Effect of weather parameters on population dynamics of pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) crop in Raipur district of Chhattisgarh

Abstract

An investigation was carried out at Department of Agricultural Meteorology, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, to find out the effect of weather parameters on population dynamics of pod borer. With respect to these, correlation analyses were conducted to elucidate the relationships between meteorological factors and the population dynamics of the legume pod borer in pigeon pea crops. The findings indicated a substantial inverse correlation (-0.615) between maximum temperature and the pod borer population was noticed in the 9th standard meteorological week (SMW) of the corresponding week. Conversely, a highly significant positive correlation (0.851) was detected in 37th SMW with a three-week lag. Significant negative correlations (-0.627) and (-0.610) were observed in 49th and 37th SMW of three-week lag. Positive correlations were found between minimum temperature and the pod borer population in 42nd SMW (0.714) of a two-week lag, and with wind speed (0.608) in 38th SMW four-week lag. Whereas, Sunshine hours exhibited significant negative correlations in 48th SMW (-0.804) of a two-week lag.