Population Dynamics of Insect Pests of Castor

Field experiments were carried out to assess the diversity population dynamics of insect pests of castor during kharif 2018–2019 at Bhavikere, Karnataka. The results revealed eleven insect species feeding on different parts. The relationship between pests and weather parameters revealed that the incidence of Acathodelta janata and Spodoptera litura showed significant negative correlation with wind speed, and a significant positive one with maximum temperature. Conogethes punctiferalis, Empoasca flavescens and Nezara virudula had negative and significant relationship with minimum temperature, morning and evening relative humidity (RH) and rainfall; it exhibited a positive and significant correlation with maximum temperature. Liriomyza trifolii had a significant and negative relationship with maximum temperature, in contrast to a significant and positive one with morning and evening RH, rainfall and wind speed. None of the weather parameters had significantly influenced the incidence of Trialeurodes ricini, Ariadne merione, Dasychira mendosa and Helicoverpa armigera