Influence of abiotic factors and crop stages on population dynamics of hoppers, Idioscopus spp. in Mango ecosystem

A field trial was conducted on population dynamics of hoppers in mango ecosystem. Amritodus atkinsoni, Idioscopus clypealis and I. nitidulus were major species of hoppers in south Gujarat mango ecosystem and damage every crop stages i.e. new flush to flowering stage. The maximum hopper population was recorded in 8^th standard meteorological week (SMW) followed 10^th, 9^th and 11^th SMW, respectively. Mostly mango hoppers population was associated with new flush and inflorescence/panicle stage of the plants and attained peak activity during full bloom stage of the crop and thereafter, population declined gradually. The hopper population showed significant negative correlation with temperature (minimum & average), relative humidity (evening & average), wind velocity and rainfall. The multiple linear regression equation was also formulated which explained 54% variations in hopper due to abiotic factors.