1Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, J.N. Agricultural University, Campus Gwalior-474 002, Madhya Pradesh (India).
2School of Studies in Zoology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior-474 001, Madhya Pradesh (India).
The pest complex of brinjal monitored during summer and kharif 1993 seasons at Gwalior, (Madhya Pradesh) included 6 hemipterous, 3 lepidopterous, 2 coleopterous and 1 acarina pests. The jassid, Amrasca biguttula biguttula Ishida remained active throughout in both the crop seasons. Mean temperature 27.3°C and 28.2°C (average of minimum and maximum temperatures), relative humidity 43.5 and 72.5 per cent and a fairly good sunshine 7.1 and 9.6 hours (averaged over the season) during summer and kharif seasons appeared to be most congenial for population build-up. Aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover activity on brinjal was noted on both the summer and kharif seasons. Moderate temperature and high humidity seemed to be conducive for aphid multiplication. The shoot and fruit infestation due to Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee in summer ranged from 7.56 to 23.55 and 17.24 to 30.87 per cent; and in kharif season it ranged from 10.06 to 25.24 and 23.34 to 46.75 per cent, respectively. The mean maximum temperature 32S°C and 75 per cent relative humidity during kharif were found favourable for borer infestation. Plant infestation due to the stem borer, Euzophera perticella Rag., during summer and kharif ranged from 0.72 to 8.10 and 1.94 to 9.45 per cent, respectively. The activity of leaf defoliator, Selepo docilis Butler, was noted in both the seasons, whereas the leaf folder, Antoba olivacea Wlk., was active only on kharif crop. Mite, Tetranychus telarius Linn., appeared at the later part of the crop and continued its activity till harvest on both the summer and kharif crops. Epilachna beetle and lace wing, Urwius echinus Distant, bug were found feeding on the leaves and cow bug, Tricentrus bicolor Dist., and mealybug, Centrococcus insolitus (Gr.), on the tender shoots and stem. The flower beetle, Mylalris pustulata (Thunb.), activity was noted for a short period on the flowers. Grasshopper, grey weevil, tobacco caterpillar and flea beetle appeared on the crop in insignificant numbers.
