Seasonal abundance of mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi Kalt.) on cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) and its management

A field experiment was carried out at C.S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India during rabi 2006–07 to study seasonal abundance of mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi Kalt.) on cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) and its eco-friendly management through insecticides and bio-pesticides. Aphids appeared on cabbage during 1^st week of January, reached its peak (315 aphids plant⁻¹ with 100% infestation) during 2^nd week of February and continued till end of March. Its abundance and infestation had significant positive association with environmental factors (R = 0.95 and 0.91). Increase in relative humidity increased aphid population and infestation. Aphids were most effectively controlled with methylchlorpyriphos @ 0.04% spray during 2^nd week of February.