Biodiversity and microclimate divergence of flea beetles in North Kashmir

Abstract

The biodiversity of flea beetles was worked out in major vegetable growing belts of North Kashmir. The study revealed the presence of six flea beetle species viz., Phyllotreta striolata (Fabricius), Altica himensis (Shukla), Psylliodes tenebrosus (Jacoby), Psylliodes sp. Indet., Longitarsus sp. Indet. and Systena sp. Indet. in cruciferous vegetable ecosystem. Turnip (Brassica rapa L.) and radish (Raphanus sativus L.) were found to host all the 6 species of flea beetles, however, only 2 species were found on cabbage (B. oleracea L. var. capitata). P. striolata was noted as the predominant species found on turnip and radish (77.54% on turnip and 79.44% on radish) followed by A. himensis (12.13% on turnip and 11.45% on radish). The two species reported on cabbage were P. striolata (86.42%) and P. tenebrosus (13.56%). Highest values of biodiversity indices and relative abundance of flea beetles were reported for Arampora (drier area) and lowest for Azadgunj (slightly cooler and humid area) among surveyed locations. This reflects local regional patterns, indicating their important role in species divergence at a microsite probably reflecting climatic adaptations. Thus, habitat heterogeneity and microclimate may be considered as important drivers of flea beetle diversity.