Population dynamics of Blackheaded fireworm, Rhopobota naevana (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in temperate region of Jammu & Kashmir, India

Abstract

Population dynamics and extent of damage of Rhopobota naevana (Hubner) was studied at Shalimar, Chitherhama and Dhara in managed and unmanaged apple orchards during 2010-2012. The results revealed that adult trap catch initiated (4.33 moths per trap/ night) in first week of June, reached its peak value (35 moths per trap/night) during 2nd, 3rd week of August and finished its flight in last week of September. Monitoring of larval populationindicated that larval infestation began in 2nd week of May reached its peakvalue in 3rd week of July and reached to zero in 1stweek of September. Study of per cent damage done during cropping season indicated that twig damage started in 2nd (2.75%) and 3rd (2.56%) week of May in unmanaged and managed orchards, respectively, reached its highest value (75% and 20%) in unmanaged and managed orchard, respectively during 3rd week of July and afterwards went on decreasing.