Population Dynamics of Major Insect Pests and Their Predatory Fauna in Mulberry

Mulberry is invaded by a variety of polyphagous pests, causing serious economic loss and severely hampering the sericulture industry. The present study evaluates the population dynamics of the prevailing major insect pests of mulberry and their natural enemies. The results revealed that the pest incidence reached its peak during 35^th standard week (SW) in case of whitefly (Dialeuropora decempuncta Quaintaince and Baker; Aleuroclava pentatuberculata Sundararaj and David) (32.67/ leaf), 23^rd SW for thrips (Pseudodendrothrips mori Niwa) (36.67/ leaf) and 28^th SW for mealy bug (Maconellicoccus hirsutus Green) (40.50% tukra infestation). The predatory fauna was found throughout the season with varying numbers. The correlation coefficients showed a significant positive correlation between maximum temperature with thrips and spiders; minimum temperature with whitefly, mealybug and coccinellids; relative humidity with whitefly, mealybug and coccinellid; bright sunshine hour with thrips and spider; wind speed with thrips and mealybugs; while a significant negative correlation was obtained between temperature gradient and whitefly, mealybug and coccinellids; and rainfall with spiders and bright sunshine hours with whitefly.