Seasonal incidence of insect pests on drumstick (Moringa oleifera Lamk)

Abstract

The incidence of various insect pests and associated natural enemies was observed on drumstick at farmer field, village Bharregaon district Rajnandgaon during kharif–rabi, 2019-20. During the course of study, ten insect pests species were noticed causing damage at various growth stages of drumstick crop. Leaf caterpillar, N. blitealis is one of the most prevalent insect of the drumstick and found throughout the year on variety PKM -1.Maximum population of 4.31 larvae/branch recorded during second week of April. February to April month was more congenial for development of leaf caterpillar. Maximum population of tussock caterpillar was recorded during third week of March with mean population of 0.91 larva/ branch. Population of thrips, R. subnudula was active throughout the year with 3.28 thrips /twig recorded during third week of March. Four peaks of aphid i.e.3.63, 3.24, 3.88 and 3.53 aphids/cm recorded during second week of December, first week of January, third and fourth week of March, respectively. Bud worm with 1.10 larvae/ branch as a first peak during third week of March. Maximum population of 1.34 stem borers/ branch as a first peak recorded during second week of February. February month is more favorable in terms of growth and development of stem borer.