Population Dynamics of Thrips Scirtothrips Dorsalis Hood and Mite Polyphagotarsonemus Latus Banks on Chilli

The population dynamics of thrips Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood and mite Polyphagotarsonemus latus Banks on chilli was evaluated in West Bengal during kharif season of 2012–13 and 2013–14. The results revealed that their incidence initiated from 34 and 42 meteorological standard week (SW) during 2012–13 and 2013–14, respectively and continued up to harvest. Thrips incidence reached its peak (3.34 and 3.84/ 3 leaves) in the 51^st SW and 10^th SW in 2012–13 and 2013–14, respectively. Mite incidence revealed two peaks (3.18 and 4.27/ 3 leaves) in the 49^th SW and 1^st SW during 2012–13 but with only one peak (3.74/ 3 leaves) in the 10^th SW during 2013–14. Correlation coefficients with weather factors revealed significant negative correlation with maximum and minimum temperature, maximum and minimum relative humidity, and total rainfall during 2012–13. No significant impact of weather factors was noticed during 2013–14 except for a significant positive correlation with maximum temperature on mite incidence.