Abundance of pod borer, H. armigera and pod damage on pigeonpea pea in relation to weather factors and cropping systems

Abstract

Comparative studies on seasonal abundance of Pod borer, H. armigera and its associated pod damage in organic and conventional pigeon pea farming systems were carried out at the Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari during 2016 to 2018. The larval population first appeared at 11 WAS (40th SMW) and persisted upto 30 WAS (7th SMW). Peak (17.69 and 15.76 larvae/plant) population was observed during 51st SMW (22 WAS). On the other hand, lowest (0.90 and 0.73 larvae / plant) population was noticed at 11 WAS (40th SMW) in both the farming systems. Similarly the pod damage caused by pod borer initiated from 15 WAS (44th SMW) and continued till 30 WAS (8th SMW). The peak of 21.24 and 18.30 per cent pod damage was observed during 51st SMW (22 WAS), whereas the lowest (2.75 and 1.81 %) pod damage was noticed at 30 WAS (7th SMW). in both organic and conventional farming systems. Correlation studies exhibited significant a positive correlation with bright sunshine and significant negative correlation with minimum and average temperature, morning, evening and average relative humidity, wind velocity and rainfall. Relatively higher pod borer larval population and its associated pod damage were recorded in organic farming system as compared to conventional farming system which might be due to non-use of quick knock down insecticides in organic farming than conventional farming system.