Influence of Sowing Time on Cabbage Aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae L.) (Homoptera; Aphididae) Population in Different Brassica Species under Field Condition

Abstract

Four brassica species (B. carinata, B. rapa, B. napus and B. juncea) were seeded from October to November at different dates (Octo 20, Nov 05, Nov 20) in RCBD design (Randomized Complete Block Design) with standard cultivation procedures to detect the effect of sowing date on Brevicoryne brassicae population. Data were noted weekly and evaluated statistically. The ANOVA revealed highly significant effects of drill dates and species on Brevicoryne brassicae populations, while brassica species × sowing date interaction was also highly significant. Early sown crops bore fewer aphid populations in contrast to mid and late sown crops. Therefore, it may be concluded that mid-October can be recommended for the farming of brassica crops.