Effect of biotic stress on sunflower hybrids, DRSH-1 and KBSH-44 in Vidarbha region

The incidence of sucking pests, defoliators, head borer and natural enemies were recorded in unprotected condition on two hybrids viz., DRSH-1 and KBSH-44. Peak population of leaf hopper (nymph/6 leaves), white flies (adult/6 leaves), semilooper (larvae/plant), tobacco leaf eating caterpillar (larvae/plant) and head borer (larvae/plant) was 10.98, 15.72, 14.82, 0.60, 0.90, 1.00. In 38^th, 36^th, 36^th, 39^th, 40^th MW and 40^th MW and 7.92, 16.32, 14.40, 0.40, 0.80, 1.3 in 38^th, 37^th, 36^th, 37^th, 40^th and 40^th MW on DRSH-1 and KBSH-44, respectively. Leaf hopper and white flies were predominant through cropping season. Semilooper and tobacco leaf eating caterpillar are reported to damage the crop as defoliator. Head borer was active at reproductive stage of crop growth. Among natural enemies Coccinellid, Chrysopa and Spider were observed.