Vol. 12, Special Issue 11 (2023)

Author(s):
Pandit, R Veeranna, Nakul Kale and N Shreya

Abstract:
The roving survey was undertaken in and around Haveri and Koppal districts covering major sunflower growing taluks at seedling (0-25 days after sowing), vegetative (25-45 days after sowing) and reproductive stages (45 days after sowing to till harvest) of the crop during Rabi 2018-19 to assess the status of defoliator complex of sunflower and their natural enemies in farmer’s fields. Results indicated that among the these both districts, the highest defoliators like Bihar hairy caterpillar, Green semilooper and Tobacco caterpillars were recorded in Haveri as compared to Koppal districts at vegetative (25-45 days after sowing). Among these defoliators Bihar hairy caterpillars has found highest number. We also recorded population of predators i.e., Coccinellids and Spiders. The maximum population of predators were recorded in Haveri district as compared to Koppal district.