Vol. 12, Special Issue 12 (2023)

Author(s):
Tokhendra Kumar Markam, PK Netam, AK Awasthi, PS Markam, NK Chaure, A Kerketta, YS Nirala and H Netam

Abstract:
Studies were carried out to the seasonal incidence of major insect pests of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) on coconut-black pepper ecosystem during Rabi 2022-23 in the orchard of Coconut Development Board, at Kopabeda, Kondagaon (Chhattisgarh). The incidence of marginal gall thrips (Liothrips karnyi Bagnall) was noticed on black pepper from October (42^th SMW) to March (13^th SMW) and their peak activity was recorded during March (10^th SMW), thereafter population were gradually declined. The marginal gall thrips was showed significant positive correlation with maximum temperature and remaining factor were significant negative correlation with average temperature, maximum relative humidity, minimum relative humidity and average relative humidity. The pollu beetle (Longitarsus nigripennis Mots.) was first appeared on black pepper in October/November (44^th SMW), which continued to increase and reached its highest population during December (49^th SMW). The pollu beetle was significant negative correlation with maximum temperature, minimum temperature, average temperature and rainfall. The mussel scale (Lepidosaphes piperis Green) was initially observed on black pepper during November (48^th SMW) and their population was gradually increase and reached peak during February (6^th SMW). Mussel scale population was significant positive correlation with maximum temperature, while remaining factor viz., maximum relative humidity, minimum relative humidity and average relative humidity was significant negative correlation with population of mussel scale. As a result, the locations meteorological conditions had a substantial impact of the insect pest populations on black pepper.