Impact of weather parameters on population build up and natural parasitization of pod fly, Melanagromyza obtusa (Malloch) on Pigeon pea

The activity of Melanagromyza obtusa attained its peak during 46^th standard week (SW) while its population was found to be minimum during 52^nd SW. During the course of investigation, three hymenopteran parasitoids, Euderus agromyzae, Euderus lividus and Ormyrus orientalis were recorded on pod fly. Maximum natural parasitization (17.3%) of M. obtusa by these parasitoids was observed during 51^st SW. Correlation studies with different weather variables indicated that the population build-up of M. obtusa exhibited a significant positive correlation with maximum temperature (r = 0.746*) and minimum temperature (r = 0.812*) whereas a significant negative correlation (r =-0.743*) was established with evening relative humidity. The correlation between % parasitization of M. obtusa and different weather parameters was not found significant. Multiple regression analysis indicated that various abiotic factors contributed 85.9 and 92.6% variation in M. obtusa population and its % parasitization, respectively.