Seasonal population dynamics of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius) in soybean

A trial was conducted to know the seasonal population dynamics of whitefly, Bemisia tabaci in soybean (cv. JS-335) and their relation to weather parameters during three consecutive seasons viz., Rabi (2014-15), summer (2015-16) and Kharif (2015-16). The population of adults whitefly were exhibited significantly positive correlation with maximum and minimum temperature (r= 54 and r= 0.58), morning and evening vapour pressure (r= 0.59 and r= 0.58) and evaporation (r= 0.56) whereas, negative correlation was expressed with morning RH% during Rabi season. Similarly during the summer season of soybean the maximum and minimum temperature (r= 0.74 and r= 0.65) and evaporation (r= 0.64) were showed significantly positive correlation with whitefly population while, morning RH% was exhibited negative. On the other hand, in Kharif season maximum temperature (r= 0.56), sunshine (r= 0.59) and evaporation (r= 0.59) were expressed significantly positive correlation whereas, wind speed and rainfall were negative on influence of whitefly population. Overall results revealed that weather parameters like temperature, RH%, sunshine and rainfall were played limiting factors for the buildup of whitefly population in soybean agro-ecosystem.