Incidence Of Borer Research Articles

Management of the Neoleucinodes elegantalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) using different techniques

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is one of the world's most widely cultivated vegetable crops. However, tomato cultivation requires intensive management due to its high susceptibility to pests and diseases that can compromise and increase production costs. Therefore, this research aimed to compare different tactics and methods for monitoring and managing the small tomato borer, Neoleucinodes elegantalis, in the field. The experiments were conducted in the 2012 and 2013 harvests on a rural property in the Conceição do Castelo - ES municipality. The evaluated systems were: 1. Monitoring associated with the release of the parasitoid Trichogramma and the biological product based on Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) (Trich + Agree), 2. Monitoring associated with Bt and bagging of bunches (Bagg + Agree), 3. Monitoring associated with bagging of fruits and release of Trichogramma (Bagg + Tricho), 4. Monitoring associated with the release of the parasitoid Trichogramma (Mon + Trich), 5. Release of the parasitoid Trichogramma + control level (Trich + CL) and 6. Conventional System (Conv). In both harvests, it was found that the highest incidence of borer occurred in the conventional method, which was statistically superior to other management systems. The Trich + CL and Bagg + Trich methods stood out the most in terms of reducing the incidence of drills. It was concluded that, regardless of the growing season and treatments, all combinations of N. elegantalis management techniques presented significantly superior results to the conventional system. Thus, using these methods and control tactics can minimize environmental impacts and promote more sustainable agriculture.

Heritability and Genetic Advance Studies on Fruit Yield and It’s Attributes Traits in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

The present investigation was conducted at the Main Vegetable Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, Anand during the period of 2023-2024. The experimental material comprised twelve generations viz., P1, P2, F1, F2, B1, B2, B11, B12, B21, B22, B1S and B2S of four families involving eight diverse cultivars of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) used to study the heritability and genetic advance of brinjal for yield and shoot and fruit borer incidence. The experiment was laid out in a compact family block design with three replications. Higher magnitude of heritability along with a higher value of genetic advance as per cent mean was estimated for day to first flowering in family 2, plant height in family 1 and family 4, leaf blade length in family 4, leaf blade width in family 2, fruit length in all families, fruit girth in family 3 and 4, fruit weight in all families expect to family 2, fruits per plant in family 2, fruit yield per plant in all families expect family 4 and shoot and fruit borer incidence in family 2 which suggested preponderance of additive gene effect. The higher value of heritability coupled with the higher value of genetic advance shows higher selection efficiency, permitting plant breeders to efficiently select individuals or groups of individuals. In crops like brinjal, high narrow sense heritability estimates are particularly beneficial for developing enhanced varieties through the fixation of additive gene effects.

Incidence of Rice Stem Borers in Coastal Andhra Pradesh with Emphasis on <i>Sesamia inferens</i> (Walker)

A roving survey was conducted in the rice crop grown in coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh during rabi, 2021-22 and 2022-23. Overall mean stem borer incidence varied from 13.59% - 14.83% in both the seasons. Larvae of Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker), Sesamia inferens (Walker), Chilo polychrysus (Meyers) and Chilo auricilius (Dudgeon), were recorded from four districts during the survey. Among the stem borers, S. incertulas was the most predominant species (53.37%) followed by S. inferens (44.7%). Natural larval parasitization (21%) of S. inferens by Cotesia flavipes Cameron was observed in West Godavari district. The biology of S. inferens was studied on rice cv. MTU 1121. The average larval period recorded was 32.40± 0.35 days. Total life cycle of S. inferens ranged between 41-65 and 46-73 days for male and female moths, respectively. Current study suggests that S. inferens could be a potential threat to rice cultivation in coastal Andhra Pradesh.

Seasonal Incidence and Infestation Pattern of Sunflower Head Borer (Helicoverpa armigera) and Leaf Eating Caterpillar (Spodoptera litura) under the Influence of Climatic Factors

Field experiments were conducted at Regional Research and Technology Transfer Station (RRTTS), Ranital, Bhadrak, OUAT during the summer seasons of 2019-20 and 2020-21 to study the seasonal incidence of sunflower head borer and leaf-eating caterpillar in sunflower in relation to the abiotic factor. The seasonal incidence of the target insects, Spodoptera litura and Helicoverpa armigera, was investigated using pheromone traps installed in the unprotected sunflower plots (10 m x 5 m) at the research block. The trap catches of male adults were expressed as a number of males trapped per trap per week. In the observation plots, the sunflower hybrid Aruna was cultivated with the approved agronomic package of techniques without any plant protection measures. Weekwise larval populations of Spodoptera litura and Helicoverpa armigera were counted from 10 randomly selected tagged plants starting from the initiation of damage and expressed as larval intensity i.e. average larval population per plant. Besides, weekwise incidence of the pest (leaf damage by tobacco caterpillar and head damage by head borer) were also recorded. The findings of the investigation indicated that tobacco caterpillars' adult activity commenced from the 5th to 6th standard weeks (1st and 2nd week of February) and peak activity in the 11th standard week (3rd week of March). Similarly, the larval population began to appear in the 6th to 7th standard weeks in 2020 and 2021, respectively with a peak population build-up stage during the 12th standard week and their activity steadily decreased as the cropping season progressed. The peak infestation stage coincided with the period of maximum larval activity and the pest caused sizable damage from the early vegetative stage to the peak flowering stage of the crop. The sunflower head borer (Helicoverpa armigera) infested sunflower crops throughout the reproductive stage of the plant with adult activity beginning in the 9th to 10th standard weeks (last week of February-first week of March) and attaining the peak in the 12th to 13th standard weeks (3rd-4th week of March). Similarly, the larval population began to appear in the 10th to 11th standard week and reached the peak in the 13th to 14th standard week (last week of March to first week of April). Various environmental parameters viz. temperature, relative humidity and rainfall were collected from the automated weather station of Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS) located at RRTTS, Ranital., These abiotic factors were correlated with trap catch, larval intensity, leaf damage head damage to study the influence of ecological parameters on pest incidence and infestation. The findings of the investigation indicated that among the abiotic factors temperature had a positive influence and relative humidity exhibited a negative effect on the population and damage of Spodoptera litura. All the temperature variables and bright sunshine hour (BSH) exhibited a significant positive correlation and relative humidity (afternoon) had a significant negative correlation with the head damage Helicoverpa armigera.

Studies on Seasonal Incidence of Gram Pod Borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) on Chickpea Crop

The present investigations entitled “Studies on seasonal incidence of gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) on chickpea crop” were carried out at the Student’s Instructional Farm, Nawabganj of C. S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur during Rabi season 2021-22 and 2022-23. The highest mean larval populations 4.53 larvae per plant in 2021-22 were observed during 6th std. week and in 2022-23 it was 4.10 larvae per plant were observed during 7th std. week. However, lowest mean larval population 0.10 larvae per plant in 2021-22 was observed during 46th std. week and in 2022-23 it was 0.07 per plant during 47th std. week. The correlation co-efficient with the population of H. armigera was positively correlated with minimum (0.733 during 2021-22 and 0.893 during 2022-23) and negatively correlated with maximum (-0.779 during 2021-22 and -0.330 during 2022-23) temperatures, respectively. However, it was negatively correlated (-0.812) in 2021-22 and (-0.609) in 2022-23 with relative humidity. While, rainfall had a positively correlated (0.569) in 2021-22 and (0.003) in 2022-23.

Effect of meteorological parameters on the dynamics of wilt and pod borer severity in pigeonpea of Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh

The weather parameters play a predominant role in determining the course and severity of insect pests and pathogens in different crops. Wilt and pod borer are the most devastating biotic stresses, causes huge losses from the vegetative stage until harvest. The present study was aimed to analyze the seasonal dynamics of wilt and pod borer incidence in relation to critical weather parameters in pigeonpea from the Bundelkhand region, a pulses basket of Uttar Pradesh. The fusarium wilt (Fusarium udum) and pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) incidence were found to be major biotic stresses in pigeonpea from 2017-18 to 2020-21. The wilt disease commenced at 48 MSW and the mean incidence ranged from 0.0 to 25.5 percent. The pod borer incidence started at 01 MSW, and the larval population ranged from 0.5 to 1.40 larvae/plant. Though the correlation between pest incidence and weather parameters was found to be non-significant. The wilt and pod borer incidence were positively correlated with Tmax (r= 0.35 and 0.33), Tmin (r= 0.39 and 0.37), rainfall (r= 0.43 and 0.41) and negatively correlated with relative humidity (r= -0.32 and -0.26). The regression analysis indicated variability in wilt and pod borer incidence due to temperature, humidity and rainfall. The information generated on the pest dynamics of wilt and pod borer in pigeonpea under the influence of weather parameters may be helpful in devising the forecasting models as well as the management practices well in advance so as to avoid yield losses.

Effect of integrated nutrient-pest management and planting geometry on the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), stem borer (Busseola fusca) and weed infestation of maize (Zea mays L.) in Cameroon

Maize productivity is frequently hampered as a result of poor soil fertility, insect pests, weed infestations and agronomic management in sub-Saharan Africa. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how integrated nutrient-pest management and planting geometry affected fall armyworm, stem borer, weed infestation, and maize growth performance. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with planting geometry as the main plot and nutrient-pest management strategies as subplots with three replications at Buea, Cameroon, from August to December 2022. Planting geometry significantly influenced weed infestation and maize growth performance but did not affect the incidence and severity of fall armyworm and stem borer. Planting one plant per stand at 25 cm intra-row spacing significantly reduced weed density by 11%, weed biomass by 14%, and increased maize ear formation by 5% as compared to planting two plants per stand at wider spacing. Chem + Org + Bio treatment significantly reduced maize grain damage incidence and severity by fall armyworm and stem borer by an average of 13% and 14%, respectively, as compared to chemical treatment alone. The use of an integrated Chem + Org + Bio nutrient-pest management strategy with planting one plant per stand at 25 cm intra-row spacing is the best and most effective method to reduce fall armyworm, stem borer, and weed infestation, reduce the consumption of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and improve maize productivity in a sustainable way.

Resistance of sugarcane hybrids to internode borer Chilo sacchariphagus indicus (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

ABSTRACT A four-year field study (2013–2016) was conducted to screen Indian sugarcane hybrids together with two susceptible checks against internode borer Chilo sacchariphagus indicus (Kapur) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in endemic locations of Tamil Nadu State, India. Each year, borer incidence on cane basis and intensity on internode basis were assessed at harvest to eliminate susceptible entries. Of the total 535 hybrids screened, only Co 293 emerged as resistant at the end of fourth year trial which was confirmed in tests under controlled conditions with artificial infestation. A modified relative resistance ratio computed using incidence and intensity also confirmed its resistance to the borer. In laboratory oviposition choice tests with excised leaves of the resistant Co 293 and susceptible hybrids Co 86032 and Co 1060, percent of leaf bits oviposited, egg masses laid, and egg numbers deposited were significantly lowest in Co 293. Also, an oviposition preference index computed for both egg mass number and egg number was significantly lowest for Co 293 which suggested antixenosis. Larval survival was significantly lowest in Co 293 with 5 to 10-fold higher neonate mortality than in the two susceptible hybrids. Prolonged larval development period and lower fecundity were observed when the borer was reared on Co 293 which indicated antibiosis. A relative suitability ratio developed from larval and pupal durations also indicated lower suitability of Co 293. Among the plant morphological characters examined, leaf length and cane thickness positively influenced borer incidence; loose sheath-clasp was associated with higher borer incidence. Among 12 shoot phenolics quantified, eight were present in higher quantities in Co 293 suggesting their role in antibiosis. Co 293 identified as resistant hybrid in the present study has the potential to be used as a parent in breeding programs for C. sacchariphagus indicus resistance.

Seasonal incidence of capsule borer (Conogethes punctiferalis) in castor as affected by Abiotic factors and its incidence in farmers fields by roving survey in Satyasai and Anantapur districts of A.P.

Seasonal incidence of capsule borer (Conogethes punctiferalis) in castor as affected by Abiotic factors and its incidence in farmers fields by roving survey in Satyasai and Anantapur districts of A.P.

ASSESSMENT OF YIELD LOSSES CAUSED BY BORER PESTS OF SUGARCANE UNDER CHANGING CLIMATE SCENARIO

The field experiment was conducted during 2021-22 at Central Sugarcane Research Station, Padegaon Maharashtra to assess actual yield loss due to different species of borer pests of sugarcane in changing climatic scenario. There were two treatments, each 0.1 ha size plot for treated and untreated separated by keeping 100 meter distance. Treated plot applied with recommended effective chemical insecticide by soil application of Chlorantroniliprol 0.4 GR @ 18.75 kg/ha and foliar application of Chlorantroniliprol 18.5 % SC @ 375 g/ha following pair plot technique design. Percent infestation of early shoot borer was noticed at 30 DAP, 60 DAP, 90 DAP and 120 DAP in treated plot with recommended effective chemical insecticide were 2.59, 4.22, 6.93 and 0.83, respectively, while in untreated plot were 5.63, 8.06, 10.08 and 2.78, respectively. The cumulative percentage incidence of early shoot borer was found in 3.637 % in treated plot and 6.817 % in untreated plot. Total number of bored plants / ha was 3637 in treated plot and 6817 in the untreated plot. Whereas, per cent incidence of Internode borer in treated plot with recommended effective chemical insecticide and untreated plot showed a 1.50% and 4.40% in untreated plot, respectively. Top borer was not observed throughout the crop period in both plots. Among different treatments, plot treated with recommended effective chemical insecticide recorded highest germination percent (60.40 %), No. of milliable cane (87.50 thousands ha-1), Average cane weight (1.265 kg) and Yield (101.25 t/ha) in treated plot as against untreated plot. The brix percentage, purity percentage, sucrose content and CCS% in treated with recommended effective chemical insecticide were recorded as 23.37, 92.28, 20.96 and 14.22, respectively, while in untreated plot were recorded as 22.68, 89.68, 20.93 and 14.12, respectively

Population dynamics of major insect pests infesting chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Borkh) is one of the most popular and widely grown flower crop in both the tropics and subtropics of the world. It is a member of the family Asteraceae. Low yields and poor quality of flowers have been attributed to a variety of issues, including poor seedling quality, pest infestations and severe weather conditions. The field study conducted in Gadag revealed that the peak incidence of aphid, whitefly and leaf miner was observed during the last week of January, the first week of January and second week of January, respectively. The peak incidence of thrips and bud borer was observed during the third and fourth weeks of February, respectively. The correlation coefficient between different weather parameters and the population of chrysanthemum pests revealed that maximum temperature recorded a negative correlation with the incidence of aphids, whiteflies and leaf miner but positively correlated with thrips and bud borer. Further, all the insect pests exhibited a non-significant and negative correlation with rainfall, except leaf miner, which showed a positive correlation with rainfall.

Genetic variability for phenological and yield contributing traits in soybean[Glycine max (L.) Merr.

A field experiment was carried out with 711 soybean genotypes to assess the genetic variability for phenological and yield contributing traits. A large genetic variation for was observed among the genotypes for phenological, yield contributing traits and pod borer tolerance. Variance analysis found that all the traits differed significantly for different source of variations. Except days to maturity, all the traits studied exhibited moderate to high heritability and genetic advance. This suggests that the selection based on these traits would be useful in improving the grain yield. Days to first flowering showed significant positive association with days to 50% flowering, pod initiation, days to maturity, plant height, no. of pods per plant and seed yield. Further, association analysis revealed that the incidence of pod borer significantly reduced seed yield. Principal component analysis revealed that phenological traits viz., days to 50% flowering, pod initiation and days to maturity were closely associated and were the main contributors in PC1. Path analysis revealed plant height and no. of pods per plant has highest direct influence to seed yield.

Relationships between morphological features of inflorescence and capsule borerincidence in castor

The association of morphological features of inflorescence viz., presence/absence of spine on the capsule, presence/absence of bloom and compactness on the incidence of capsule borer was studied in breeding populations segregating for these traits. The spine and bloom on capsules were significantly correlated with per cent capsule damage whereas weak correlation was observed between spike compactness and pest incidence. Castor genotypes with non-spiny capsules and less or no bloom are expected to be less prone to capsule borer damage.

Evaluation of augmentative biological control options against fruit and shoot borer, Conogethes punctiferalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in guava in India

BackgroundConogethes punctiferalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) has emerged as one of the important pests of guava in Punjab, India. Chemical insecticides have been used for its management, which could have serious implications on environmental and human health. As an alternative to chemical insecticides, biocontrol is the most appropriate alternative for its eco-friendly management. Two field experiments were therefore, conducted to evaluate efficacy of two biocontrol agents, Trichogramma chilonis Ishii (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) (egg parasitoid) and Chelonus blackburni Cameroon (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) (egg-larval parasitoid) against the borer during rainy season, 2020 and winter season, 2020–21.ResultsFour releases of both parasitoids at various dosages were carried out at weekly intervals starting from first week of July in rainy season and first week of October in winter season. Trichogramma chilonis @ 2000 parasitized eggs per tree was the best in reducing the fruit damage and increasing yield and net income over check in both rainy as well as winter season crops. There was 73.6% reduction in damage over control, 1.70 Metric tons (MT) increase in yield over control and 258.36 US $ per acre increase in net income over control in rainy season crop. During winter season, there was 62.5% reduction in damage, 1.98 MT increase in yield and 488.23 US $ per acre increase in net income over control.ConclusionFour augmentative releases of T. chilonis @ 2000 parasitized eggs per tree successfully controlled the fruit and shoot borer incidence in guava during rainy and winter season.

Population Fluctuation of Gram Pod Borer in Rabi Pulses of West Bengal

During the rabi season of 2021-22, a field research has been carried out at BCKV [District Seed Farm (AB Block)] Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal for studying the pattern of incidence of gram pod borer or tomato fruit borer (Helicoverpa armigera Hubn.) in relation with prevailing meteorological parameters and to record the population fluctuation in four rabi pulse crops, viz., chickpea (var. KWR 108 and JAKI 9218), fieldpea (var. Rachna and VL 42), lentil (var. IPL 220 and L 4727) and grasspea (var. Prateek and Ratan). During the vegetative stage of the fieldpea, the Helicoverpa population first emerged, then gradually increased and declined near maturity; in lentil and grasspea it was recorded from flowering stage and persisted until maturity; in chickpea it was noticed from pod formation stage and continued up to maturity. None of the weather variables were significantly correlated with the Helicoverpa larvae population recorded on fieldpea and lentil while, regression studies denote that maximum (Max. T) and minimum (Min. T) temperature exhibited the most impact on the occurrence of Helicoverpa in grasspea and chickpea, respectively. The comparative study revealed that, Helicoverpa first appeared on lentil and field pea during the first week of January; then population appeared on grasspea during the end of second fortnight of January. Occurrence of the pest was noticed on lentil, field pea and grasspea in January and February and after that the population shifted to grasspea, fieldpea and chickpea during February to March. Chickpea was the most preferred crop as the highest population observed on this crop coinciding with pod formation stage.

Efficacy of Various Eco-Friendly Pesticides on Insect Pest Complex of Chilli (Capsicum annum L.)

The population of insect pest complex on chilli and its damage upon the plant was monitored upon treatment with formulated Beauveria bassiania (0.5 ml Lˉ¹), tobacco leaf extract (5 ml Lˉ¹), neem oil (5 ml Lˉ¹) and ginger garlic paste (50 g Lˉ¹) by giving two sprays. The experiment was conducted at the experimental farm, New Colony, Ward 7, Chumukedima, Nagaland beginning from February 2021 to May 2021. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with four treatments and one control. A total of nine insect pests under seven orders and ten families were observed. The incidence of aphids, whitefly, thrips and fruit borer were major pests while others were non-significant. The results revealed that all biopesticides under study were superior and there was significant reduction over control against the insect pest complex of chilli. The most effective control was recorded in neem oil against aphids, whitefly, thrips and fruit borer with mean per cent reduction of 56.08%, 61.76%, 53.09% and 57.37%, respectively while the least was recorded in the treatment done with tobacco leaf extract.

Relative Abundance of Insect Pests on French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Relation to Abiotic Factors

The present investigation was carried out during Rabi 2021-22. The incidence of insect pests like aphid, whitefly, Jassid, leaf miner, pod borer was initiated 25 days after sowing till harvesting. The highest incidence of Jassid was observed on French bean crop at 9th SMW (7.20 per cage) and lowest 1st SMW (0.30 per cage), Aphid 8thSMW (45.20 aphids per 10cm terminal shoot) and 52thSMW (2.60 aphids per 10cm terminal shoot). The highest incidence of whitefly observed in 8th SMW (20.70 per cage) and lowest 2nd SMW (0.60 per cage). The highest incidence of Leaf miner was recorded in 11th SMW (40.50% leaf damage) and lowest in 51th SMW (1.50% leaf damage). The highest incidence of pod borer was noticed in 9th SMW (8.70 larvae per plant) and lowest in 1st SMW (0.30 larvae per plant). The Jassid population showed highly significant positive correlation with sunshine and positive significant correlation with maximum temperature and positive correlation with minimum temperature whereas, significant negative correlation with rainfall and negative non-significant correlation with relative humidity. The aphid population showed highly significant positive correlation with sunshine and positive non-significant correlation with minimum and maximum temperature. The whitefly population showed highly significant positive correlation with sunshine and positive non-significant correlation with minimum and maximum temperature. The leaf miner population showed positive highly significant correlation with minimum and maximum temperature and significant positive correlation with relative humidity. The pod borer population showed highly significant correlation with maximum temperature and sunshine. The information generated in the present research can be successfully utilized to formulated effective insect pest management strategies in French bean.

Regression Equation Model for Brinjal Pests (Solanum melongena L.) in Maharashtra Plain Zone

An experiment “Effect of weather parameters on growth, yield and insect pest infestation on brinjal varieties under different planting windows” was carried out at Faculty of Agriculture Department of Agricultural Meteorology Farm, Centre for Advanced Agricultural Meteorology, College of Agriculture, Pune during Kharif seasons of 2014 and 2015. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. The treatment comprised of three brinjal hybrids viz., V1:Phule Arjun, V2: Krishna, V3: Panchganaga as main plot and four planting windows viz., P1: 31st MW (30 July-5 August), P2: 32ndMW (6-12 August), P3:33rdMW (13-19 August) and P4: 34thMW (20-26 August) as sub plot treatments. The correlation of meteorological parameters with incidence of brinjal shoot and fruit borer was studied in 2014. The correlation of shoot and fruit borer on brinjal (0.764*and 0.796*) and (0.784* and 0.704*) with the weather parameters are presented. Whereas morning relative humidity, rainfall and bright sunshine hours showed positive correlation with shoot and fruit borer population Average number of aphids/ jassid/ whiteflies plant showed highly significant negative correlation with minimum temperature(r= -0.702*,-0.710* and 0-.800*,) respectively. During 31stMW planting windows maximum temperature showed significant negative correlation with shoot and fruit borer population(r= -0.796*).It was observed that the infestation of shoot and fruit borer started increasing from October to November and its decreased onwards meteorological week. Amongst all the brinjal hybrids, Phule Arjun hybrids found significantly superior under extended planting windows followed by Krishna and Panchganga. Planting during 31st MW (1st week of August) was observed to be most suitable and optimum for brinjal considering the growth and yield attributes. This planting window was at par with 32nd MW planting window. Linear correlation analysis for brinjal fruit yield with weather parameters was significantly positively correlated with maximum temperature and minimum temperature. Timely planting during 31st MW (P1) and 32nd (P2) recorded lower incidence of shoot and fruit borer, aphids, jassid and whiteflies. Whereas, crop planted during 34thMW (P4) recorded maximum incidence of all pests. Among the brinjal hybrids, higher incidence was recorded with Panchganaga and minimum was recorded on Phule Arjun. Among the brinjal hybrids lower incidence of shoot and fruit borer, aphids, jassids and whiteflies was recorded on hy. Phule Arjun, which was found to be tolerant. This was followed by hy. Krishna. The higher incidence of all pests was recorded hy. Panchganga, which was found to be susceptible. Pest population on brinjal shoot/fruit/Aphid/Jassid/Whiteflies had significant negative correlation with minimum temperatures, whereas, morning and evening relative humidity, wind speed, pan evaporation and bright sunshine hours showed positive correlation pests population.

Correlation and Path Analysis for Growth, Yield, Quality and Incidence of Shoot and Fruit Borer in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

The study was conducted using sixty brinjal genotypes to evaluate yield quality and incidence of shoot and fruit borer with an objective to study the correlation and path coefficient analysis. The majority of the time, genotypic correlations were higher than phenotypic correlations, indicating that the attribute is highly heritable. At the genotypic level, fruit yield per plant significantly correlated positively with the number of fruits per plant, the weight of infested fruit, the girth of fruit, the height of the plant, the number of primary branches per plant, the proportion of medium-styled flowers, the proportion of long-styled flowers, and the length of fruits. It an exhibited significant negative correlation with SFB fruit infestation as well as SFB shoot infestation both at phenotypic and genotypic levels. Path coefficient revealed that fruits per plant showed a high and positive direct effect on yield followed by fruit weight, long -styled flowers, medium -styled flowers, and days to first harvest. Direct selection for these traits would be rewarding for improvement in the fruit yield per plant.

Role of habitat manipulation for pest management in tomato

The experimental field trials were undertaken during the Rabi season of 2021 and 2022 to assess the influence of habitat manipulation on the incidence of fruit borers of tomatoes and their natural enemies at Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh. The pooled data of two years depicted that tomatoes intercropped with cowpea and bordered with marigold plants recorded the lowest fruit borer incidence (1.23 larvae per plant), the highest natural enemy population of 5.58 per plant, lowest fruit borer damage per cent (15.21%) and yield of about 15.99 tonnes per ha. It was followed by a crop combination of tomato + chickpea bordered with mustard with a fruit borer incidence of 1.59 larvae per plant, the natural enemy population of 5.32 per plant, 15.90 per cent incidence of fruit borers and 15.42 tonnes yield per ha. This study indicates the possibility of using these crop combinations as an integral part of bio-intensive pest management against fruit borers in tomatoes.