Impact of abiotic factors on pheromone trap catches of Spodoptera litura Fab. on groundnut

Field experiment was carried out at farmer’s field to study influence of weather parameters on pheromone trap catches of S. litura on groundnut. The present study revealed that the peak catches of S. litura were observed from 6th to 10th MSW and 39th MSW to 42nd MSW where the population was in the range of 5.46 to 12.2 male moths/tarp/week and 8.5 to 13.20 male moths/trap/week during kharif and rabi respectively, during the year under study. Results of the correlation studies revealed that maximum temperature, relative humidity and wind speed were exerted negative influence on trap catches while, the minimum temperature and rainfall showed positive correlation with trap catches of S. litura. This could help in devising effective strategies against S. litura and prevent the infestation on groundnut or related economically important agriculture.