Division of Entomology, Indian Agricutlural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012 (India).
Uttarkashi is one of the northern border districts of Uttar Pradesh in Bhagirathi valley situated in central Hiamalaya (India). Okra variety Parbhani Kranti, known to be resistant to Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus, was grown in several places in Uttarkashi and found heavily infested by the flea beetle, Podagrica bowringi Baly, in July 1996. Silyara village situated at 5500 ft above mean sea level was the worst affected, the infestation being cent per cent on plants one meter in height. Almost all the leaves were badly perforated like a sieve, reducing the crop yield to a great extent. The number of beetles ranged between 15 and 40 per plant. It has, hitherto, been recorded as a minor pest in India. The survey in Uttarkashi hills revealed that this flea beetle has now assumed the status of a serious pest warranting control measures.
