Pumpkin Beetle Research Articles

Efficacy of botanicals against red pumpkin beetle and their impact on pollinator diversity in pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) cultivation

This study aimed to assess insect pollinator diversity in pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) and evaluate the bio-efficacy of botanicals for pest management while considering their impact on pollinators. Seven pollinator species were identified, with Hymenopterans, particularly honey bees, dominating. Apis dorsata (67.40%) was the most common pollinator, followed by Apis florea (14.28%). Other pollinators included species from Halictidae, Sphecidae, Syrphidae, and Pieridae families. Among the botanicals tested, Azadirachtin seed kernel extract (5%) and leaf extract (10%) effectively managed the red pumpkin beetle (Raphidopalpa foveicollis) with minimal harm to pollinators. Post-application, pollinator activity slightly increased after three to five days. The study highlights the effectiveness of neem-based botanicals in reducing pest populations while conserving pollinators, emphasizing the value of eco-friendly pest control in promoting sustainable pumpkin farming, improving both yield and crop quality.

Assessing the Impact of Weather Parameters on the Population Dynamics of Insect Pests in Cucurbit Vegetables under Mid-Hill Conditions of Himachal Pradesh

A study focusing on population dynamics of sucking and leaf-eating some insect pests along with their correlation with weather parameters in cucurbits was conducted at research field, Department of Entomology, Dr. YSPUHF, Solan, H.P., India from June-October, 2019 and 2020. The results revealed that Amrasca biguttula biguttula (I), Trialeurodes vaporariorum (W), Aulacophora foveicollis (L), Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (F), Liriomyza trifolii (B), Aulacophora sp., were recorded as the major insect pests. In bitter gourd, maximum population of jassids recorded was (2.33/leaf) in first week of August while, maximum whitefly population in bottle gourd (2.96/leaf) during last week of August and in ridge gourd during last week of July (3.76/leaf). The maximum red pumpkin beetle population on bitter gourd (2.4 beetles/plant) and bottle gourd (2.6 beetles/plant) was observed during last week of August while, hadda beetle attained peak population during first and third week of August in ridge gourd (1.0/plant) and bitter gourd (1.1 adults/plant), respectively. Maximum leaf miner infestation (2.7 mines/leaf) in bottle gourd and ridge gourd was observed during first and third week of August. All pest attained maximum population between 30 to 32 SMW when weather parameters values were Tmax: 27.50 to 28.90; Tmin: 20.60 to 20.80 oC; RH: 79 to 80 %; Rainfall: 25.80 to 30.20 mm. Relative humidity and rainfall played major role with non-significant positive influence on the population build-up of these pests in cucurbit crops along with temperature. The present findings on weather-driven pest dynamics can inform strategies to boost crop yields and reduce farmers' economic losses in similar environments.

Interplay of Abiotic Factors on Various Phytophagous Beetles in Cucumber Under Different Agro-climatic Conditions

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.2n = 14) is one of the widely cultivated summer vegetable crops from the gourd family of Cucurbitaceae which is native to India. The climatic conditions of northeast India especially Assam are highly conducive for reproduction of insects, and this region has been considered to be a biodiversity hotspot. Moreover, this region has huge potential for the production of vegetable crops especially cucurbits, but insect pests like fruit flies, pumpkin beetle and sucking pests are major limiting factors for successful cultivation of cucurbits like cucumber etc. Therefore, understanding population fluctuation in the field in relation to losses caused by insect pests are a function of their population dynamics which needs to be thoroughly studied. In view of above factors, an investigation on “Interplay of Abiotic and Biotic Factors on various phytophagous beetles of Cucumber Under Different Agro- Climatic Conditions” was carried out at Horticultural Farm, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat. Population of phytophagous beetles were recorded on weekly intervals based on number of beetles per plant at seven days interval on 5 randomly selected plants after appearance of the pest. The results showed that during 2019 -2021 summer season, the red pumpkin beetle first appeared on 24th April 2019 and 7th May 2020 with initial population of 4.51 and 2.23 beetles per plant, respectively. However, maximum beetle populations were recorded on 8thMay 2019 and 3rd July 2020 with 6.15 and 6.52 beetles per plant, respectively.

Seasonal Incidence and Population Dynamics of Aulacophora foveicollis on Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria M.) and Their Correlation with Abiotic Factors

The present Investigation carried out at Students’ Instructional Farm, A. N. D. U. A. & T., Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.) during Zaid, 2022. Red pumpkin beetle was first recorded during incidence initiated in the 7th SMW (3rd week of February) with a mean population 1.4 beetles per five plants which reached its peak to maximum (21.20 beetles/five plants) during 14th SMW (1st week of April). There was a weakly positive association between the red pumpkin beetle population and the minimum and maximum temperature (0.067 & 0.40), maximum rainfall and relative humidity displayed an insignificant inverse relationship (-0.467 & -0.129) while significant negative correlation with minimum relative humidity (-0.506*).

Acute Toxicity of Commonly used Insecticides to Red Pumpkin Beetle, Aulacophora foveicollis

Acute toxicity of commonly used insecticides viz., fipronil, cyantraniliprole, fluxametamide, phenthoate and thiamethoxam were determined against Red pumpkin beetle, Aulacophora foveicollis collected from the unsprayed pumpkin fields in the orchard of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore using filter paper disc bioassay method. Based on the LC50 values (ppm) of different insecticides, the order of toxicity was found to be fipronil (6.822) > fluxametamide (11.953) > phenthoate (14.732) > cyantraniliprole (14.793) > thiamethoxam (29.465) at 24 and 48 hours after treatment (HAT). The respective LC95 values were 65.396, 87.077, 42.090, 203.017 and 205.013 against A. foveicollis at 24 HAT and 46.585, 54.242, 37.445, 223.682 and 146.267 at 48 HAT for fipronil, cyantraniliprole, fluxametamide, phenthoate and thiamethoxam, respectively. The study results clearly indicated that the phenyl pyrazole insecticide, fipronil was highly effective against the pumpkin beetle, A. foveicollis.

MANAGEMENT OF RED PUMPKIN BEETLE AND FRUIT FLY IN ASH GOURD USING BIORATIONAL INSECTICIDES

Ash gourd Benincasa hispida Thumb., a cucurbit vegetable, faces frequent infestation of red pumpkin beetle and cucurbit fruit fly. Farmers in Bangladesh mainly apply conventional synthetic insecticides to protect crops from the attack of these pests. The current study was conducted in the experimental field of the Department of Entomology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur during March 2021 to July 2021 to know the effects of five biorational insecticides, namely Biotrin (matrine), Proclaim (emamectin benzoate), Sunmectin (abamectin), Mahogany oil and Neem oil on the abundance and infestation of red pumpkin beetle and fruit fly infesting ash gourd. The insecticides were applied 3 times maintaining 7 days interval. Results showed significant reduction of the insect population compared to untreated control. Sunmectin (1.55±0.34) treated plot showed the lowest abundance of red pumpkin beetle after the 3rd spray with 65% reduction of population compared to untreated control plot. Biotrin (8.59±1.00%) treated plot showed the lowest leaf and flower infestation by red pumpkin beetle after 3rd spray, with the reduction (69% in both) over control. The lowest fruit infestation was found in Sunmectin treated plot (23.01±8.05%). The highest yield of ash gourd (17.9 T/ha) was recorded from Sunmectin treated plot which showed statistical similarity to Proclaim (16.01 T/ha) and Biotrin (15.90 T/ha) treated plots with 3.5, 2.5 and 2.6 benefit cost ratio, respectively. Therefore, it could be concluded that Sunmectin, Proclaim and Biotrin were more effective to control the infestation of red pumpkin beetle and fruit fly of ash gourd than the other tested insecticides.

Study on the haemocyte profile of red pumpkin beetle (Aulacophora foveicollis)

Study on the haemocyte profile of red pumpkin beetle (Aulacophora foveicollis)

Varietal preference and efficacy of various chemicals against red pumpkin beetle (Aulacophora foveicollis L.) (Coleoptera: chrysomelidae) in different cucumber (Cucumis sativus) cultivars

Experiments were conducted to determine the resistance level of different cultivars and study the efficacy of various synthetic insecticides against red pumpkin beetle (Aulocohphora foveicollis) at the New Developmental Malakandir Farm, the University of Agriculture Peshawar, during 2018. In the first experimental trial, data were collected on the mean population density of red pumpkin beetle on three cultivars (Desi, Super Green and Madam-560) of cucumber crop. While in the second experiment, three insecticides (Carbaryl, Cypermethrin, Malathion) and an Untreated/Control were used to study the effect of these insecticides on Desi (susceptible) and Madam 560 (resistant) cultivars regarding red pumpkin beetle on cucumber cultivar. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used in this experiment. The data on the relevant parameters were recorded at weekly intervals for eleven (1st experiment) and four weeks (2nd experiment) i.e., till termination of the experiments. During first experiment, it was observed that significantly lowest population density of red pumpkin beetle (0.82) per plant and highest yield (8981.3 kg ha-1) was observed from Madam 560, while significantly highest mean population density of red pumpkin beetle (4.06) per plant and lowest yield (7313.7 kg ha-1) was obtained from Desi cultivar. Significantly maximum mean number of red pumpkin beetle plant-1 was recorded in the seventh week (29 May) from Desi, Super Green and Madam 560 cultivars with 6.41, 4.50 and 1.62 beetle plant-1, respectively. During the cropping season, mean population density of red pumpkin beetle plant-1 reached its peak in the seventh week (29 May). After 7th week, a gradual decline was occurred in the mean population density of red pumpkin beetle plant 1. In second experiment, lowest mean population density of red pumpkin beetle adults plant-1 (0.12), area of consumption (3.12 mm2), percentage weight loss (1.60 %) and highest yield (21555 kg ha-1) was recorded from Madam 560 treated with Carbaryl, while highest mean population density of red pumpkin beetle adult plant-1 (7.09), area of consumption (36.11 mm2), percentage weight loss (17.27%) and lowest yield (7247 kg ha-1) was recorded from untreated Desi cultivar. It was followed by untreated Madam 560 cultivar where 5.40, 25.92 mm2, 13.20% and 8766 kg ha 1. Madam 560 is significantly better cultivar than Super Green and Desi, as this cultivar results in lowest population density of red pumpkin beetle and highest yield of cucumber fruit. Carbaryl is significantly better as compared to Malathion and Cypermethrin because it reduces the population of red pumpkin beetle.

Screening of Bottle Gourd Genotypes/ Varieties for Resistance against Red Pumpkin Beetle (Lucas) Raphidopalpa foveicollisin Semi- arid Region of Rajasthan

Screening of Bottle Gourd Genotypes/ Varieties for Resistance against Red Pumpkin Beetle (Lucas) Raphidopalpa foveicollisin Semi- arid Region of Rajasthan

Integrated Nutrient Management in Bottle gourd [Lagenariasiceraria (Mol) Standl.] Variety Kashi Ganga on the Plant Disease Incidence, TSS and Economics under Malwa condition of Madhya Pradesh

The investigation entitled, “Integrated Nutrient Management in Bottle gourd [Lagenariasiceraria (Mol) Standl.] Variety Kashi Ganga on the Plant Disease Incidence,TSS and Economics under Malwa condition of Madhya Pradesh” was conducted during the Kharif season of the year 2019-20 in the Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Indore (M.P.). The experiment conducted in randomized block design and replicated thrice. There were 15 treatments T0 No application of INM( Control), T8 50%NPK+50%Biofertilizer,T9 50%NPK+50%Humic acid, T10 50 % NPK+25% Vermicompost+25% Compost, T11 50% NPK+50% Vermicompost +Biofertilizer,T1250% NPK +25% Humic acid, T1350% NPK + 16.6% Vermicompost +16.6%Compost+16.6%Humicacid,T14 50% NPK+ 16.6% Vermicompost+ 16.6% Compost +16.6% Humic acid+ Biofertilizer. From the outcome, it can be concluded that the applied of different treatment combination of integrated nutrient management at proved to be effectively minimizes the disease and insect incidence of bottle gourd. The data on the treatment in T10 (50%NPK+ 25%Vermicompost+25%Compost)(23.50 pest and 21.67 disease) was found most effective in minimum the red pumpkin beetle population and powdery mildew in the bottle gourd.. The similar treatment produced highest B:C(4.53). Bottle gourd fruit produce under integrated nutrient management exhibited significant differences on total soluble solids. TSS in fruits was range from 5.50 to 2.50 0 Brix.

Knowledge and Practices of Vegetables Insect Pest Managements in Banganga Municipality of Kapilvastu District

A study was carried out in Banganga Municipality of Kapilvastu district to know the farmer's knowledge, practices, and management method used in insect pests of vegetables. The survey involved 160 randomly selected farmers who were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires and also evaluated based on direct field observation. The data were analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft-Excel. Tomato, potato, chili, cauliflower, cabbage, garlic, and onion were major vegetables grown by the farmers during the winter season and cucumber, bottle gourd, bitter gourd, sponge gourd, tomato, chili, brinjal during the summer season. Aphids, cabbage butterfly, pumpkin beetle, tomato leaf miner, cutworm, and tomato fruit borer were the major pests in vegetable field. Knowledge of vegetable farmers regarding insect pest identification was also observed i.e., 86% of respondents identified insect pest by the help of Junior Technical Assistance and agro-vets, and 10% of respondents identified insects by their own knowledge. About 60% of respondents were found using chemical pesticides such as; chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, imidacloprid, alphamethrin etc. to control pests, 4% of respondents were using botanical plant extract i.e., jholmal, neem extract, cow urine and 24% were using cultural methods such as crop rotation, mulching, tillage operation. Only a few farmers' groups were found to know about IPM, biological pest management practices, and conservation of natural enemies.

Varietal preference and efficacy of various chemicals against red pumpkin beetle (Aulacophora foveicollis L.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in different cucumber (Cucumis sativus) cultivars

Experiments were conducted to determine the resistance level of different cultivars and study the efficacy of various synthetic insecticides against red pumpkin beetle (Aulocohphora foveicollis) at the New Developmental Malakandir Farm, the University of Agriculture Peshawar, during 2018. In the first experimental trial, data were collected on the mean population density of red pumpkin beetle on three cultivars (Desi, Super Green and Madam-560) of cucumber crop. While in the second experiment, three insecticides (Carbaryl, Cypermethrin, and Malathion) and an Untreated/Control were used to study the effect of these insecticides on Desi (susceptible) and Madam 560 (resistant) cultivars regarding red pumpkin beetle on cucumber cultivar. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used in this experiment. The data on the relevant parameters were recorded at weekly intervals for eleven (1st experiment) and four weeks (2nd experiment) i.e. till termination of the experiments. During first experiment, it was observed that significantly lowest population density of red pumpkin beetle (0.82) per plant and highest yield (8981.3 kg ha-1) was observed from Madam 560, while significantly highest mean population density of red pumpkin beetle (4.06) per plant and lowest yield (7313.7 kg ha-1) was obtained from Desi cultivar. Significantly maximum mean number of red pumpkin beetle plant-1 was recorded in the seventh week (29 May) from Desi, Super Green and Madam 560 cultivars with 6.41, 4.50 and 1.62 beetle plant-1, respectively. During the cropping season, mean population density of red pumpkin beetle plant-1 reached its peak in the seventh week (29 May). After 7th week, a gradual decline was occurred in the mean population density of red pumpkin beetle plant-1. In second experiment, lowest mean population density of red pumpkin beetle adults plant-1 (0.12), area of consumption (3.12 mm2), percentage weight loss (1.60%) and highest yield (21555 kg ha-1) was recorded from Madam 560 treated with Carbaryl, while highest mean population density of red pumpkin beetle adult plant-1 (7.09), area of consumption (36.11 mm2), percentage weight loss (17.27%) and lowest yield (7247 kg ha-1) was recorded from untreated Desi cultivar. It was followed by untreated Madam 560 cultivar where 5.40, 25.92 mm2, 13.20% and 8766 kg ha-1. Madam 560 is significantly better cultivar than Super Green and Desi, as this cultivar results in lowest population density of red pumpkin beetle and highest yield of cucumber fruit. Carbaryl is significantly better as compared to Malathion and Cypermethrin because it reduces the population of red pumpkin beetle.

EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT BIORATIONAL PEST MANAGEMENT APPROACHES FOR THE MANAGEMENT RED PUMPKIN BEETLE (Aulacophora foveicollis Lucas) AND FRUIT FLY (Bactocera cucurbitae) IN CUCUMBER CROP AND THEIR ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

Experiment on the evaluation of different biorational pest management approaches against major insect pest of cucumber was carried out under field condition at Hazara Agriculture Reseach Station (HARS) Abbottabad, Khyber Pukhtunkhawa- Pakistan. The experiment comprised of 11 treatments (modules) including control. M1 (Water pepper + Bakyan + Laser), M2 (Basil oil + Neem oil + laser), M3 (Bakyan extract + Basil oil + Laser), M4 (Bakyan extracts + Neem oil + Laser), M5 (Water pepper + Neem oil + Laser), M6 (Water pepper + Basil oil + Laser), M7 (Lambda cyhalonthrin + Neem oil + laser), M8 (Lambda cyhalonthrin + Basil oil + laser), M9 (Lambda cyhalonthrin + water pepper + Laser), M10 (Lambda cyhalonthrin + Bakyan + Laser) and M11 (Control) followed Randomize Complete Block Design with three replications. Results revealed that all the tested modules were found better than control in reducing red pumpkin beetle and fruitfly infestation with increased cucumber yield. However, among the tested modules, Lambda cyhalothrin based modules were found the most effective in reducing Red pumpkin beetle population in 1st (1.14-1.44 beetle plant-1) and 2nd spray application (0.72 -1.06 beetle plant-1) with lowest number of infested leaves and leaf perforation by red pumpkin beetle (3.76-4.06) and (2.86- 3.20) respectively. Results further revealed that Lambda cyhalothrine based modules were recorded with lowest fruit fly infestation (8.79 – 10.04 %), with lowest fruit fly ovipositor marks (0.76- 0.86) and highest cucumber yield (7955.6 – 8622 kg ha-1) and hence consequently led towards the improved quality of the cucumber. Furthermore, M5 (Water pepper + Basil oil + Laser) and M4 (Bakyan extracts + Neem oil + Laser) were found the most cost effective modules having the highest cost benefit ratio (1:26.75 and 1:25.21) respectively. It is concluded that red pumpkin beetle and fruit fly can better be managed by spraying Lamda cyhalothirn and 2nd spray of tested botanical and 3rd spray of Laser at 14 days interval is recommended for sustainable management of major insect pest of cucumber.

First record of predation behaviour of Perillus bioculatus (Fabricius, 1775) (Pentatomidae: Asopinae) predating on Aulacophora indica (Gmelin, 1790) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) a pest of bitter gourd in Agro-ecosystem of Bihar, India.

Perillus bioculatus (Fabricius) (Pentatomidae: Asopinae) was reported for the first time as predator to adult and immature pumpkin beetle, Aulacophora indica (Gmelin, 1790) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), feeding on bitter gourd. Detailed description of P. bioculatus was provided along with filed observation data and photographs, showing predation behavior. Distribution of P. bioculatus has also been given in India and elsewhere.

Management of red pumpkin beetle, Aulacophora foveicollis (Lucas) with traditional method of dusting with dung ash in cucurbits

Efficacy of dung ash was evaluated against red pumpkin beetle in cucumber, musk melon and bottle gourd crops during 2018 and 2019 at Entomological Research Farm, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. After germination, dung ash was dusted on plants 1, 2, 3 and 4 times at weekly interval. Significant decline in adult population in all the treatments was observed as compared to control. Lowest mean adult population was observed in plots which were dusted with ash three to four times at weekly interval and higher percentage reduction compared to control in these treatments was observed. In all the three crops, highest mortality of plants was observed in control during both the years. With three dung ash applications given at weekly interval, an additional yield of 84.33, 98.85 and 254.40 q/ha was obtained in cucumber, musk melon and bottle gourd, respectively. The net return over control with dung ash treatments was also found better in all the three crops. Based on this study, it is concluded that red pumpkin beetle can be managed effectively with dusting of dung ash on the plants 3-4 times at weekly interval. This management technique has the prospective to be utilised as an alternate to harmful chemical insecticides in IPM programmes.

Status of the major insect pests of squash plants at fruiting stage

Squash is a common cucurbitaceous vegetable in tropical and sub-tropical regions that is infested by a wide variety of insect pests. Therefore, the experiment was conducted to assess the status of insect pests in three different squash varieties viz., Pahu, Ahung, and SQ10 during the reproductive stage. It was observed that the total number of insect pests in the Pahu variety was significantly higher than Ahung, and SQ10. During the fruiting stage, 10 insects have been identified as harmful, while 6 were recorded as beneficial. The harmful insects were the blue pumpkin beetle, red pumpkin beetle, green long-legged fly, fruit flies, ants, blowfly, butterfly, grasshopper, house fly, and mosquito. The blue pumpkin beetle was significantly higher than all other insect species in all the varieties followed by the green long-lagged fly, the red pumpkin beetle, and fruit flies. Meanwhile, the number of butterflies and blowflies were the lowest of all the varieties. The ladybird beetle, hoverfly, tachinid fly, bumble bee, and honeybee were the most common beneficial insects found in squash fruits. However, a significant difference was observed among the beneficial insects, and the number of ladybird beetles was significantly higher than that of other insects, regardless of the variety. Therefore, the variety Pahu is considered the most susceptible to insect pests compared to Ahung and SQ10.

Bioefficacy of insecticides against red pumpkin beetle, Aulacophora foveicollis on cucumber

Bioefficacy of insecticides against red pumpkin beetle, Aulacophora foveicollis on cucumber

Eco-friendly management of insect pests infesting cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

The present research work was carried out at Agronomy Farm, College of Agriculture, Dapoli during Kharif, 2016 on seven flowering plants (cosmos, cowpea, marigold, mustard, niger, sesamum and zinnia) on the borders of cucumber plots for conservation of natural enemies. The flowering plants niger, sesamum, mustard, cowpea and marigold on cucumber bunds proved to be best for reducing the red pumpkin beetle incidence. Niger, mustard, marigold and cowpea proved best for reducing flea beetle incidence. Niger, marigold, cowpea, mustard and sesamum proved best for reducing serpentine leaf miner incidence. Niger, cosmos, cowpea, sesamum and zinnia were found best for reducing the fruit fly infestation. The results of the present study will be helpful in the eco-friendly management of pests of cucurbits.

Bioefficacy of newer insecticides and botanicals against red pumpkin beetle Raphidopalpa foveicollis (Lucas) on bottle gourd, Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Stand.

Studies on bio-efficacy of newer insecticides and botanicals against red pumpkin beetle, Raphidopalpa foveicollis (Lucas) on bottle gourd, variety PSPL (Pusa Summer Prolific Long) revealed that out of the nine insecticides/botanicals, beta-cyfluthrin (0.1%), acephate (0.05%) and indoxacarb (0.01%) proved most effective while, NSE, neem oil and azadirachtin were least effective against red pumpkin beetle on bottle gourd. The maximum fruit yield of bottle gourd was obtained from the plots treated with beta-cyfluthrin (261.0 q/ha) followed by acephate (249.0 q/ha) and indoxacarb (244.0 q/ha). The maximum profit was recorded from the plots treated with acephate which gave benefit cost ratio of 45.67: 1 while, minimum was from neem products viz., azadirachtin (0.57: 1), neem oil (0.96: 1) and NSE (2.84: 1).

Physico-chemical leaf attributes of sweet gourd influence the infestation of red pumpkin beetle

The study was conducted to explore the effects of leaf morphological and biochemical properties of twelve sweet gourd genotypes viz., BD 264, BD 265, BD 266, BD 268, BD 269, BD 274, BD 275, BD 277, BARI Mistikumra 1, BARI Mistikumra 2, Gazipur local line, and China line, on the abundance and infestation of red pumpkin beetle. The abundance of red pumpkin beetle with its different leaf infestation levels on the genotypes was observed and then correlated with leaf physico-chemical characteristics of each genotype. The genotypes of sweet gourd showed statistically significant variations in their morphological and biochemical characteristics of leaves. The genotypes having the higher leaf area, adaxial and abaxial leaf trichomes tended to be less infested by red pumpkin beetle. On the other hand, the abundance of the insect showed positive correlation with the number of leaf per plant. All the biochemical properties of sweet gourd leaf except reducing sugar had positive impact on the abundance of red pumpkin beetle.