Vol. 11, Special Issue 7 (2022)

Author(s):
MB Zala and TM Bharpoda

Abstract:
Investigations on seasonal occurrence of major insect pests of mango in relation to weather parameters were carried out at Horticulture Farm, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand during September, 2013 to August, 2014 and September, 2014 to August, 2015. The results showed that hopper population showed two peaks with highly significant positive association between Evapotranspiration (EP), Bright Sunshine hours (BSS) and Maximum Temperature (MaxT) whereas highly significant negative association between Morning Relative Humidity (RH₁) and Evening Relative Humidity (RH₂). Thrips showed three-four peaks during course of investigations and showed highly significant positive association between EP and BSS whereas highly significant negative association between rainfall (RF), RH₁, RH₂ and Evening Vapour Pressure (VP₂). Comparatively higher incidence due to leaf webber was noticed during first year than second year and showed negative association with EP, BSS, RF, WS, MaxT, Minimum Temperature (MinT) and Morning Vapour Pressure (VP₁) while positive association with RH₁, RH₂ and VP₂ showed positive effect on the pest activity. The higher incidence of P. matteiana was observed during 1^st week of November and 2^nd week of May during first year, while it was during 2^nd week of November and 2^nd week of May during second year. Gall midge showed highly significant positive association with MaxT during first year, whereas highly significant negative association with RH₂ during second year. The activity of fruit fly commenced from 1^st week of April and reached its peak on 3^rd week of May during first year while its peak activity was noticed on 3^rd week of May during second year and BSS and MaxT showed significant positive impact on the fluctuation of the fruit fly population whereas EP, RH₁ and RH₂ showed highly significant negative association during both the years. Comparatively higher mean incidence of termite was noticed during first year than the second year. It showed highly significant positive association with EP, BSS, MaxT and MinT whereas highly significant negative association with RH₁. The higher activity of natural enemies viz., spiders and coccinellids (adults) was recorded from February to April in mango ecosystem.