The regression models developed from the present study explained 41.4 % to 78.8 % and 18.5 % to 46.1% variability (R2) of aphid population and BCMV incidence, respectively. Interpretation: The weather parameters had more impact on A. craccivora population than BCMV disease incidence and merely presence of maximum number of A. craccivora was not a deciding factor for outbreak of virus disease incidence.