Influence of weather parameters on population of whitefly, Bemisia tabaci in American cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum )

Abstract

The experiment was conducted to investigate the performance of 23 genotypes whitefly and impact of abiotic factors on the population fluctuation of the pest during kharif 2014 and 2015. The incidence of whitefly was observed throughout the crop season. The maximum adult population of whitefly was recorded at 34th and 31st SMW (standard meteorological week) during 2014 and 2015, respectively. The maximum mean incidence was recorded in Western Niroga 151 BGII (45.95 adult/leaf) and 49.70 adult/leaf during 2014 and2015, respectively. Whitefly population was significantly and negatively correlated with the maximum temperature while significant and positive correlation showed with morning and evening relative humidity, during 2014. During 2015, whitefly significantly and positively correlated with the minimum temperature, morning and evening relative humidity while, significantly and negatively correlated with maximum temperature.