Influence of Weather Factors on the Pheromone Trap Catches of Cotton Bollworm Moths

The influence of weather parameters on pheromone trap catches of cotton bollworm moths was studied at Main Research Station (MRS) and Agricultural Research Station (ARS), UAS, Dharwad, Kamataka during 1989–90 and 1990–91. Maximum temperature had negative relationship on trap catches of Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) moths. Significant negative (r = 0.506) correlation was found between these two variables at MRS Dharwad during 1990–91. Maximum temperature had no definite influence on trap catches of Heticoverpa armigera (Hubner) and Earias spp. Significant negative (r = 0355) correlation was noticed between trap catches of H. armigera and minimum temperature at MRS Dharwad during 1990–91. This weather parameter did not influenece the trap catches of other two species. No definite relationship existed between trap catches of Earias spp. and both the levels of temperature. P. gossypiella trap catches were positively influenced by morning and evening R.H. Negative relationship was observed between trap catches of H. armigera and morning RH. Highly positive and significant (r= +0.726) correlation was evident between weekly total rainfall and trap catches off. gossypiella moths at MRS Dharwad during 1990–91. Wind velocity exhibited negative influence on trap catches of all the three species of boltworms.