Population dynamics of sucking pests infesting chilli (Capsicum annum L.)

Abstract

Population dynamics of sucking insect pests of chilli was studied during June to December 2014, at Horticulture farm, RCA, Udaipur. The three pests viz., thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood); whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Genn.) and jassids (Amrasca biguttula biguttula Ishida) were recorded. The incidence of whitefly was commenced in last week of July, while the incidence of thrips and jassids commenced in second week of August. Thrips touched the peak during the third week of September (10.2/ 3 leaves). While, whitefly and jassid touched peak in second week of September (6.8 whiteflies and 5.4 jassids/ 3 leaves, respectively). Thrips exhibited a negative correlation with temperature and rainfall, whereas positive correlation with relative humidity. However, the correlation was non-significant. Whitefly exhibited positive and non-significant correlation with temperature, relative humidity and rainfall. While, the correlation between jassid and temperature was positive but with relative humidity and total rainfall, the correlation was negative and non-significant.