Regional Research Station, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Keonjhar, 758002 (Orissa)
The population dynamics phenomena of the gram caterpillar, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubbner) on chickpea were investigated during winter 1989–90 through 1991–92 under the North central plateau agro-climatic zone of Orissa. The average data across years indicated peak oviposition during 52nd standard week coinciding with the late vegetative to flower initiating stage of the crop. Peak egg density was observed within the thermal ranges of 24.6°C (mean max.) to 11.5°C (mean min.) and at a RH of 72.2%.
The larval activity peaked between 50th to 2nd standard week (i.e., 2nd week December to 2nd week January). A significant negative correlation existed between the temperature (mean min. and max.) and the larval incidence.
The trap catches, averaged over years, peaked after the maturity of the crop, i.e., during April - May, indicated the pheromone trap to be not very useful in forecasting the incidence of H. armigera on chickpea.
