Studies on insect-pests complex in mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out at Students’ Instructional Farm of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya during Rabi, 2016. Among various Brassica oilseed crop mustard is an important Rabi oilseed crop, attacked by mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi), mustard sawfly (Athalia lugens proxima), painted bug (Bagrada hilaris) and cabbage butterfly (Pieris brassicae) insect-pests at different part of plant at different growth stages. The result of present studies revealed that the populations of mustard sawfly appeared at an early stage of crop growth 45th SW of 2016 which continued up to 1st SW of 2017 with varying population ranging from 0.33 grubs/plant to 3.33 grubs/plant. The maximum population of mustard sawfly was recorded as 3.33 grubs/plant in 48th SW of 2016. The 1st occurrence of mustard aphid was recorded during 49th SW of 2016 which continued up to 10th SW of 2017 with varying population ranging from 0.41 to 212.67 aphids/10cm central twig/plant. The peak period of occurrence of mustard aphid was observed in 7th SW of 2017, the maximum population of this insect was recorded as 212.67 aphids/10 cm central twig/plant. The population of painted bug initiated during 2nd SW of 2017 and remained up to 9th SW of 2017.The bug population ranged from 0.33 to 2.67 bugs/plant. The maximum population of bug was recorded as 2.67 bugs/plant in 5th SW of 2017. The other insect-pests (grass hopper, green bug cabbage butterfly, etc.) made its first appearance during 46th SW of 2016 and continued up to 11th SW of 2017 with population varying from 0.33 to 4.00 insects/plant.