Weather based prediction models for whitefly Bemisia tabaci and Okra yellow vein mosaic virus disease in Okra

Abstract

Field trials were carried out to study the impact of abiotic factors on the population dynamics of whitefly vector and okra yellow vein mosaic virus (OYVMV) incidence in okra at National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) Regional Station, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, during summer, 2015 and 2016. The weather parameters like minimum temperature, evening relative humidity and evaporation significantly influenced the population build up of whiteflies, while minimum temperature, evaporation, morning and evening relative humidity played an important role in the infestation of OYVMV. Weather parameters of preceding two weeks had more significant effect on the population buildup and OYVMV incidence than the preceding one week weather. The multiple regression equations developed for whitefly and OYVMV incidence with weather parameters predicted the whitefly population to an extent of 86 to 92%, while they predicted the OYVMV incidence to an extent of 94 to 96%.