Severity of infestation by collar feeding insect pest (Agrotis ipsilon) on potato in northern districts of Kashmir

Severity of infestation by collar feeding insect pest (Agrotis ipsilon) on was recorded at different locations ranging from plains to higher belts of districts Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora during the cropping season 2011 and 2012. Cutworm was noted as the collar feeding insect pest that cut the stem of potato crop near the base. Severity percentage of cutworm was recorded highest in May at Pattan, Kunzer (Baramulla), Yonus (Kupwara) and Sumbal (Bandipora) and highest in June at Yarikhah (Baramulla), Handwara, Budnambal (Kupwara) and Ajas (Bandipora). However, at Gurez (Bandipora), the pest severity was noted high in July during 2011 and 2012. During the year 2011, the mean severity of cutworm was recorded highest 5.00 at Sumbal (Bandipora), whereas 3.00 per cent as lowest at Yarikhah (Baramulla) and Budnambal (Kupwara). However, during 2012 the highest severity percentage of 6.25 was recorded at Pattan (Baramulla) and Sumbal (Bandipora), while lowest percentage of severity 4.00 was recorded at Budnambal (Kupwara). Pooled mean severity of cutworm was recorded highest (5.26%) at Sumbal (Bandipora) followed by Pattan (Baramulla) 5.00 per cent, while lowest percentage of severity 3.50 was recorded at Budnambal (Kupwara).