Effect of Abiotic Factors on Population Dynamics of Leafhopper, Amrasca Biguttula Biguttula (ishida) in Okra

A field experiment was conducted at Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat to study the impact of weather variables on population dynamics of leaf hopper, A.biguttula biguttula in summer and Kharif okra for two consecutive years (2005-06 and 2006-07). Peak activity of leafhopper population was found during 16th, 18th, 24th and 33rd meteorological standard week (MSW) in summer and Kharif season, respectively for both the crops (organically and inorganically grown crop). Temperature (maximum and minimum), vapour pressure (morning and evening), evening vapour pressure deficit and wind speed had significant positive effect on population of leafhopper, while temperature range showed significant negative impact of this pest during summer season in both the crops. Bright sunshine hours showed significant positive impact with the population of leaf hopper, while evening vapour pressure showed significant negative impact to this pest during Kharif season.