Population dynamics of pod borer Helicoverpa armigera on chickpea

A field experiment was carried out at the Agronomy Instructional Farm, C. P. College of Agriculture and organic farm, Centre for Natural Resources Management, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar during rabi 2017–18 and 2018–19 to evaluate the population dynamics of the pod borer Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) on chickpea. The eggs were observed from 49th (first week of December) till 3rd standard week (third week of January); and the larvae from 49th standard week till crop harvesting i.e., 11th standard week (second week of March). Correlation coefficients between egg population and minimum temperature, morning relative humidity and bright sunshine revealed a negative relationship, while evening relative humidity, rainfall, showed positive but non-significant effects; and a negative effect of maximum temperature and wind velocity was observed. As regards larvae, it was a positive one with maximum temperature, and negative with minimum temperature, evening relative humidity, wind velocity and rainfall. Significant positive correlation with bright sunshine and highly significant negative correlation with morning relative humidity were observed.