Population Dynamics of Major Insect Pests of Okra in Relation to Weather Parameters

Abstract

Population dynamics of the insect is one of the important phenomena, which is continuously influenced by surrounding crops. The study of population insects can help to understand the interaction of the insect population and crops about extraneous weather factors. The present investigation is based on the population dynamics of major insect pests i.e. shoot and fruit borer, whitefly and jassids in the okra ecosystem and their correlation with various weather parameters. Okra is susceptible to several insect pests, leading to significant yield losses. This study revealed notable patterns in pest infestations during the crop's growth cycle. Shoot borer infestation began at 30 th Standard Week (SW) and reached its peak at 33 rd SW, with a maximum infestation of 17.6%. This infestation exhibited a significant positive correlation with minimum temperature, while maximum temperature and sunshine hours showed non-significant positive correlations. Fruit borer infestation commenced at 34 th SW, peaking at 21.8%, with minimum infestation (2.8%) observed at 40 th SW. Non-significant negative correlations were found between fruit borer infestation and maximum temperature, minimum temperature, and average relative humidity. Jassid infestation began at 30 th SW, reaching a maximum in 36 th SW and a minimum in 40 th SW. Significant positive correlations were observed with maximum temperature and sunshine hours, while minimum temperature showed a non-significant positive correlation. Whitefly infestation was first observed at 31 st SW and peaked at 35 th SW. The study found non-significant positive correlations with minimum temperature, maximum temperature, and sunshine hours, while non-significant negative correlations were identified with relative humidity and rainfall. Overall, this study contributes to understanding the interactions between insect pests and weather parameters in the okra ecosystem, facilitating more targeted and sustainable pest management.