Seasonal fluctuations in the population of Tetranychus urticae Koch on French marigold under screen house conditions

Abstract

The study carried out during summer, rainy and winter seasons showed prevalence of spider mite, Tetranychus urticae on marigold plants in the screen house throughout the year, the maximum population observed during third week of April (144.95 mites leaf-1) and fourth week of November (130.59 mites leaf-1). Grown up leaf of middle canopy harbored maximum population with an average of 85.86 mites leaf-1 followed by tender (60.78 mites leaf-1) and older leaves (28.60 mites leaf-1). During summer, an average number of 86.46 mites leaf-1 followed by 52.60 mites leaf-1 in winter and 36.18 mites leaf-1 during rainy season was recorded.