Population dynamics of citrus psylla, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama in relation to abiotic factor

Abstract

The experiment on population dynamics of Citrus psylla, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama in relation to abiotic factor was conducted round the year during 2017-18 at ASPEE College of Horticulture and Forestry, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari. Two peaks of citrus psylla in a year were observed. Highest psyllid population (10.23 nymphs and adults/twig/plant) were observed during 34th standard meteorological week (SMW) in a month of August while, it remained lowest (0.20 nymphs and adults/twig/plant) during 52nd SMW during winter season in a month of January. Second peak was observed during 16th SMW (8.75 nymphs and adults/twig/plant) in a month of May. Population of D. citri was highly significant and positively correlated with minimum (‘r’= 0.728**) and average temperature (‘r’= 0.675**), morning (‘r’= 0.509**), evening (‘r’= 0.620**) and average relative humidity (‘r’= 0.639**), rainfall (‘r’=0.362**) and wind velocity (‘r’= 0.449**).