Influence of abiotic factors on the population dynamics of Cashew pests in Konkan region of Maharashtra

Abstract

The abiotic parameters are known to have direct influence on insect population dynamics through modulation of developmental rates, survival, fecundity and dispersal. Among the climatic factors; temperature, humidity and rainfall pattern are an important factors. The studies conducted at Regional Fruit Research station Vengurla, showed that the minimum temperature and evening relative humidity play an important role in multiplication of cashew tea mosquito bug, flower thrips and apple and nut borer. For tea mosquito bug and flower thrips, the minimum temperature ranging between 16±10C to 21±10C and afternoon humidity 53±1% to 63±1% found favorable. Incidence of pest of cashew also coincides with availability of succulent plant parts on tree. The pest population was negligible, when there was no availability of succulent plant parts.