Population dynamics of chiku moth, (Nephopteryx. eugraphella Rogonot) in relation to weather parameters on sapota under Western Maharashtra conditions

Abstract

The population dynamics of sapota chiku moth, Nephopteryx eugraphella Rogonot (Lepidoptera : Pyralidae) infesting in relation to weather parameters was carried out on sapota variety viz., Kalipatti, at Horticultural Instructional Farm, Department of Horticulture, MPKV, Rahuri, during 2016-17 and 2017-18. The incidence of chiku moth, N. eugraphella recorded higher in rainy season from June to September (5.0 to 16.5 larvae /50 twig) than remaining months with highest population during 28th MW. The leaf damage also observed higher (17.64 to 43.29 %) during the period from June to October than remaining months with maximum leaf infestation during 27th MW. The correlation between incidence of chiku moth and weather parameters indicated that the relationship was positively correlated with minimum temperature, morning and evening relative humidity, wind velocity and rainfall. Whereas, maximum temperature and sunshine hours found negatively correlated with the larval population as well as per cent leaf damage.