Population Dynamics of Major Insect Pests of Common Bean in Kashmir Valley

Abstract

This study is on the bean aphid Aphis fabae Scopoli, whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Genn.), bean weevil Conapium sp. indet., flea beetle Altica himensis Shukla which are found associated as pests at different phenological stages of the common bean Phaseolus vulgaris L. Of these A. fabae, B. tabaci and Conapium sp. indet. were categorized as major pests as they caused significant damage. The incidence of these pests showed a peak on the 35th standard meteorological week (SMW) in all the three locations studied. The peak incidence at Bandipora was 11.80 ± 0.66, 3.10 ± 0.58 and 1.20 ± 0.08, respectively; at Baramulla, the peak was 10.40 ± 0.62, 3.40 ± 0.13 and 1.30 ± 0.07, respectively; and at Kupwara, it was varying as 12.60 ± 0.69, 3.40 ± 0.13 and 1.30 ± 0.07 for the three pests, respectively.