First Report On the Infestation Dynamics of Euproctis Scintillans Walker(Lepidoptera: Lymantridae) On Apple (Malus Domestica Borkh) and Its Relation with Important Weather Factors In Jammu, India

Abstract

The present investigation was aimed to study the seasonal variation, percent infestation and effect of important weather factors viz. rainfall, relative humidity and temperature on the population dynamics of yellow tailed tussock moth Euproctis scintillans Walker (Somena scintillans Walker) in J&K State of India for the first time. Seasonal abundance of the pest was recorded on monthly basis in various apple orchards from March 2008 to February 2011, located in Jammu. Studies revealed that the pest remained active in the field for six months from June to November during all three studied years. Peak infestation was recorded during September. Correlation analysis indicated that maximum temperature, morning relative humidity, evening relative humidity and average relative humidity showed a highly significant positive correlation (p≤0.01) with the pest population. Pest population also had a significant positive correlation (p≤0.05) with average temperature and minimum temperature. However, average rainfall did not show any significant effect on the population of E. scintillans.