Influence of weather parameters on the incidence of pod borer complex in black gram

Abstract

An investigation on “Seasonal incidence, of pod borer complex in black gram” was carried out at Pulses Research Station, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh and Main Sugarcane Research Station, Junagadh Agricultural University, Kodinar. Seasonal abundance of Helicoverpa armigera Hubner in black gram during 2024 showed that the pest activity commenced from the 3rd week after germination i.e., 4th week of September (39th SMW) and continued till the 13th week after germination i.e., the fourth week of November (48th SMW) which ranged from 0.40 to 2.60 larvae/plant. After the appearance of H. armigera (0.40 larvae/plant) in 3rd week after germination i.e., 4th week of September (39th SMW), it was increased in 4th week after germination i.e., 1st week of October (40th SMW). After 1st week of October, the population increased continuously upto 1st week of November (45th SMW) and also reached a peak level up to 2.60 larvae/plant. The correlation analysis between weather parameters and larval population highly significant positive relationship was established between larval population of H. armigera (0.848**) and M. vitrata (0.671**) with maximum temperature. While a negative relation between larval population (H. armigera) and relative humidity (-0.029) and rainfall (-0.075). Larval population (M. vitrata) also find negative relation with relative humidity (-0.184) and rainfall (-0.129).