Population dynamics of mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi) with relation to some micro-meteorological parameters

Abstract

Mustard variety B9 and B54 were cultivated during rabi seasons of 2019-20 at Jaguli instructional farm of Bidha Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya to find out the population dynamics of aphid, Lipaphis erysimi with relation to some micrometeorological factors and their infestation level on mustard. The aphid population in the mustard ecosystem showed fluctuation throughout the crop growing period and reached to the peak during mid of February. Among the plant parts inflorescence had significantly higher level of infestation compared to leaf and siliqua. The accumulated growing degree days, air temperature within plant canopy and leaf area index had significant positive correlation with the abundance of aphid population while relative humidity within plant canopy and surface soil moisture had significant negative correlation. The multiple linear regression analysis showed that different microclimatic parameters combindly contributed 86- 94% variation on the incidence of aphid.