Influence of weather on population build-up of Tetranychus turkestani Ugarov & Nikolsii (Acari: Tetranychidae) on mulberry

Abstract

The present study was conducted to measure the population dynamics of Tetranychus turkestani (Ugarov & Nikolskii) on four commercial mulberry varieties viz., Goshoerami, KNG, Tr10 and Ichinose at CSRTI, Pampore in Kashmir valley. Density of mites per 25 cm2 from five branches per plant on five randomly selected plants per variety excluding the border plants was recorded fortnightly. Population of T. turkestani was significantly low during spring (0.49) to reach maximum in the midst of summer (6.55) on all the varieties studied. Ichinose, KNG and Goshoerami varieties registered highest population while, Tr10 variety relatively resisted population buildup. Temperature and relative humidity of same fortnight and previous fortnight showed positive correlation with population of T. turkestani and rainfall and relative humidity showed negative correlations. Multiple regression modules comprising five weather parameters of same fortnight (67-87%) and previous fortnight registered (75-88%) higher R2 values and were significant for KNG and Tr10.