1Agromet Cell, Agricultural Research Institute, Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad - 500030, Andhra Pradesh, India.
2Rice section, Agricultural Research Institute, Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad - 500030, Andhra Pradesh, India.
*E mail: vijayalkorlipara@yahoo.com.
Field experiments were conducted to study the influence of weather parameters on the incidence of pests and diseases in groundnut for 3 years i.e. 2004-‘05, 2006-‘07 and 2008-‘09 during Rabi season at Agromet–cell, Agricultural Research Institute, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. The data were pooled and analyzed statistically with weather parameters using correlation and regression techniques. Correlation studies showed significant positive relationship of thrips damage with morning and evening relative humidity, while Spodoptera litura damage was positively influenced by evaporation and age of the crop. Leaf spot and rust incidence were mainly influenced by maximum temperature, evaporation and age of the crop. The regression equations were developed for groundnut pests and diseases using linear and non-linear models. The coefficient of determination (R2) was improved by 6 to 20% when non-linear regression equations were fitted.
Groundnut, Spodoptera litura, forewarning models, thrips, leaf spot, rust, weather factors, correlation, regression
