Seasonal incidence and influence of weather factors on population dynamics of blossom midge, Contarinia maculipennis felt in Jasmine (Jasminum sambac L.)

A study was conducted to assess the population dynamics of blossom midge in infesting jasmine in two different climate zones Madurai and Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu. The occurrence of blossom midge, Contarinia maculipennis was less severe during December till March, where the midge incidence varied from 10.30to 34.27 per cent in Madurai District, while the incidence was minimum from December till April in Coimbatore district with the midge incidence from 9.96 to 31.58 per cent. The midge incidence showed a steady increase during summer months in both the districts. The blossom midge incidence in jasmine had a significant positive correlation with maximum temperature; sunshine hours and wind velocity, while significant negative correlation with minimum temperature.