Population dynamics of mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach) on mustard in relation to different weather parameters

A study on population dynamics of aphid, L. erysimi (Kalt.) in mustard were carried out during Rabi, 2016-17 at Main Oilseeds Research Station, Junagadh Agriculture University, Junagadh. The effect of various abiotic factors on the activity of aphid and correlation coefficient were also worked out. The study on population dynamics and its correlation with abiotic parameters is important for a sound and sustainable integrated pest management module for aphid control.The aphid population was commenced from 1st week of December and continued throughout the crop period which ranged from 0.14 to 4.9 aphid index/plant. The infestation gradually increased and reached to peak during 3rd week of February (4.9 aphid index/plant). Correlation coefficient (r) showed a positive effect with evaporation, minimum temperature, bright sunshine hours, wind speed and maximum temperature while negative relationship with morning relative humidity, evening relative humidity and mean relative humidty.