Population Dynamics of Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) on Castor and Fenugreek under Middle Gujarat Agro Climatic Zone

Abstract

American serpentine leafminer, Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) (Diptera : Agromyzidae) is an important polyphagous pest. A field trial on population dynamics of L. trifolii infesting castor and fenugreek was carried out at Agronomy farm, Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand during 1998-99. L. trifolii remained active from July to January on castor and attained two peaks (41^st and 51^st standard weeks / 2^nd week of October and 3^rd week of December), whereas on fenugreek it was found active from November to January, reaching its peak during the last week of December. Significant positive relationship was observed between larval population of L. trifolii and biotic factors (parasitoids Chrysonotomyia sp. and Gronotoma sp.). Among abiotic factors, mean temperature had significant positive association with larval population on castor.