Influence of abiotic factors on activity of insect pests and their predators in sesame 

Abstract

Study on population dynamics of sesame pests and their natural enemies was carried out at Agronomy farm, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand (Gujarat) during summer and kharif 2015. Population of whitefly was higher in both summer and kharif seasons, whereas incidence of leaf webber was noticed only during kharif season. Population of other pests' viz., leafhopper, mirid bug and hawk moth as well as predatory fauna such as chrysopids, coccinellids and spiders were less during the study period. Peak activity of whitefly was observed during 17^th standard week (4^th week of April) and on 36^th standard week (1^st week of September) during Summer and kharif, respectively. The activity of leaf webber reached to peak level during 38^th standard week (3^rd week of September) during kharif season. The maximum and minimum temperature, maximum vapour pressure, morning and evening wind direction as well as evaporation had highly significantly positive association, whereas minimum vapour pressure had significantly positive association with whitefly population on sesame in summer season. During kharif season, minimum vapour pressure and evening wind direction had significantly positive correlation.