Incidence pattern of phytoplasma associated vector of sesame phyllody, Orosius albicinctus (Distant) with change in meteorological factors

Abstract

The investigation on population dynamics of sesame leaf hopper, Orosius albicinctus in relation to weather parameters was under taken at Agriculture College, VCF, Mandya during 2022-23. During summer 2022, the population of the leaf hopper population ranged from zero to 2.00 hoppers per plant with a mean population 0.81/ hoppers plant and zero incidence in second and third week of January. Likewise, during kharif 2022, the hopper population started from August third week (1.20/hoppers plant) and was a steady increase in hoppers in last week of August to September third week with a high hoppers density (2.80/hoppers per plant). Further, the population of leafhopper, O. albicinctus exhibited a negative correlation with maximum temperature (r=-0.20) and sunshine hours (r=-0.18) and positive association with mean minimum temperature (r=0.12), morning RH (r=0.41) and afternoon RH (r=0.49). Similarly, during kharif 2022, the population exerted a positive relationship with morning RH (r=0.44), rainfall (r=0.49) and number of rainy days (r=0.49).