Population dynamics of pomegranate sucking pests under high density planting in Tamil Nadu

Field observation on population dynamics of major sucking pest complex of pomegranate planted under high density planting was conducted in farmer’s holdings in Tamil Nadu during 2015-2016. The highest number of thrips was recorded during third week of April which merges with sixteenth standard week (15.9 nos / 3 terminal shoots). Regarding mealy bugs, third week of February which merge with eighth standard week (53.6 numbers / 15 cm stem length / plant). The peak period of aphids was recorded during seventh standard week (75.8 numbers / 3 terminal shoots) and the whitefly was recorded during fourth week of March (50.4 numbers /15 cm stem length / plant). Maximum temperature influenced the infestation of thrips (r = 0.466) and whitefly (r = 0.654) positively and the impact of minimum temperature on the infestation of mealy bug (r = 0.367) and whitefly (r = 0.397) was significant and positive.