Population dynamics of major insect pests and its natural enemies in okra cv. Akola Bahar in relation to weather parameters

The present studies entitled “Population dynamics of major insect pests and its natural enemies in okra cv. Akola bahar in relation to weather parameters” were carried out to estimate the impacts of weather factors on population dynamics of some of major insect pests of okra during kharif season of year 2017-18. The highest population of aphids was in 39 MW (78 DAE); however, population range was 3.27 to 10.50 / leaf. The leafhopper number continuously increased up to 39 SMW with 11.48 leafhopper /leaf, thereafter population dropped slightly. Maximum whiteflies count was recorded at 39 SMW i.e. third week of September. The highest number of mites / sq.cm was in third week of September. Natural enemy’s viz., coccinellids, and spiders remain good in number at initial stage and fluctuated depending upon availability food in the okra field. Evaporation rate had significant negative impact on aphid population build up. Leafhoppers and whiteflies increased with increasing morning relative humidity that means morning relative humidity had significant positive impact on leafhoppers and whiteflies. The spider mites and fruit damage due to shoot and fruit borer were not affected significantly by any of the weather parameter.