Weather based population dynamics of Scirtothrips dorsalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) infesting acid lime

Abstract

The present study was conducted to assess the seasonal abundance and climatic influences on citrus thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood, in acid lime, Citrus aurantifolia orchards of the Fruit Research Station, Lalbaug, College of Horticulture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, Gujarat during two consecutive years (2022-23 and 2023-24). Weekly field observations coupled with meteorological data analysis revealed a distinct bimodal population pattern, with a major peak occurring from March to May (10th to 22nd Standard Meteorological Weeks, SMW) and a secondary rise during September to October (36th to 44th SMW). Correlation analyses demonstrated that thrips incidence was significantly and positively associated with maximum temperature, bright sunshine hours and evaporation, while rainfall and relative humidity exhibited significant negative correlations. Minimum temperature and wind speed showed weaker but generally positive associations. Multiple linear regression analyses further substantiated these findings, identifying evaporation and sunshine hours as the most influential predictors of thrips abundance. The climatic variables collectively accounted for 80.70% and 83.50% of the variation in thrips population dynamics during 2022-23 and 2023-24, respectively.