Population Dynamics of Helicoverpa armigera and Maruca vitrata in Pigeon Pea: Interrelationship with Weather Parameters
Résumé
Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.), a vital protein-rich pulse crop, suffers significant yield losses due to insect pests, particularly Helicoverpa armigera and Maruca vitrata. A field study was conducted at the Agronomy Farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur, during Kharif 2024 to investigate the seasonal incidence and population dynamics of these pests on the pigeon pea variety Tuar Dharti 80, and their correlation with weather parameters. Weekly observations from tagged plants revealed that H. armigera and M. vitrata appeared from the 41st and 40th Standard Meteorological Weeks (SMW), respectively, peaking in late November. Pest populations were negatively correlated with maximum and minimum temperatures, morning and evening relative humidity, and rainfall, with most correlations being statistically significant. These findings highlight the influence of abiotic factors on pest dynamics and emphasize the importance of weather-based pest forecasting for effective integrated pest management (IPM).