Influence of ecological parameters on the incidence aphid population in different potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars

Abstract

In a field trial, thirteen potato cultivars were evaluated for the incidence of aphids, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) and Aphis gossypii Glover (Aphididae: Hemiptera) during rabi seasons from 2015-2016 to 2017-2018 at District Seed Farm, Department of Agriculture, Burdwan, West Bengal. Results revealed that initiation of aphid population was noticed in the crop field on or before 51st meteorological standard week (3rd week of December) with the peak at 7th MSW (3rd week of February). However, the level of aphid population was not similar in all the potato cultivars. Though the aphid population in all the cultivars decreased gradually after the peak, the attainment of a higher population differs over the duration. In general, a positive significant correlation of aphid populations was recorded with maximum, minimum temperature, and bright sunshine hours while maximum and minimum humidity had a negative correlation. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that maximum temperature had a significant influence on population fluctuation of aphid. Besides, collective influence (61.8% to 76.5%) of all the abiotic factors on the aphid population was also recorded from adjusted R2 (0.618 to 0.765) in different potatocultivars.