Population Dynamics of Rice Black Beetle Heteronychus lioderes Redtenbacher Under Mid Hill Conditions of Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

Population dynamics of rice black beetle Heteronychus lioderes Redtenbacher was studied deploying light trap, pit method and assessment of tiller infestation. The pest was observed to be active from 29th to 42nd standard week (SW) with peak being in 35th SW as shown with light trap catches. The incidence started from 29th SW and reached a peak during 31st SW (3.8 adults in five pits and 48.4% tiller infestation). The weather factors when correlated with incidence revealed significant positive correlation with rainfall, minimum and maximum temperature, whereas it was non-significant positive one with relative humidity.