Influence of abiotic factors on incidence of thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood of cashew in Gujarat

Abstract

A study was carried out on cashew variety Vengurla-4 at farmer’s field in hilly area of the Dangs district, Gujarat, India during 2017-18 and 2018-19 to examine the association of pest occurrence with abiotic factors like temperature, humidity, sunshine, wind speed and evaporation. Consistent weekly observations were recorded on the per cent incidence of thrips on three arbitrarily selected trees. The weather-related data was collected for the study from meteorological observatory located at Hill Millet Research Station, Waghai, the Dangs, Gujarat for the retro of two years. The damage by thrips on apple and nut was initiated in the month of January. After ward, damage found rising and it was maximum in the month of February. After the month of February, the damage went on lessening leisurely and almost absent by the end of April. Per cent incidence of thrips exposed non-significant correlation with temperature, relative humidity, sunshine, wind speed and evaporation.