Evaluation of Brassica napus germplasm for susceptibility status against Mustard Aphid (Lipaphis erysimi Kalt.)

Abstract

Lipaphis erysimi (Mustard aphid) is widely distributed and causes considerable losses in terms of oil contents and yield in Brassica crops. Various strategies are being adopted to control its infestation. Breeding programs are enlisted as the most important dimension in enhancing crop yield which are based on the aim of increasing the oil content percentage and certification of less insect and disease susceptible cultivars which ultimately increase the yield. There is a dire need to ensure safety of the crop from losses caused by various insects and diseases. The present study was conducted to evaluate the cultivars for their mustard aphid susceptibility status and to determine the effect of temperature and relative humidity on the population buildup of mustard aphid. All tested cultivars were found less susceptible to mustard aphid. Insect population buildup showed positive correlation with temperature (0.752) and negative correlation with relative humidity (-0.850).