Population Dynamics of Mustard Aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach) as Influenced by Abiotic Factors and Different Rapeseed Mustard Genotypes

Mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi(Kalt.) plays a key role in determining the productivity of rapeseed-mustard. This pest alone attributes 30-70% losses in yield potential in different agro climatic zones with a mean loss of 54.2% in India. Considering the extent of damage caused by the pest, the present experiment was conducted at Pulses and Oilseeds Research Station during 1992-93 to 1994-95 to study the migratory nature of mustard aphid by trapping them in yellow colour pan tray and their simultaneous growth and development on three different genotypes. The temperature during noon hours is the predominant factor to govern the appearance of alate mustard aphid in rapeseed-mustard field. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that temperature and relative humidity played an important role for its development. The variety RW white flower glossy stem harboured minimum number of aphid in comparison to other two varieties B 9 and T6342. The population reached a peak of 61.28 aphids/10 cm central twig during standard week irrespective of varieties.