Population Dynamics of Major Lepidopteran Pests on Cauliflower

Abstract

A field experiment on the population dynamics of major lepidopteran pests on cauliflower revealed the maximum incidence of diamond back moth (Plutella xylostella L), leaf webber (Crocidolomia pavonana F), leaf eating caterpillar (Spodoptera litura F) and semilooper (Trichoplusia ni Hubner) on 7th, 4th, 6th and 5th standard meteorological week (5.30, 3.90, 7.20 and 2.90 larvae/ plant, respectively). The correlation of incidence of larvae of diamond back moth and leaf eating caterpillar showed a highly significant positive correlation with bright sunshine hours (r = 0.699 and 0.772, respectively). Evening relative humidity showed a highly significant negative correlation (r = -0.687 and -0.749, respectively). Maximum and minimum temperature and morning vapour pressure exhibited a highly significant negative correlation with the leaf webber (r = -0.696, -0.866 and -0.826, respectively). The incidence of semilooper showed a significant negative correlation with minimum temperature and morning vapour pressure (r = -0.698 and -0.605, respectively).