Seasonal incidence of shoot and fruit borer (Earias vitella) of okra (Abelmoschus esculantus) in the Gangetic plains of Uttar Pradesh

A field experiment was conducted at Varanasi during kharif season of 2012–13 to study the incidence of okra shoot and fruit borer [Earias vitella (Fab.)] and their relation with the prevailing weather conditions on okra [Abelmoschus esculantus (L.) Monech]. Borer incidence commenced in the 37^th standard week with intensity of 0.33 larvae per 5 plants. It reached its peak population (5.17 larvae per 5 plants) in 40^th standard week. E. vitella population had significantly negative correlation with maximum relative humidity (r=-0.66) and minimum relative humidity (r=-0.82) and mean relative humidity (r=-0.83). The correlation of pest population was positive with sunshine hours (r=0.60), whereas it was non-significant with temperature and rainfall.